Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#2591 of 2,846 schools in PA

Tamaqua Area MS

Middle School · Tamaqua Area SD

502 Penn Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252

Enrollment

467

Student-Teacher

13.7:1

Score

3.8

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,591 of 2,846

In Tamaqua

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Tamaqua Area SD

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Tamaqua Area MS?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Tamaqua Area MS

3.8/10

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

Tamaqua Area Shs

7.4/10

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

Tamaqua EL Sch

5.5/10

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

About Tamaqua Area MS

Tamaqua Area MS is a public middle school in Tamaqua, PA, part of Tamaqua Area SD. Tamaqua Area MS serves approximately 467 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Tamaqua Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,591 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Tamaqua Area MS show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts below PA schools
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Tamaqua Area 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 Progress2.6Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.47 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.4% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency43.3% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-7.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.2 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)49% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-12.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,838
Chronic Absenteeism19.7%

Tamaqua Area MS — Students at Tamaqua Area MS score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

60.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 43.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 58.2% (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
77%
ELA
76%
2010
Math
79%
ELA
76%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
83%
ELA
73%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
73%
2014
Math
29%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
34%
ELA
58%
2016
Math
30%
ELA
59%
2017
Math
29%
ELA
60%
2018
Math
36%
ELA
58%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
58%
2020*
Math
20%
ELA
46%
2021*
Math
20%
ELA
46%
2022
Math
20.3%
ELA
48.7%
2024
Math
30.7%
ELA
43.9%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How Tamaqua Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
3.8/10
9th percentile in PA
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
61%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.7%

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

502 Penn Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tamaqua Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Blue Mountain MS (rated 5.2/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Orwigsburg), which scores notably higher. Another option is Panther Valley Intermediate Sch (rated 4.7/10, 7.7 miles away, in nearby Lansford), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Hazleton El/MS (rated 2.6/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Hazleton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Tamaqua, see our Tamaqua schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Tamaqua Area SHS Tamaqua 0.1 mi 7.4
Tamaqua El Sch Tamaqua 0.8 mi 5.5
NEW ENGLAND VALLEY MENNONITE Tamaqua 0.9 mi 5.6
ST JEROME REGIONAL SCHOOL Tamaqua 2.4 mi 5.5
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Tamaqua 3.2 mi 6.3
McAdoo-Kelayres El/MS Mcadoo 7.3 mi 2.8
West Penn Twp El Sch New Ringgold 6.4 mi 5.1
Panther Valley JSHS Lansford 7.6 mi 3.9
Panther Valley Intermediate Sch Lansford 7.7 mi 4.7
Heights Terrace El/MS Hazleton 10.6 mi 2.7
IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hazleton 11.4 mi 6.5
HAZLETON TRINITY NURSERY & KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL Hazleton 11.4 mi
West Hazleton El/MS West Hazleton 11.7 mi 2.7
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY Hazleton 11.9 mi 6.3
Mahanoy Area El Sch Mahanoy City 9.0 mi 3.3
Mahanoy Area JSHS Mahanoy City 9.0 mi 3.7
Blue Mountain MS Orwigsburg 10.9 mi 5.2
Blue Mountain El East School Orwigsburg 11.0 mi 6.9
Hazleton El/MS Hazleton 12.1 mi 2.6
Arthur Street El Sch Hazleton 12.1 mi 3.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18252 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,020

Median Home Value

$153,000

Median Rent

$922/mo

Population

11,065

College Educated

19.5%

Homeownership

68.6%

Avg Commute

27.1 min

Poverty Rate

18.9%

Median Age

43.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lehman Intermediate Sch Dingmans Ferry, PA 3.8
Mount Pleasant Area JHS Mount Pleasant, PA 3.8
Smith MS Quarryville, PA 3.8
Brownsville Area MS Brownsville, PA 3.7
Charles A Huston MS Lower Burrell, PA 3.7
Richard Allen Preparatory CS Philadelphia, PA 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tamaqua Area MS

What grades does Tamaqua Area MS serve?

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

How many students attend Tamaqua Area MS?

Tamaqua Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 467 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Tamaqua Area MS is 13.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tamaqua Area MS rank in PA?

Tamaqua Area MS ranks #2,591 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Tamaqua Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Tamaqua Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Tamaqua Area MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Tamaqua Area MS has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Tamaqua Area MS a charter school?

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

Is Tamaqua Area MS a Title I school?

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

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

60.8% of students at Tamaqua 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

Walk Score
26 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
13 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
467
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
34
Free/Reduced Lunch
60.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Schuylkill County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.7%

District

Tamaqua Area SD
District Enrollment
2,064
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,838
District Rank
#4 of 4

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.