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#2257 of 2,842 schools in PA

Shippensburg Area MS

Middle School · Shippensburg Area SD

317 North Morris Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Enrollment

846

Student-Teacher

14.1:1

Score

5.1

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Shippensburg

#6 of 6

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#411 of 514

In district

#6 of 6

Shippensburg Area SD

About Shippensburg Area MS

Shippensburg Area Middle School serves students in grades 6 through 8 in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, a town on the fringe of an urban area in Franklin County. With an enrollment of 846 students and 60 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.1:1, offering a moderately sized learning environment. Academically, the school is working to strengthen student performance across core subjects.

In English language arts and reading, 55% of students tested at or above proficiency levels, while mathematics shows an area with room for growth, with 33% of students demonstrating proficiency. The school's overall academic score reflects these mixed results, with the school ranking in the 31st percentile statewide among Pennsylvania schools. Shippensburg Area MS represents a middle-sized public school focused on serving its community's young adolescents.

Like many schools navigating the challenges of middle grades education, the school appears to be concentrating on helping students develop foundational skills in both literacy and mathematics. Parents considering this school should view current performance as a baseline for understanding where additional support might benefit their students.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.3Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.78 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.8%
Math vs. State Avg-3.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.3 pts
Overall Proficiency44%
Expected (poverty-adj.)50%
vs. Expected-6.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
Resources & Environment4.0Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,322

Shippensburg Area MS — Students at Shippensburg Area MS score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

58.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 32.7%
School
State
35.5%
ELA Proficiency 55.5%
School
State
53.4%

Based on 12 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
44%
ELA
65%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
49%
2024
Math
33.8%
ELA
54.7%

* 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: 5.3/10.

How Shippensburg Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
5.1/10
21th percentile in PA
Academic
5.7/10
5.7/10
Growth
5.3/10
Above average
Environment
4.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
59%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
60 teachers

Location

317 North Morris Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Shippensburg Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. James Burd El Sch (rated 8.0/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is GLOBAL VISION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 5.9 miles away, in nearby Scotland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Shippensburg Area Intrm Sch (rated 6.2/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Shippensburg, see our Shippensburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Shippensburg Area SHS Shippensburg 0.2 mi 5.2
Nancy Grayson El Sch Shippensburg 0.8 mi 5.2
Grace B Luhrs Univ Elem Shippensburg 1.7 mi 5.4
MT ROCK PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Shippensburg 2.0 mi
James Burd El Sch Shippensburg 2.1 mi 8.0
Shippensburg Area Intrm Sch Shippensburg 2.3 mi 6.2
ANCHOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Shippensburg 2.4 mi 5.5
MIDDLE RUN PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Shippensburg 2.5 mi 3.3
OAK GROVE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Shippensburg 3.4 mi 3.5
STONEY CREEK SCHOOL Orrstown 4.4 mi
MOWERSVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Newburg 5.4 mi 5.9
Scotland El Sch Chambersburg 5.5 mi 4.5
Grandview El Sch Chambersburg 4.9 mi 5.2
SUNSET PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Newburg 5.8 mi
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Scotland 5.6 mi
GLOBAL VISION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Scotland 5.9 mi 7.6
CULBERTSON MENNONITE SCHOOL Chambersburg 5.2 mi 4.7
CULBERTSON CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Chambersburg 5.2 mi 4.8
CEDAR KNOLL PAROCHIAL Shippensburg 5.8 mi
Lurgan El Sch Lurgan 6.6 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17257 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,504

Median Home Value

$219,200

Median Rent

$1,058/mo

Population

29,116

College Educated

22.9%

Homeownership

67.9%

Avg Commute

23.1 min

Poverty Rate

10.2%

Median Age

34

Community Profile

The community surrounding Shippensburg Area MS has a median household income of $71,504. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $219,200, with a median rent of $1,058/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.2%. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Gerald G Huesken MS Lancaster, PA 5.1
Governor Mifflin MS Shillington, PA 5.1
Mechanicsburg MS Mechanicsburg, PA 5.1
Boyertown Area MS-East Gilbertsville, PA 5.0
C E McCall MS Montoursville, PA 5.0
Hazleton El/MS Hazleton, PA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Shippensburg Area MS

What grades does Shippensburg Area MS serve?

Shippensburg Area MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Shippensburg Area MS?

Shippensburg Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 846 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Shippensburg Area MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Shippensburg Area MS is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Shippensburg Area MS rank in PA?

Shippensburg Area MS is ranked #2257 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Shippensburg Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Shippensburg Area MS has a composite rating of 5.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Shippensburg Area MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Shippensburg Area MS has 32.7% math proficiency and 55.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Shippensburg Area MS a charter school?

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

Is Shippensburg Area MS a Title I school?

No, Shippensburg Area MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

58.9% of students at Shippensburg Area 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

City Safety
Elevated (1,172/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Shippensburg). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
846
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
60
Free/Reduced Lunch
58.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Franklin County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Shippensburg Area SD
District Enrollment
3,671
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,925
District Rank
#6 of 6

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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