California Area MS vs Laurel MS
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in Pennsylvania, United States, 111 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
California Area MS
Coal Center · Public middle · Grades 7–8
158 students
Laurel MS
New Castle · Public middle · Grades 7–8
160 students
| Measure | California Area MS Coal Center, Pennsylvania | Laurel MS New Castle, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 48 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank | #347 of 521 | #270 of 521 |
| National rank | #8049 of 15,369 | #5703 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 7–8 | Grades 7–8 |
| Students | 158 | 160 |
| Enrollment | 158 | 160 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 93% | 36.9% |
| Students per teacher | 17.6 | 26.7 |
| Reading proficiency | 67% | 62% |
| Math proficiency | 42% | 42% |
| city | Coal Center | New Castle |
| state | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Laurel MS scores higher on the Success Index (US) (59.0 vs 48.1).
- •California Area MS does better on reading proficiency (67% vs 62%).
- •Laurel MS does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (36.9% vs 93%).
- •California Area MS does better on students per teacher (17.6 vs 26.7).
- •Laurel MS is the larger school with 160 students compared with 158.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is California Area MS better than Laurel MS?
On the Success Index (US), Laurel MS ranks higher (59.0 vs 48.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are California Area MS and Laurel MS?
About 111 km in a straight line, between Coal Center and New Castle in Pennsylvania.
Which has the better Enrollment?
California Area MS: 158. Laurel MS: 160. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do California Area MS and Laurel MS rank in Pennsylvania?
California Area MS is 347th of 521 and Laurel MS is 270th of 521 among middle schools in Pennsylvania on the 2025 Success Index (US).