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Below Average

#2416 of 2,846 schools in PA

Upper Dauphin Area MS

Middle School · Upper Dauphin Area SD

5668 State Route 209, Lykens, PA 17048

Enrollment

314

Student-Teacher

13.7:1

Score

4.3

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,416 of 2,846

In Lykens

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Upper Dauphin Area SD

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Upper Dauphin Area MS

4.3/10

Middle School in Lykens · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Upper Dauphin Area EL Sch

7.1/10

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

Rakers Mill School

Nearby

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

About Upper Dauphin Area MS

Upper Dauphin Area MS is a public middle school in Lykens, PA, part of Upper Dauphin Area SD. Upper Dauphin Area MS serves approximately 314 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 13.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Upper Dauphin Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,416 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Upper Dauphin Area MS show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Upper Dauphin 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 Progress3.5Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.06 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.4% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.2% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-14.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-13.2 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-18.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
Resources & Environment6.4Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,874
Chronic Absenteeism22%

Upper Dauphin Area MS — Students at Upper Dauphin Area MS score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 41.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 57.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.2% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 38 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
72%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
73%
2011
Math
76%
ELA
73%
2012
Math
73%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
73%
2014
Math
34%
ELA
64%
2015
Math
36%
ELA
61%
2016
Math
35%
ELA
64%
2017
Math
35%
ELA
66%
2018
Math
30%
ELA
60%
2019
Math
30%
ELA
60%
2020*
Math
25%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
52.2%
2024
Math
28.3%
ELA
39%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How Upper Dauphin Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
4.3/10
15th percentile in PA
Academic
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.4/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.0%

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

5668 State Route 209, Lykens, PA 17048

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Upper Dauphin Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Millersburg Area Middle School (rated 5.1/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Millersburg), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Line Mountain MS (rated 4.5/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Herndon), with a very similar rating. Additionally, WHITE OAK SCHOOL (rated 2.8/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Port Trevorton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lykens, see our Lykens schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Upper Dauphin Area El Sch Lykens 0.0 mi 7.1
RAKERS MILL SCHOOL Elizabethville 3.2 mi
Upper Dauphin Area HS Elizabethville 3.3 mi 5.7
SOUTH MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL Spring Glen 4.4 mi
MAHANTANGO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Lykens 5.3 mi 2.9
Line Mountain HS Herndon 7.9 mi 7.7
Line Mountain MS Herndon 7.9 mi 4.5
SONGBIRD HOLLOW AMISH SCHOOL Hegins 7.4 mi
NORTHERN DAUPHIN COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Millersburg 7.8 mi 6.1
SCHWABEN CREEK SCHOOL Herndon 10.5 mi
NORTHERN DAUPHIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Millersburg 8.7 mi 6.0
CHERRYTOWN SCHOOL Dornsife 11.9 mi
Williams Valley JSHS Tower City 9.1 mi 3.8
Williams Valley El Sch Tower City 9.5 mi 3.9
Mahantongo El Sch Klingerstown 11.5 mi 3.5
Millersburg Area High School Millersburg 10.4 mi 7.5
Millersburg Area Middle School Millersburg 10.4 mi 5.1
MOUNTAIN VIEW Port Trevorton 11.2 mi
RIVERVIEW SCHOOL CLEON MARTIN Liverpool 11.1 mi
WHITE OAK SCHOOL Port Trevorton 11.7 mi 2.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17048 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$72,873

Median Home Value

$136,300

Median Rent

$809/mo

Population

3,801

College Educated

13.1%

Homeownership

68.4%

Avg Commute

29.3 min

Poverty Rate

17.7%

Median Age

41.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Arts Academy CS Allentown, PA 4.3
Swift MS Quarryville, PA 4.3
Sharon MS Sharon, PA 4.2
Titusville Middle School Titusville, PA 4.2
Washington Grover Jr Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.2
Clemente Roberto MS Philadelphia, PA 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Upper Dauphin Area MS

What grades does Upper Dauphin Area MS serve?

Upper Dauphin Area MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Upper Dauphin Area MS?

Upper Dauphin Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 314 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Upper Dauphin Area MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Upper Dauphin 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 Upper Dauphin Area MS rank in PA?

Upper Dauphin Area MS ranks #2,416 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Upper Dauphin Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Upper Dauphin Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Upper Dauphin Area MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Upper Dauphin Area MS has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Upper Dauphin Area MS a charter school?

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

Is Upper Dauphin Area MS a Title I school?

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

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

53.2% of students at Upper Dauphin 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
22 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
314
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Dauphin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.0%

District

Upper Dauphin Area SD
District Enrollment
1,038
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,874
District Rank
#3 of 3

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