South Mountain Middle School

South Mountain Middle School sits in the southern part of Allentown, a gritty, working-class city in the Lehigh Valley that's seen its share of economic challenges over the decades. The school's scores reflect those broader struggles, landing in the lower tier statewide, so families who prioritize academics may want to weigh their options carefully — including magnet programs or charter alternatives within the region. That said, Allentown has a tight-knit, culturally rich community, particularly its large Latino population, and families deeply rooted in the neighborhood will find a school that reflects the diversity and resilience of the city around it.