Average
#6478 of 9,539 schools in CA
Harden Middle
Middle School · Salinas Union High
1561 McKinnon St., Salinas, CA 93906
Enrollment
1,127
Student-Teacher
23:1
Score
5.5
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
1,127
Student-Teacher
23:1
Score
5.5
Grades
7th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#6,478 of 9,539
In Salinas
#31 of 60
public schools
In district
#8 of 12
Salinas Union High
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Harden Middle
Middle School in Salinas · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Anthem Christian School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
North Salinas High
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Harden Middle
Harden Middle is a public middle school in Salinas, CA, part of Salinas Union High. Harden Middle serves approximately 1,127 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 23:1 student-teacher ratio. Harden Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #6,478 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Harden Middle show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- District avg 7.0
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Harden Middle runs 23:1 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Harden Middle — Students at Harden Middle score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.1/10.
How Harden Middle Compares
See how Harden Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1561 McKinnon St., Salinas, CA 93906
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Harden Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Salinas City Virtual Academy (rated 8.4/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Salinas High (rated 6.9/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wellington M. Smith Jr. (rated 6.5/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Salinas, see our Salinas schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salinas | 0.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Anthem Christian School Salinas | 0.2 mi | — |
| North Salinas High Salinas | 0.3 mi | 6.9 |
| McKinnon Salinas | 0.7 mi | 3.3 |
| El Gabilan Elementary Salinas | 0.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Natividad Elementary Salinas | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Madonna del Sasso School Salinas | 1.0 mi | — |
| Santa Rita Elementary Salinas | 1.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Henry F. Kammann Elementary Salinas | 1.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Wellington M. Smith Jr. Salinas | 1.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Salinas Community Salinas | 0.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Salinas City Virtual Academy Salinas | 1.0 mi | 8.4 |
| New Republic Elementary Salinas | 1.1 mi | 4.5 |
| Gavilan View Middle Salinas | 1.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Mount Toro High Salinas | 1.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Loma Vista Elementary Salinas | 1.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Carr Lake Community Day Salinas | 1.6 mi | 5.0 |
| El Puente Salinas | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Oasis Charter Public Salinas | 1.4 mi | 4.9 |
| La Joya Elementary Salinas | 1.7 mi | 4.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93906 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$96,044
Median Home Value
$595,200
Median Rent
$2,127/mo
Population
64,592
College Educated
17.2%
Homeownership
54.4%
Avg Commute
28.4 min
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Median Age
33.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cabrillo Middle Ventura, CA | 5.5 |
| Canyon Lake Middle Lake Elsinore, CA | 5.5 |
| Cesar Chavez Junior High Ceres, CA | 5.5 |
| Dolores Huerta Middle Burbank, CA | 5.5 |
| George A. Buljan Middle Roseville, CA | 5.5 |
| John Muir Middle Los Angeles, CA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Harden Middle
What grades does Harden Middle serve?
Harden Middle serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Harden Middle?
Harden Middle has an enrollment of approximately 1,127 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Harden Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Harden Middle is 23:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Harden Middle rank in CA?
Harden Middle ranks #6,478 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Harden Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Harden Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Harden Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Harden Middle has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Harden Middle a charter school?
No, Harden Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Harden Middle a Title I school?
No, Harden Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Harden Middle?
91.8% of students at Harden Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,127
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 49
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 91.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Monterey County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.0%
- Phone
- (831) 796-7300
Resources & Links
District
Salinas Union High- District Enrollment
- 16,225
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,435
- District Rank
- #8 of 12
Other Schools in This District
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