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Below Average

#2397 of 2,846 schools in PA

Penn Cambria MS

Middle School · Penn Cambria SD

401 Division St, Gallitzin, PA 16641

Enrollment

474

Student-Teacher

14.4:1

Score

4.3

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,397 of 2,846

In district

#5 of 5

Penn Cambria SD

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Penn Cambria MS

4.3/10

Middle School in Gallitzin · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Penn Cambria Pre-primary

5.4/10

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

Penn Cambria HS

8.6/10

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

About Penn Cambria MS

Penn Cambria MS is a public middle school in Gallitzin, PA, part of Penn Cambria SD. Penn Cambria MS serves approximately 474 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Penn Cambria MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,397 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Penn Cambria MS show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • PA avg 5.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.4Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.12 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.3Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.2% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.5% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-9.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.1 pts
Overall Proficiency45% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)54% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-8.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile35th
Resources & Environment4.2Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,980
Chronic Absenteeism21.5%

Penn Cambria MS — Students at Penn Cambria MS score 45% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

50.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 44.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 66.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.2% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 38 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
81%
ELA
76%
2010
Math
84%
ELA
81%
2011
Math
87%
ELA
83%
2012
Math
81%
ELA
74%
2013
Math
80%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
29%
ELA
69%
2015
Math
36%
ELA
70%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
70%
2017
Math
36%
ELA
73%
2018
Math
40%
ELA
68%
2019
Math
40%
ELA
68%
2020*
Math
18%
ELA
59%
2021*
Math
18%
ELA
59%
2022
Math
20.5%
ELA
60.8%
2024
Math
33%
ELA
56.5%

* 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: 3.4/10.

How Penn Cambria MS Compares

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

Overall Score
4.3/10
16th percentile in PA
Academic
5.3/10
Average
Growth
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.2/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
50%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
33 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.5%

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

401 Division St, Gallitzin, PA 16641

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Penn Cambria MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Penn Cambria HS (rated 8.6/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Cresson), which scores notably higher. Another option is Portage Area El Sch (rated 8.4/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Portage), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Portage Area JSHS (rated 7.2/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Portage), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Gallitzin, see our Gallitzin schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Penn Cambria Pre-Primary Cresson 1.7 mi 5.4
Penn Cambria HS Cresson 1.8 mi 8.6
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Cresson 2.0 mi 6.2
ST MICHAEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Loretto 4.3 mi 6.6
Penn Cambria Primary Sch Lilly 5.1 mi 6.2
Penn Cambria Intrmd Sch Lilly 5.6 mi 5.3
Mowrie A Ebner El Sch Altoona 6.2 mi 4.6
Foot of Ten El Sch Duncansville 7.1 mi 6.8
HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS Altoona 7.0 mi 6.7
Portage Area El Sch Portage 8.7 mi 8.4
Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation CS Altoona 7.6 mi 4.7
Baker El Sch Altoona 7.7 mi 7.1
Portage Area JSHS Portage 8.9 mi 7.2
Juniata Gap El Sch Altoona 8.3 mi 5.6
ST PATRICK SCHOOL Newry 8.8 mi 5.9
PENN-MONT ACADEMY Hollidaysburg 8.4 mi 6.1
Pleasant Valley El Sch Altoona 8.1 mi 3.6
HARBOR HOUSE CENTER EARLY ACADEMICS Altoona 8.1 mi
TENDER LOVE FOR CHILDREN CHILD CARE Altoona 8.3 mi
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL-ALTOONA ELMNTRY CMPS Altoona 8.4 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16641 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,558

Median Home Value

$105,300

Median Rent

$685/mo

Population

2,444

College Educated

19.4%

Homeownership

85.3%

Avg Commute

25.7 min

Poverty Rate

8.1%

Median Age

43

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Dallas MS Dallas, PA 4.3
Harding Warren G MS Philadelphia, PA 4.3
Swift MS Quarryville, PA 4.3
Upper Dauphin Area MS Lykens, PA 4.3
Valley View MS Archbald, PA 4.3
West York Area MS York, PA 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Penn Cambria MS

What grades does Penn Cambria MS serve?

Penn Cambria MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Penn Cambria MS?

Penn Cambria MS has an enrollment of approximately 474 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Penn Cambria MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Penn Cambria MS is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Penn Cambria MS rank in PA?

Penn Cambria MS ranks #2,397 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Penn Cambria MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Penn Cambria MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Penn Cambria MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Penn Cambria MS has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Penn Cambria MS a charter school?

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

Is Penn Cambria MS a Title I school?

No, Penn Cambria MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

50.2% of students at Penn Cambria 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
31 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
17 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
474
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
33
Free/Reduced Lunch
50.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Cambria County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.5%

District

Penn Cambria SD
District Enrollment
1,521
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,980
District Rank
#5 of 5

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