Needs Improvement
#2714 of 2,846 schools in PA
South Mountain MS
Middle School · Allentown City SD
709 W Emaus Ave, Allentown, PA 18103
Enrollment
966
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
3.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
966
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
3.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,714 of 2,846
In Allentown
#30 of 34
public schools
In district
#17 of 21
Allentown City SD
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South Mountain MS
Middle School in Allentown · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hiram W Dodd EL Sch
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Roosevelt EL Sch
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About South Mountain MS
South Mountain MS is a public middle school in Allentown, PA, part of Allentown City SD. South Mountain MS serves approximately 966 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio. South Mountain MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,714 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for South Mountain MS show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.3
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
37% of students at South Mountain MS were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
South Mountain MS — Students at South Mountain MS score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 3.3/10.
How South Mountain MS Compares
See how South Mountain MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
709 W Emaus Ave, Allentown, PA 18103
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Mountain MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Harrison-Morton MS (rated 3.6/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Francis D Raub MS (rated 3.2/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Allentown, see our Allentown schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hiram W Dodd El Sch Allentown | 0.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Roosevelt El Sch Allentown | 1.0 mi | 3.1 |
| MERCY SPECIAL LEARNING CENTER Allentown | 1.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Jefferson El Sch Allentown | 1.1 mi | 4.6 |
| Salisbury SHS Allentown | 1.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Lehigh Parkway El Sch Allentown | 1.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Building 21 Allentown Allentown | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| Roberto Clemente CS Allentown | 1.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Arts Academy Elementary CS Allentown | 1.7 mi | 6.8 |
| GRACE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Allentown | 2.0 mi | — |
| Harrison-Morton MS Allentown | 2.2 mi | 3.6 |
| Central El Sch Allentown | 2.2 mi | 4.5 |
| Salisbury El Sch Allentown | 1.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Mosser El Sch Allentown | 2.4 mi | 4.1 |
| Francis D Raub MS Allentown | 2.1 mi | 3.2 |
| Sheridan El Sch Allentown | 2.6 mi | 2.4 |
| Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays El Sch Allentown | 2.4 mi | 6.1 |
| Union Terrace El Sch Allentown | 2.2 mi | 3.9 |
| William Allen HS Allentown | 2.3 mi | 4.1 |
| ST JOHN VIANNEY REGIONAL SCHOOL Allentown | 2.5 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 18103 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,545
Median Home Value
$242,400
Median Rent
$1,333/mo
Population
47,336
College Educated
27.5%
Homeownership
62%
Avg Commute
25.2 min
Poverty Rate
11.2%
Median Age
39.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Francis D Raub MS Allentown, PA | 3.2 |
| G A R MS Wilkes-Barre, PA | 3.2 |
| Trexler MS Allentown, PA | 3.2 |
| Castor Gardens MS Philadelphia, PA | 3.3 |
| Linton MS Pittsburgh, PA | 3.3 |
| Northeastern MS Mount Wolf, PA | 3.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Mountain MS
What grades does South Mountain MS serve?
South Mountain MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend South Mountain MS?
South Mountain MS has an enrollment of approximately 966 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Mountain MS?
The student-teacher ratio at South Mountain MS is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Mountain MS rank in PA?
South Mountain MS ranks #2,714 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is South Mountain MS's MySchoolScout rating?
South Mountain MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 South Mountain MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, South Mountain MS has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is South Mountain MS a charter school?
No, South Mountain MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Mountain MS a Title I school?
No, South Mountain MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Mountain MS?
100.0% of students at South Mountain 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 966
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 64
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Lehigh County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 36.6%
- Phone
- (484) 765-4301
Resources & Links
District
Allentown City SD- District Enrollment
- 16,510
- Schools in District
- 21
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,007
- District Rank
- #17 of 21
Other Schools in This District
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