Editor’s note: The following, focused on the Bellwood-Antis School District, is the second in a series looking into how Blair County schools fared on the state assessment tests. The data for all Pennsylvania schools can be found at futurereadypa.org.

The Bellwood-Antis School District made progress at the high school level after a poor testing year in 2024 with higher scores across key academic disciplines.

The north-central Blair County school district is among the smallest in the region, with about 1,100 total students enrolled across three schools spread across Bellwood Borough and Antis Township.

Bellwood-Antis High School

About 60% of Bellwood-Antis High School students received proficient or advanced marks in English language arts standardized testing in 2024-25, according to the Future Ready PA Index, which is approximately 10% higher than the statewide average.

In math, about 58% of students earned passing grades, representing scores 17% above the statewide average, according to the Future Ready PA Index.

Student progress in both disciplines outpaced state averages, with math progress receiving a perfect 100 out of 100 rating.

Student scores on Keystone Exams, which assess 11th graders’ ability in algebra, biology and literature, fell across the board in 2022-23 and 2023-24, but recovered in 2024-25 with nearly 10% increases in all three subjects.

Bellwood-Antis Middle School

About 54% of Bellwood-Antis Middle School students received proficient or advanced marks in English language arts standardized testing in 2024-25, according to the Future Ready PA Index, which is approximately 4% higher than the statewide average.

In math, about 36% of students earned passing grades, representing scores 6% below the statewide average, according to the Future Ready PA Index.

Student academic progress in both subjects was lower than state average ratings by 14 and 10 points, respectively.

District results from PSSA tests, which are taken annually by students in grades three through eight, fell slightly in English language arts from 2023-24 to 2024-25, while remaining level in math.

Lewis Myers Elementary School

About 64% of Myers Elementary students received proficient or advanced marks in English language arts standardized testing in 2024-25, according to the Future Ready PA Index, which is approximately 14% higher than the statewide average.

In math, about 59% of students earned passing grades, representing scores 17% above the statewide average, according to the Future Ready PA Index.

Student progress in English language arts was on par with state average scores, while math progress was about 25 points lower than average during the same time period.

Striving to improve

According to Superintendent Edward DiSabato, the “dip” in Keystone exam scores in 2024 is the result of several coinciding factors, including post-pandemic instructional gaps and organizational transitions.

The district has made a collaborative effort between faculty and staff to analyze data, identify areas of need and apply targeted interventions, DiSabato said.

“These conversations have strengthened our shared commitment to aligning curriculum and instructional practices to better serve our students and families,” he said.

Bellwood-Antis has also added new educational re­sources in math and literacy, according to DiSabato, which were developed through ongoing joint planning sessions with teachers and curriculum advisors.

DiSabato said that improving early reading skills and overall literacy will continue to be a priority for the district.

School administrators hope that integrating more data-driven instructional strategies in math curriculum across different grade levels will encourage student success.

DiSabato emphasized that listening to feedback from students and staff, adapting curriculum and fostering collaboration among district leaders will “sustain momentum” in the coming years.

“The district is moving in a positive direction. While challenges remain, the rebound in Keystone scores and ongoing curriculum work indicate steady progress toward our goals,” DiSabato said. “This progress reflects collective effort — teachers, administrators and support staff working together to identify gaps and celebrate successes. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and creating a culture where every decision reflects what is best for students and families.”

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.

More online

To access all the results from the state’s assessments of districts across the commonwealth, visit futurereadypa.org.