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Average

#1403 of 2,842 schools in PA

Top 49% in state

Tuscarora MS

Middle School · Juniata County SD

3873 William Penn Highway, Mifflintown, PA 17059

Enrollment

331

Student-Teacher

11.8:1

Score

6.4

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Mifflintown

#1 of 3

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#242 of 514

In district

#2 of 5

Juniata County SD

Academic growth

8.4 / 10

Very strong

About Tuscarora MS

Tuscarora MS is a regular public middle school in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rural countryside of Juniata County. Serving students from sixth to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 331 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 11.8:1, ensuring that each child receives individual attention. With 28 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, Tuscarora MS provides a supportive learning environment.

Academically, Tuscarora MS is ranked at the 32nd percentile among Pennsylvania schools and has received a MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10. In reading and ELA, about 42% of students are proficient or above, while in math, only 23% meet proficiency standards. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development to improve academic performance.

Tuscarora MS is situated in a quiet rural setting, offering a peaceful atmosphere for learning and growth. The school community values its unique position within Mifflintown, fostering a strong sense of belonging among students and families.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Tuscarora MS are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Located in a rural area, Tuscarora MS may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.4Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.09 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.7Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.7%
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.2%
Math vs. State Avg-13.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.3 pts
Overall Proficiency33%
Expected (poverty-adj.)53%
vs. Expected-20.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
Resources & Environment6.8Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,529

Tuscarora MS — Students at Tuscarora MS score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

51.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 23.1%
School
State
35.5%
ELA Proficiency 42.3%
School
State
53.4%

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
23%
ELA
46%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
38%
2024
Math
24.6%
ELA
42.4%

* 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: 8.4/10.

How Tuscarora MS Compares

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

Overall Score
6.4/10
51th percentile in PA
Academic
3.7/10
3.7/10
Growth
8.4/10
Above average
Environment
6.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
51%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers

Location

3873 William Penn Highway, Mifflintown, PA 17059

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tuscarora MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Juniata El Sch (rated 5.9/10, 0.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is MIFFLIN COUNTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 5.7/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Mc Clure), with a comparable rating. Additionally, WALKER MENNONITE SCHOOL (rated 5.0/10, 3.7 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Mifflintown, see our Mifflintown schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Juniata SHS Mifflintown 0.2 mi 4.6
Juniata El Sch Mifflintown 0.6 mi 5.9
CEDAR SPRINGS PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Mifflintown 1.5 mi
WINDY ACRES SCHOOL Port Royal 3.1 mi
MOUNTAIN VIEW AMISH SCHOOL Port Royal 3.6 mi
RED ROCK SCHOOL Mifflintown 3.5 mi
RED ROCK SCHOOL Mifflintown 3.5 mi
WALKER MENNONITE SCHOOL Mifflintown 3.7 mi 5.0
BREEZY HOLLOW AMISH SCHOOL Mifflintown 4.0 mi
CEDAR VIEW SCHOOL Mifflintown 4.1 mi
LAUREL RUN SCHOOL Mifflintown 5.0 mi
BLACK ROCK SCHOOL Mifflintown 5.0 mi
RIDGESIDE SCHOOL Mcalistersville 5.2 mi
RIDGESIDE SCHOOL Mc Alisterville 5.2 mi
KURTZ VALLEY SCHOOL Mifflintown 5.2 mi 3.4
MIFFLIN CO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Mc Clure 7.5 mi 4.8
MIFFLIN COUNTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Mc Clure 7.5 mi 5.7
RACCOON VALLEY SCHOOL Millerstown 7.1 mi
ROCKLAND SUNBEAMS AMISH SCHOOL Mifflintown 7.2 mi
SUNSET VALLEY SCHOOL Millerstown 7.9 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17059 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$62,237

Median Home Value

$216,500

Median Rent

$739/mo

Population

7,524

College Educated

17.4%

Homeownership

69.7%

Avg Commute

27.2 min

Poverty Rate

11.2%

Median Age

43.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Tuscarora MS has a median household income of $62,237. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $216,500, with a median rent of $739/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.2%. The average commute for residents is 27 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
Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon, PA 6.4
Delahunty MS Hermitage, PA 6.4
Riverside MS Ellwood City, PA 6.4
Avonworth MS Pittsburgh, PA 6.5
Octorara Intermediate Sch Atglen, PA 6.5
Rice Avenue MS Girard, PA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tuscarora MS

What grades does Tuscarora MS serve?

Tuscarora MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Tuscarora MS?

Tuscarora MS has an enrollment of approximately 331 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tuscarora MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Tuscarora MS is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tuscarora MS rank in PA?

Tuscarora MS is ranked #1403 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Tuscarora MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Tuscarora MS has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Tuscarora MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Tuscarora MS has 23.1% math proficiency and 42.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Tuscarora MS a charter school?

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

Is Tuscarora MS a Title I school?

No, Tuscarora MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

51.4% of students at Tuscarora 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
331
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
51.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Juniata County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Juniata County SD
District Enrollment
2,288
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,154
District Rank
#2 of 5

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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