Average
#791 of 2,000 schools in AZ
Top 40% in state
Cooley Middle School
Middle School · Higley Unified School District (4248)
2935 S RECKER RD, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Enrollment
850
Student-Teacher
17.7:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
850
Student-Teacher
17.7:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Gilbert
#43 of 62
public schools
Arizona middle schools
#78 of 218
In district
#13 of 16
Higley Unified School District (4248)
Academic performance
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Cooley Middle School
Cooley Middle School serves grades 6 through 8 in Gilbert, Arizona, with an enrollment of 850 students. The school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 17.7 to 1, supported by 48 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Cooley ranks in the 75th percentile statewide, placing it #506 out of 2,029 Arizona schools.
The school's academic score is 7.4 out of 10, reflecting mixed performance across core subjects. In English Language Arts, about 50 percent of students score at or above proficiency levels, while mathematics proficiency stands at approximately 49 percent. These results suggest the school has room for academic growth, particularly in building stronger foundational skills in math and reading.
With nearly 850 middle schoolers on campus, Cooley provides the structured learning environment typical of larger urban schools. The student-teacher ratio allows for meaningful classroom interaction while maintaining the resources expected in a well-established public middle school. The school's location in the large city of Gilbert places it within Arizona's growing suburban landscape, drawing from an active community with diverse family backgrounds.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cooley Middle School — Students at Cooley Middle School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.2/10.
How Cooley Middle School Compares
See how Cooley Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 53% (2019) to 44% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 58% (2019) to 49% (2022).
Location
2935 S RECKER RD, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cooley Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Williams Field High School (rated 8.3/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Elona P. Cooley Early Child Development Center (rated 7.9/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CREO MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Gilbert, see our Gilbert schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85295 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$116,288
Median Home Value
$527,400
Median Rent
$1,965/mo
Population
54,697
College Educated
49.4%
Homeownership
64.1%
Avg Commute
26.8 min
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Median Age
31.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cooley Middle School has a median household income of $116,288. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $527,400, with a median rent of $1,965/month. The local poverty rate of 3.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hurley Ranch Elementary Tolleson, AZ | 6.7 |
| Kyrene Akimel A-Al Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 6.7 |
| Mountainside Middle School Scottsdale, AZ | 6.7 |
| Morris K. Udall Escuela de Bellas Artes Phoenix, AZ | 6.8 |
| Mountain Sky Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 6.8 |
| Orange Grove Middle School Tucson, AZ | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cooley Middle School
What grades does Cooley Middle School serve?
Cooley Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Cooley Middle School?
Cooley Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 850 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cooley Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cooley Middle School is 17.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cooley Middle School rank in AZ?
Cooley Middle School is ranked #791 out of 2,000 schools in AZ.
What is Cooley Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cooley Middle School has a composite rating of 6.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cooley Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cooley Middle School has 49.3% math proficiency and 50.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cooley Middle School a charter school?
No, Cooley Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cooley Middle School a Title I school?
No, Cooley Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,104/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Gilbert). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 850
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Maricopa County
- Phone
- (480) 279-8300
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Higley Unified School District (4248)- District Enrollment
- 12,887
- Schools in District
- 16
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,611
- District Rank
- #13 of 16
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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