The top reported proficiency rate is 58% in English language arts. The lowest is 37% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Cedar Crest Ms
Cedar Crest MS serves grades six through eight in Lebanon, a small city and county seat in southeastern Pennsylvania. The school enrollment is typical for a public middle school in its region, with roughly evenly distributed grades across sixth, seventh, and eighth.
The school's student body is predominantly white, with a meaningful presence of Hispanic students and smaller populations of Asian, Black, and multiracial students. About half of the school's students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, placing the school in a mixed-income community where educational supports tied to family economic circumstances matter.
On state testing, Cedar Crest shows a mixed profile. In English language arts, the school sits solidly above the midpoint of proficiency. Mathematics presents a weaker picture, with less than four in ten students reaching proficiency. Science performance, measured most recently in the prior school year, lands near the middle of the proficiency band. Taking the school's overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades, Cedar Crest ranks above the midpoint among Lebanon County's districts, which is an important anchor: it suggests the school is holding ground among its direct comparison set.
This is a regular public middle school in a district undergoing major capital investment. The district is rebuilding Cedar Crest High School's campus in phases, with a new connector building unveiled recently and substantial renovation work continuing through 2028. That long-term commitment signals the district's confidence in its facilities and future. However, property taxes in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District have risen in back-to-back years to support operations and construction, with another increase proposed, a sustained trajectory that directly affects families' cost of living in the area.
Lebanon itself is experiencing growth and revitalization. The city, historically known for Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and regional manufacturing, has become a draw for people moving from more expensive nearby counties because housing remains relatively affordable. Downtown Lebanon has undergone recent streetscape and civic improvements, including a repositioned City Hall and a multi-year farmers market restoration. Employment is anchored in health care, government, manufacturing, and logistics. For a family considering this area, the middle school sits within a community in motion, with downtown revitalization and inflowing population, though one managing sustained property tax increases to support schools and facilities.
Cedar Crest's academic strengths center on English language arts proficiency and competitive standing within the county. The school's mathematics results invite closer attention; a parent may want to look into what instructional supports and interventions are in place and whether that area is receiving focus. The school's size and comprehensive middle-school model are typical for this region and setting. Data on special education identification and English learner support were not available, so a parent seeking detail on those services would want to ask the school directly.
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