Below Average
#1627 of 2,006 schools in AZ
Sanders Middle School
Middle School · Sanders Unified District (4156)
PO BOX 250, Sanders, AZ 86512
Enrollment
166
Score
4.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
166
Score
4.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arizona schools
#1,627 of 2,006
In Sanders
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
Sanders Unified District (4156)
Shortlisting around Sanders Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Sanders Middle School
Middle School in Sanders · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sanders Elementary School
1.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Valley High School
1.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Sanders Middle School
Sanders Middle School is a public middle school in Sanders, AZ, part of Sanders Unified District (4156). Sanders Middle School serves approximately 166 students, and covers grades 6th-8th. Sanders Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,627 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
Structured state assessment records for Sanders Middle School show 15% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- AZ avg 5.6
What Parents Should Know
At 166 students, Sanders Middle School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Sanders 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.
71% of students at Sanders 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
Sanders Middle School — Students at Sanders Middle School score 7% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 17%).
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: 5.2/10.
How Sanders Middle School Compares
See how Sanders Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Location
PO BOX 250, Sanders, AZ 86512
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sanders Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ZUNI MIDDLE (rated 6.1/10, 29.5 miles away, in nearby Zuni), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Ganado Middle School (rated 4.9/10, 35.8 miles away, in nearby Ganado), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Sanders, see our Sanders schools guide .
Nearby Schools
18 within 37.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sanders Elementary School Sanders | 1.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Valley High School Sanders | 1.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Pine Springs Day School Houck | 13.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Wide Ruins Community School Chambers | 16.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Chi Chil'tah Community School Vanderwagen | 24.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Hunters Point Boarding School St. Michaels | 28.6 mi | 7.0 |
| ST ANTHONY INDIAN SCHOOL Zuni | 28.9 mi | 5.8 |
| ZUNI CHRISTIAN MISSION SCHOOL Zuni | 29.1 mi | 5.3 |
| ZUNI MIDDLE Zuni | 29.5 mi | 6.1 |
| ST MICHAELS ASSOC FOR SP ED Saint Michaels | 34.5 mi | — |
| HILLTOP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Tse Bonito | 34.3 mi | 7.0 |
| GALLUP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gallup | 31.7 mi | — |
| Ganado Primary School Ganado | 35.7 mi | 3.9 |
| Ganado Middle School Ganado | 35.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Ganado Intermediate School Ganado | 35.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Tsehootsooi Dine Bi'Olta Fort Defiance | 35.4 mi | 7.5 |
| TOBE TURPEN ELEMENTARY Gallup | 34.4 mi | 6.9 |
| WILDCAT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Gallup | 37.0 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 86512 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$31,602
Median Home Value
$74,800
Median Rent
$614/mo
Population
2,391
College Educated
5%
Homeownership
67.2%
Poverty Rate
41.4%
Median Age
32.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| South Valley Prep and Arts School Phoenix, AZ | 4.8 |
| San Manuel Jr. High School San Manuel, AZ | 4.4 |
| Academy of Tucson Middle School Tucson, AZ | 4.2 |
| Imagine Avondale Middle Avondale, AZ | 5.2 |
| Pima Junior High School Pima, AZ | 5.2 |
| Lowell School Bisbee, AZ | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sanders Middle School
What grades does Sanders Middle School serve?
Sanders Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Sanders Middle School?
Sanders Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 166 students.
How does Sanders Middle School rank in AZ?
Sanders Middle School ranks #1,627 of 2,006 schools in AZ.
What is Sanders Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sanders Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Sanders Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Sanders Middle School has 15% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 23% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Sanders Middle School a charter school?
No, Sanders Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sanders Middle School a Title I school?
No, Sanders Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 166
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Apache County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 71.1%
- Phone
- (855) 678-7873
Resources & Links
District
Sanders Unified District (4156)- District Enrollment
- 659
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $21,901
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.