The top reported proficiency rate is 86% in Science. The lowest is 60% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Bellaire Middle School
Bellaire Middle School serves students in grades five through eight in a small Ohio River village in Belmont County, part of the Wheeling metropolitan area. Once a thriving glass-manufacturing hub, Bellaire has contracted over decades and now carries a working-class character marked by long-tenured residents, low median incomes, and high rates of childhood poverty.
The school's academic profile shows strength in math and science, where the great majority of students achieve proficiency, while English language arts presents a softer area. Math proficiency sits solidly above average for the county, and science proficiency is the school's strongest point. ELA proficiency lags behind both, sitting below the county median. Across the tested subjects, the school's overall proficiency index places it above the midpoint among Belmont County districts. Science and math results suggest the school has built effective instruction in those domains. A parent would want to understand more directly from the school what supports are in place in English language arts and whether any shifts in approach or resources are underway.
About two-thirds of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic conditions of the village and surrounding areas. The student body is predominantly white, with small numbers of students of color represented. The enrollment is distributed roughly evenly across the four grades the school serves. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the district qualifies under the federal Community Eligibility Provision, meaning all students in grades pre-K through twelve will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family income. For families considering a move to the area, this eliminates a recurring household expense while they are resident.
The school's location in Bellaire places it within a compact village footprint where the high school, public library, downtown, and civic anchors sit in close proximity rather than spread across suburban corridors. Schools are woven into the village street grid. The broader context is one of long-term population decline and residential vacancy; Bellaire's working-class neighborhoods have experienced decades of out-migration, though the most common employment sectors for residents now include retail, food service, and healthcare, alongside small local businesses.
Housing in the area is notably affordable relative to both state and national benchmarks, with a median home value well below the state average. Rental costs are similarly low. This affordability can be a draw for families with limited means, though it also reflects the persistent economic headwinds facing the village. The built environment consists mostly of older single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with a notably high residential vacancy rate in the village core.
State testing data for the school is current. Prior-year trend data is limited to a single year of reporting, so a multi-year view of progress or changes is not available. The school has full participation in state assessments, which is a baseline for reliable results.
See more original research from School Decision →