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Below Average

#2679 of 2,842 schools in PA

Solomon/plains MS

Middle School · Wilkes-Barre Area SD

43 Abbott St, Plains, PA 18705

Enrollment

741

Student-Teacher

18.1:1

Score

4.0

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Plains

#3 of 4

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#484 of 514

In district

#8 of 9

Wilkes-Barre Area SD

About Solomon/plains MS

Solomon/Plains MS is a public middle school serving grades 6 through 8 in Plains, Pennsylvania, located in Luzerne County's large suburban area. The school enrolls 741 students with a student-teacher ratio of 18.1:1 and a staff of 41 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Solomon/Plains MS is working to strengthen its performance across core subjects.

In English language arts and reading, 35% of students score at or above the proficient level on average. Mathematics shows room for significant academic growth, with 11% of students meeting proficiency benchmarks. These results reflect an opportunity for the school to focus enhanced support on student learning and skill development in both areas.

The school's current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 places it in the lower percentile of Pennsylvania schools, ranking 2,589th out of 2,852 schools statewide. This indicates the school faces real challenges in student achievement and is an important consideration for families evaluating their options. Solomon/Plains MS serves students in a well-established suburban community, providing a neighborhood school setting for middle grades learners in the area.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.6Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.59 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.6%
Math vs. State Avg-26.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-18.9 pts
Overall Proficiency23%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected-10.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
Resources & Environment1.9Significantly Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,413

Solomon/plains MS — Students at Solomon/plains MS score 23% proficient, which is below 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 10.9%
School
State
35.5%
ELA Proficiency 35.3%
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
18%
ELA
46%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
27%
2024
Math
11.3%
ELA
34.6%

* 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: 5.6/10.

How Solomon/plains MS Compares

See how Solomon/plains MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.0/10
6th percentile in PA
Academic
3.8/10
3.8/10
Growth
5.6/10
Above average
Environment
1.9/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers

Location

43 Abbott St, Plains, PA 18705

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Solomon/plains MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. JENNY LYNN ELEMENTARY (rated 6.0/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Kingston), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wyoming Valley West MS (rated 3.6/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Kingston), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Plains, see our Plains schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Solomon/Plains El Sch Plains 0.0 mi 4.7
Wilkes-Barre Area SD STEM Academy Plains 0.6 mi 8.0
Wilkes-Barre Area HS Plains 0.6 mi 3.7
AL NOOR ISLAMIC ACADEMY Wilkes-Barre 1.1 mi 8.0
Daniel J Flood El Sch Wilkes-Barre 1.5 mi 6.8
NEW STORY SCHOOL Wyoming 2.0 mi 7.0
Dana El Ctr Forty Fort 1.6 mi 3.6
Dodson El Sch Wilkes-Barre 1.9 mi 5.4
JENNY LYNN FERRARO ACADEMY Kingston 1.7 mi
WILKES-BARRE ACADEMY Wilkes-Barre 2.2 mi 6.2
Wyoming Area Primary Ctr Wyoming 2.5 mi 6.2
GRAHAM ACADEMY Kingston 2.1 mi 7.5
GENESIS SCHOOL Kingston 2.0 mi
Third Avenue El Sch Kingston 2.2 mi 5.5
Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center Wilkes-Barre 2.2 mi 6.8
GRAHAM ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL Luzerne 2.2 mi 7.1
Heights/Murray El Sch Wilkes-Barre 2.6 mi 6.5
Chester Street El Sch Kingston 2.2 mi 3.0
Wyoming Valley West MS Kingston 2.3 mi 3.6
JENNY LYNN ELEMENTARY Kingston 2.3 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,293

Median Home Value

$122,800

Median Rent

$1,006/mo

Population

15,595

College Educated

23.3%

Homeownership

63.9%

Avg Commute

21.4 min

Poverty Rate

18.8%

Median Age

38.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Solomon/plains MS has a median household income of $61,293. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $122,800, with a median rent of $1,006/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.8%. The average commute for residents is 21 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
Greater Johnstown MS Johnstown, PA 4.0
Highland MS Beaver Falls, PA 4.0
Northeast MS Bethlehem, PA 4.0
Trexler MS Allentown, PA 4.0
Mifflin Co MS Lewistown, PA 4.1
Pine Grove Area MS Pine Grove, PA 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Solomon/plains MS

What grades does Solomon/plains MS serve?

Solomon/plains MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Solomon/plains MS?

Solomon/plains MS has an enrollment of approximately 741 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Solomon/plains MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Solomon/plains MS is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Solomon/plains MS rank in PA?

Solomon/plains MS is ranked #2679 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Solomon/plains MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Solomon/plains MS has a composite rating of 4.0 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 Solomon/plains MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Solomon/plains MS has 10.9% math proficiency and 35.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Solomon/plains MS a charter school?

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

Is Solomon/plains MS a Title I school?

No, Solomon/plains MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Solomon/plains MS?

100.0% of students at Solomon/plains 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 →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
741
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
41
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Luzerne County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wilkes-Barre Area SD
District Enrollment
8,134
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,995
District Rank
#8 of 9

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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