The top reported proficiency rate is 76% in Science. The lowest is 37% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Cambria Heights Ms
Cambria Heights Middle School serves roughly three grades of students from a borough in northwestern Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The school sits on a consolidated campus at the edge of Patton, away from the small downtown centered on Magee Avenue, in a rural setting dominated by agriculture and small local businesses rather than major employers.
The enrollment is small for the middle grades, with a substantial majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, a marker of economic need. The student body is overwhelmingly white, with very few students of color. Data on special education or English learner populations are not publicly reported for this school.
On state testing, the school shows a mixed picture. In English language arts, proficiency is solidly above the midpoint for Cambria County's schools. Science proficiency is strong. In mathematics, however, proficiency is notably lower, at a level that represents a real soft spot in the school's performance. A parent may want to look into what supports exist for students struggling with math and whether the school has particular strategies to build that area.
Relative to other districts in Cambria County, Cambria Heights Middle School ranks in the top quartile on overall proficiency, meaning it is performing above the median among its county neighbors. This reflects the strength in ELA and science offsetting the weaker math results.
The broader district context matters for families considering this school. Cambria Heights School District ended a four-year freeze on property taxes by raising the millage rate for the 2024-25 budget and is facing budget pressure from students attending outside charter schools, a cost the district must cover. The district is considering further tax increases for next year. This signals that the cost of living in the district is likely to rise. At the same time, the elementary school is undergoing HVAC and lighting upgrades, a sign of ongoing capital investment in facilities.
The town of Patton itself is declining slowly in population and offers a low-cost housing market, with median home values substantially below the county average. The economy relies on small retailers and local services rather than large employers. The school district itself is one of the most visible local employers. For families drawn to a small-town setting with modest housing costs, this school offers a known peer group and a straightforward middle grades program. For families whose children need intensive math support or who prefer schools with more diverse student composition, circumstances here warrant closer conversation with the school itself.
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