Below Average
#1591 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Ron Watson Middle School
Middle School · Yuma Elementary District (4499)
9851 E 28TH ST, Yuma, AZ 85365
Enrollment
557
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
4.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
557
Student-Teacher
21.4:1
Score
4.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#1,591 of 2,006
In Yuma
#29 of 40
public schools
In district
#16 of 19
Yuma Elementary District (4499)
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Ron Watson Middle School
Middle School in Yuma · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sunrise Elementary School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Castle Dome Middle School
1.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ron Watson Middle School
Ron Watson Middle School is a public middle school in Yuma, AZ, part of Yuma Elementary District (4499). Ron Watson Middle School serves approximately 557 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Ron Watson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,591 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Ron Watson Middle School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 4.8 · Below Average
- District avg 4.5
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
Ron Watson Middle School runs 21.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Ron Watson Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
46% of students at Ron Watson Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ron Watson Middle School — Students at Ron Watson Middle School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Test Scores AZ EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 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: 4.9/10.
How Ron Watson Middle School Compares
See how Ron Watson Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
9851 E 28TH ST, Yuma, AZ 85365
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ron Watson Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. San Pasqual Middle (rated 6.2/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Winterhaven), which scores notably higher. Another option is Castle Dome Middle School (rated 4.1/10, 1.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Gila Vista Jr High School (rated 3.9/10, 8.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Yuma, see our Yuma schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Elementary School Yuma | 0.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Castle Dome Middle School Yuma | 1.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Mary A Otondo Elementary School Yuma | 1.6 mi | 7.0 |
| Desert Mesa Elementary School Yuma | 2.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Gila Ridge High School Yuma | 2.7 mi | 5.9 |
| SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Yuma | 3.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Dorothy Hall Elementary Yuma | 4.6 mi | 8.9 |
| YUMA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Yuma | 7.5 mi | 4.5 |
| James B Rolle School Yuma | 7.5 mi | 6.8 |
| STEDY- Central Campus Yuma | 8.7 mi | — |
| Gila Vista Jr High School Yuma | 8.8 mi | 3.9 |
| C W Mcgraw Elementary School Yuma | 8.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Bill M. Manes High Winterhaven | 9.3 mi | — |
| San Pasqual Valley Elementary Winterhaven | 9.3 mi | 5.4 |
| San Pasqual Valley High Winterhaven | 9.3 mi | 5.9 |
| San Pasqual Middle Winterhaven | 9.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Harvest Preparatory Academy Yuma | 9.0 mi | 4.9 |
| AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma Phoenix | 9.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Amerischools Academy North Phoenix | 9.5 mi | 6.5 |
| YUMA ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Yuma | 9.5 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 85365 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,358
Median Home Value
$189,900
Median Rent
$1,259/mo
Population
53,149
College Educated
21.2%
Homeownership
77.7%
Avg Commute
17.9 min
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Median Age
35.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mesquite Jr High School Gilbert, AZ | 4.8 |
| Morris K. Udall Escuela de Bellas Artes Phoenix, AZ | 4.8 |
| Centennial Middle School Yuma, AZ | 4.7 |
| Western Valley Middle School Phoenix, AZ | 4.7 |
| Glassford Hill Middle School Prescott Valley, AZ | 4.9 |
| La Cima Middle School Tucson, AZ | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ron Watson Middle School
What grades does Ron Watson Middle School serve?
Ron Watson Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Ron Watson Middle School?
Ron Watson Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 557 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ron Watson Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ron Watson Middle School is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ron Watson Middle School rank in AZ?
Ron Watson Middle School ranks #1,591 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Ron Watson Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ron Watson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ron Watson Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Ron Watson Middle School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Ron Watson Middle School a charter school?
No, Ron Watson Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ron Watson Middle School a Title I school?
No, Ron Watson Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 557
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Yuma County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 46.1%
- Phone
- (928) 502-7400
Resources & Links
District
Yuma Elementary District (4499)- District Enrollment
- 8,980
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,416
- District Rank
- #16 of 19
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