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Below Average

#2240 of 2,846 schools in PA

Northwestern MS

Middle School · Northwestern SD

150 Harthan Way, Albion, PA 16401

Enrollment

278

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

4.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,240 of 2,846

In Albion

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Northwestern SD

School environment

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Northwestern MS

4.7/10

Middle School in Albion · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Northwestern Shs

5.7/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Northwestern EL Sch

7.9/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Northwestern MS

Northwestern MS is a public middle school in Albion, PA, part of Northwestern SD. Northwestern MS serves approximately 278 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Northwestern MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,240 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Northwestern MS show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Northwestern MS sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.7Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.1% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-13.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.9 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+1.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
Resources & Environment7.1Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,905
Chronic Absenteeism24.1%

Northwestern MS — Students at Northwestern MS score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 47.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 61.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.4% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
76%
ELA
75%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
87%
ELA
80%
2012
Math
85%
ELA
73%
2013
Math
79%
ELA
71%
2014
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
45%
ELA
68%
2016
Math
53%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
50%
ELA
70%
2018
Math
48%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
48%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
19%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
19%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
25.3%
ELA
50.2%
2024
Math
24.2%
ELA
44.4%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.7/10.

How Northwestern MS Compares

See how Northwestern MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
21th percentile in PA
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.1/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
24.1%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

150 Harthan Way, Albion, PA 16401

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northwestern MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Conneaut Valley MS (rated 8.6/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Conneautville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Rice Avenue MS (rated 7.0/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Girard), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Fairview MS (rated 7.0/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Fairview), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Albion, see our Albion schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Northwestern SHS Albion 0.1 mi 5.7
Northwestern El Sch Albion 0.2 mi 7.9
Springfield El Sch East Springfield 5.8 mi 7.7
WESTVIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (AMISH) Conneautville 7.0 mi
Conneaut Valley El Sch Conneautville 7.4 mi 8.6
Conneaut Valley MS Conneautville 7.8 mi 8.6
PALMER SCHOOL Springboro 7.4 mi
Girard HS Girard 8.4 mi 7.6
Elk Valley El Sch Lake City 8.4 mi 7.9
Rice Avenue MS Girard 8.4 mi 7.0
RUNDELL CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Conneautville 9.6 mi
Fairview HS Fairview 10.8 mi 7.9
Fairview MS Fairview 10.9 mi 7.0
Fairview El Sch Fairview 10.9 mi 7.3
FISH CREEK SCHOOL Linesville 13.5 mi
Edinboro El Sch Edinboro 10.6 mi 7.9
Conneaut Middle School Conneaut 10.8 mi 5.4
Gateway Elementary School Conneaut 10.8 mi 6.6
TOWNLINE SCHOOL Pierpont 11.7 mi
Conneaut High School Conneaut 11.4 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$67,976

Median Home Value

$152,100

Median Rent

$636/mo

Population

3,842

College Educated

17%

Homeownership

80.8%

Avg Commute

26.1 min

Poverty Rate

11.9%

Median Age

48

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Fairfield Area MS Fairfield, PA 4.8
Pennridge South MS Perkasie, PA 4.8
Pittsburgh Classical 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA 4.8
Tuscarora MS Mifflintown, PA 4.6
Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg, PA 4.9
Charleroi Area MS Charleroi, PA 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northwestern MS

What grades does Northwestern MS serve?

Northwestern MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Northwestern MS?

Northwestern MS has an enrollment of approximately 278 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwestern MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Northwestern MS is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northwestern MS rank in PA?

Northwestern MS ranks #2,240 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Northwestern MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Northwestern MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Northwestern MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Northwestern MS has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Northwestern MS a charter school?

No, Northwestern MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Northwestern MS a Title I school?

No, Northwestern MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwestern MS?

100.0% of students at Northwestern MS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
28 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
278
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Erie County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
24.1%

District

Northwestern SD
District Enrollment
1,208
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,905
District Rank
#4 of 4

How we rate schools

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