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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

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 metrics
Student Progress6.2Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.09 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics7.5Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44%
Reading/ELA Proficiency49%
Overall Proficiency47%
Expected (poverty-adj.)49%
vs. Expected-2.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile63th
Resources & Environment6.3Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$8,545

Cooley Middle School — Students at Cooley Middle School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 49.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 50.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AZ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
53%
ELA
58%
2021*
Math
51%
ELA
44%
2022
Math
44%
ELA
49%

* 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.

Overall Score
6.7/10
61th percentile in AZ
Academic
7.5/10
7.5/10
Growth
6.2/10
Above average
Environment
6.3/10
Above average

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 mi
School Distance Rating
Elona P. Cooley Early Child Development Center Gilbert 0.1 mi 7.9
Learning Foundation and Performing Arts Warner Gilbert 0.3 mi 7.1
Learning Foundation and Performing Arts Gilbert Gilbert 0.4 mi 5.3
CREO MONTESSORI SCHOOL Gilbert 0.8 mi 7.7
American Leadership Academy Gilbert North K-12 Chandler 1.0 mi 5.7
San Tan Charter School Gilbert 1.3 mi 4.2
GILBERT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Gilbert 1.3 mi 5.8
Gateway Pointe Elementary Gilbert 1.5 mi 5.6
Williams Field High School Gilbert 1.5 mi 8.3
Higley Traditional Academy Gilbert 1.6 mi 6.8
Highland Park Elementary Gilbert 1.7 mi 5.6
AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY VIRTUAL Mesa 1.6 mi 6.2
Leman Academy of Excellence East Mesa Tucson 1.7 mi 4.3
Legacy Traditional School - Gilbert Chandler 2.1 mi 5.2
Chaparral Elementary School Gilbert 2.2 mi 6.7
Freedom Prep Academy - Mesa Gilbert 2.1 mi 2.6
EVIT - Highland High School Gilbert 2.3 mi
Highland High School Gilbert 2.3 mi 7.5
ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Elementary Mesa 2.1 mi 6.3
ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Middle School Mesa 2.1 mi 5.6

Neighborhood 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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