Serving 158 students in grades 7-8, California Area Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 158 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: California Area MS's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Coal Center, PA, encompassing approximately 34.6 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 3.2 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 6.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
California Area Middle School's student population of 158 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
158 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Educating Students for Success in a Changing World
School Rankings
California Area Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of California Area Middle School is 0.30, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1627 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Hispanic
4%
16%
Black
2%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
83%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.4%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
59%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
2%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California Area Middle School's ranking?
California Area Middle School is ranked #1627 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend California Area Middle School?
158 students attend California Area Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of California Area Middle School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of California Area Middle School?
California Area Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does California Area Middle School offer ?
California Area Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is California Area Middle School part of?
California Area Middle School is part of California Area School District.
School Reviews
Review California Area Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
