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Average

#1685 of 2,846 schools in PA

South Side MS

Middle School · South Side Area SD

4949 State Route 151, Hookstown, PA 15050

Enrollment

189

Student-Teacher

10.5:1

Score

5.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,685 of 2,846

In Hookstown

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

South Side Area SD

School environment

8.9 / 10

Excellent

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South Side MS

5.9/10

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

South Side HS

6.9/10

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

South Side EL Sch

5.6/10

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

About South Side MS

South Side MS is a public middle school in Hookstown, PA, part of South Side Area SD. South Side MS serves approximately 189 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio. South Side MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,685 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for South Side MS show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.5 pts above PA schools
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

At 189 students, South Side MS is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

South Side 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 Progress4.7Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.65 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency38.9% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency55.2% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+1.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.7 pts
Overall Proficiency47% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-17.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
Resources & Environment8.9Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$24,557
Chronic Absenteeism29.1%

South Side MS — Students at South Side MS score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

22.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 48.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 66.4% (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
75%
ELA
81%
2010
Math
80%
ELA
80%
2011
Math
79%
ELA
81%
2012
Math
83%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
83%
ELA
78%
2014
Math
36%
ELA
66%
2015
Math
34%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
39%
ELA
66%
2017
Math
40%
ELA
64%
2018
Math
48%
ELA
78%
2019
Math
48%
ELA
78%
2020*
Math
21%
ELA
55%
2021*
Math
21%
ELA
55%
2022
Math
33.7%
ELA
57%
2024
Math
38.9%
ELA
55.7%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How South Side MS Compares

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

Overall Score
5.9/10
41th percentile in PA
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
8.9/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
23%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.1%

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

4949 State Route 151, Hookstown, PA 15050

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Side MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Oak Glen Middle School (rated 8.4/10, 6.7 miles away, in nearby New Cumberland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, East Liverpool Junior High (rated 4.9/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby East Liverpool), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hookstown, see our Hookstown schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.3 mi
School Distance Rating
South Side HS Hookstown 0.0 mi 6.9
South Side El Sch Hookstown 0.1 mi 5.6
BETHEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Aliquippa 1.7 mi
Midland Innovation & Technology CS Midland 4.2 mi
Lincoln Park Performing Arts CS Midland 4.7 mi 6.7
Pennsylvania Cyber CS Midland 4.9 mi 3.0
Midland El/MS Midland 5.1 mi 4.4
Western Beaver Co JSHS Industry 7.0 mi 6.3
Independence El Sch Aliquippa 5.9 mi 6.5
Oak Glen High School New Cumberland 6.7 mi 6.1
Oak Glen Middle School New Cumberland 6.7 mi 8.4
Fairview El Sch Midland 8.8 mi 5.7
A. T. Allison Elementary School Chester 7.3 mi 8.3
North Elementary School East Liverpool 8.0 mi 5.6
East Liverpool High School East Liverpool 8.0 mi 4.6
East Liverpool Junior High East Liverpool 8.0 mi 4.9
New Manchester Elementary School New Cumberland 7.8 mi 8.8
Buckeye On-Line School for Success East Liverpool 8.2 mi 5.7
TRI-STATE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Burgettstown 10.4 mi 8.1
Hopewell El Sch Aliquippa 8.3 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 15050 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$92,969

Median Home Value

$216,700

Median Rent

$1,331/mo

Population

2,311

College Educated

25.3%

Homeownership

92.9%

Avg Commute

30.3 min

Poverty Rate

9.7%

Median Age

46.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Newport MS Newport, PA 6.0
ST MARYS CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL Saint Marys, PA 6.1
Annville-Cleona MS Annville, PA 5.7
Berlin Brothersvalley MS Berlin, PA 5.7
Brentwood MS Pittsburgh, PA 5.7
A J McMullen Sch Markleysburg, PA 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Side MS

What grades does South Side MS serve?

South Side MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend South Side MS?

South Side MS has an enrollment of approximately 189 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Side MS?

The student-teacher ratio at South Side MS is 10.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Side MS rank in PA?

South Side MS ranks #1,685 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is South Side MS's MySchoolScout rating?

South Side MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Side MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Side MS has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is South Side MS a charter school?

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

Is South Side MS a Title I school?

No, South Side MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

22.8% of students at South Side 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
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
14 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
189
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
22.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Beaver County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.1%

District

South Side Area SD
District Enrollment
903
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$24,557
District Rank
#2 of 3

Other Schools in This District

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