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Average

#1443 of 2,846 schools in PA

Union Area MS

Middle School · Union Area SD

2106 Camden Ave, New Castle, PA 16101

Enrollment

161

Student-Teacher

14.6:1

Score

6.4

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,443 of 2,846

In New Castle

#13 of 18

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Union Area SD

Equity

8.3 / 10

Excellent

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Union Area MS

6.4/10

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

Union Area HS

8.6/10

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

Union Memorial EL Sch

7.8/10

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

About Union Area MS

Union Area MS is a public middle school in New Castle, PA, part of Union Area SD. Union Area MS serves approximately 161 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Union Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,443 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Union Area MS show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.0 pts above PA schools
  • This school 6.4 · Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

At 161 students, Union Area 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.1Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.17 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.5Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36.8% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.9% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6.4 pts
Overall Proficiency48% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+15.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile62th
Resources & Environment5.3Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,621
Chronic Absenteeism20.5%

Union Area MS — Students at Union Area MS score 48% proficient, which is above 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 46.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 62.7% (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
74%
ELA
78%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
80%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
65%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
60%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
36%
ELA
50%
2015
Math
43%
ELA
55%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
30.3%
ELA
60.1%
2024
Math
36.5%
ELA
58.8%

* 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: 6.1/10.

How Union Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
6.4/10
49th percentile in PA
Academic
7.5/10
Very Good
Growth
6.1/10
Average
Environment
5.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.5%

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

2106 Camden Ave, New Castle, PA 16101

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Union Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Mohawk JHS (rated 6.8/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Laurel MS (rated 6.5/10, 6.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, New Castle JHS (rated 3.1/10, 2.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in New Castle, see our New Castle schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Union Area HS New Castle 0.0 mi 8.6
Union Memorial El Sch New Castle 0.4 mi 7.8
Washington Intrmd Sch New Castle 2.3 mi 3.0
New Castle SHS New Castle 2.3 mi 5.1
New Castle JHS New Castle 2.3 mi 3.1
NEW CASTLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY New Castle 2.6 mi 6.3
CRAY CHALLENGES ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (AEDY) New Castle 3.3 mi
CRAY EDUCATION CENTER New Castle 3.3 mi 6.2
Harry W Lockley Early Learning Center New Castle 2.9 mi 5.7
Lawrence County Career and Technical Center New Castle 3.3 mi 8.0
Mohawk El Sch New Castle 3.7 mi 6.6
Mohawk SHS New Castle 3.8 mi 7.7
Mohawk JHS New Castle 3.8 mi 6.8
Shenango El Sch New Castle 4.2 mi 7.1
Neshannock Memorial El Sch New Castle 5.0 mi 6.7
Neshannock JSHS New Castle 5.0 mi 6.0
Shenango HS New Castle 4.4 mi 7.0
FAITH COUNTRY CHAPEL PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN New Castle 6.1 mi
Laurel HS New Castle 6.6 mi 7.9
Laurel MS New Castle 6.6 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16101 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,481

Median Home Value

$109,600

Median Rent

$706/mo

Population

30,960

College Educated

18.1%

Homeownership

68.9%

Avg Commute

21.6 min

Poverty Rate

17%

Median Age

43.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Kane Area MS Kane, PA 6.4
Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA 6.4
Tunkhannock STEM Academy Tunkhannock, PA 6.4
Laurel MS New Castle, PA 6.5
Greenwood MS Millerstown, PA 6.6
A J McMullen Sch Markleysburg, PA 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Union Area MS

What grades does Union Area MS serve?

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

How many students attend Union Area MS?

Union Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 161 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Union Area MS is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Union Area MS rank in PA?

Union Area MS ranks #1,443 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Union Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Union Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Union Area MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Union Area MS has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Union Area MS a charter school?

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

Is Union Area MS a Title I school?

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

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

100.0% of students at Union 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
15 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
161
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Lawrence County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.5%

District

Union Area SD
District Enrollment
698
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,621
District Rank
#3 of 3

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