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Excellent

#452 of 2,842 schools in PA

Top 16% in state

Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy

High School · Wilkes-Barre Area SD

2021 Wolfpack Way, Plains, PA 18705

Enrollment

84

Student-Teacher

42:1

Score

8.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Plains

#1 of 4

public schools

Pennsylvania high schools

#48 of 641

In district

#1 of 9

Wilkes-Barre Area SD

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy

Wilkes-Barre Area SD STEM Academy stands out as an exceptional high school serving grades 9-12 with just 84 students in Plains, Pennsylvania. This specialized STEM-focused institution achieves remarkable academic results, earning an impressive 8.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking 253rd out of 2,852 Pennsylvania schools, placing it in the 91st percentile statewide. The academy's academic performance is truly outstanding, with 100% of students achieving proficient or above in both ELA/Reading and Math across all grade levels.

With only 2 full-time equivalent teachers, the school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 42:1, yet maintains its exceptional academic standards through its focused STEM curriculum and specialized approach. Located at 2021 Wolfpack Way, the academy serves students in the 18705 ZIP code area, where the median household income is $57,152 and median home value is $114,900. The surrounding community of 15,387 residents reflects a working-class demographic, with 22% holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 16.9%.

The school's remarkable success in this large suburban setting demonstrates its effectiveness in providing high-quality STEM education to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 84 students, Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy is 42:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress10.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+5.04 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendImproving
Academics9.8Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency90%
Reading/ELA Proficiency75%
Math vs. State Avg+48 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+11 pts
Overall Proficiency83%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected+49.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
College Readiness9.5Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation34.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.0Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio42:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,413

Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy — Students at Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy score 82% 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 88.3%
School
State
42.0%
ELA Proficiency 83.3%
School
State
64.0%

Based on 6 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2021*
Math
90%
ELA
75%
2024
Math
100%
ELA
100%

* 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: 10.0/10.

How Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy Compares

See how Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.0/10
84th percentile in PA
Academic
9.8/10
9.8/10
Growth
10.0/10
Above average
Environment
1.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
42:1 student-teacher ratio
2 teachers

Location

2021 Wolfpack Way, Plains, PA 18705

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HOLY REDEEMER H.S. (rated 7.4/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Wilkes-Barre), with a comparable rating. Another option is GRAHAM ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby Luzerne), with a comparable rating. Additionally, BAIS MENACHEM YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROG (rated 6.2/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Wilkes-Barre), a more accessible option. For more schools in Plains, see our Plains schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Wilkes-Barre Area HS Plains 0.0 mi 3.7
Solomon/Plains El Sch Plains 0.6 mi 4.7
Solomon/Plains MS Plains 0.6 mi 4.0
Daniel J Flood El Sch Wilkes-Barre 0.9 mi 6.8
AL NOOR ISLAMIC ACADEMY Wilkes-Barre 1.1 mi 8.0
Dodson El Sch Wilkes-Barre 1.4 mi 5.4
JENNY LYNN FERRARO ACADEMY Kingston 1.2 mi
WILKES-BARRE ACADEMY Wilkes-Barre 1.6 mi 6.2
Dana El Ctr Forty Fort 1.6 mi 3.6
GRAHAM ACADEMY Kingston 1.5 mi 7.5
Third Avenue El Sch Kingston 1.6 mi 5.5
GENESIS SCHOOL Kingston 1.6 mi
Heights/Murray El Sch Wilkes-Barre 2.1 mi 6.5
Chester Street El Sch Kingston 1.7 mi 3.0
Wyoming Valley West MS Kingston 1.7 mi 3.6
JENNY LYNN ELEMENTARY Kingston 1.8 mi 6.0
NEW STORY SCHOOL Wyoming 2.4 mi 7.0
GRAHAM ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL Luzerne 2.0 mi 7.1
BAIS MENACHEM YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROG Wilkes-Barre 2.1 mi 6.2
HOLY REDEEMER H.S. Wilkes-Barre 2.2 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,293

Median Home Value

$122,800

Median Rent

$1,006/mo

Population

15,595

College Educated

23.3%

Homeownership

63.9%

Avg Commute

21.4 min

Poverty Rate

18.8%

Median Age

38.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy has a median household income of $61,293. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $122,800, with a median rent of $1,006/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.8%. The average commute for residents is 21 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
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL UPPER CAMPUS Easton, PA 8.0
FUSION MALVERN Malvern, PA 8.0
CARSON VALLEY CHILDRENS AID Flourtown, PA 8.1
Crispus Attucks CS York, PA 7.9
FUSION ACADEMY - ARDMORE Ardmore, PA 7.9
NEW STORY SCHOOL Wyomissing, PA 8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy

What grades does Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy serve?

Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy?

Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 84 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy is 42:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy rank in PA?

Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy is ranked #452 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy has a composite rating of 8.0 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 Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy has 88.3% math proficiency and 83.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy a charter school?

No, Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy a Title I school?

No, Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy?

100.0% of students at Wilkes-barre Area Sd Stem Academy 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
30 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
10 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
84
Student-Teacher Ratio
42:1
Teachers (FTE)
2
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Luzerne County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wilkes-Barre Area SD
District Enrollment
8,134
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,995
District Rank
#1 of 9

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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