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Very Good

#2191 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 23% in state

Jefferson Middle

Middle School · Torrance Unified

21717 Talisman St., Torrance, CA 90503

Enrollment

645

Student-Teacher

26.9:1

Score

7.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,191 of 9,539

In Torrance

#15 of 33

public schools

In district

#13 of 30

Torrance Unified

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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Jefferson Middle

7.7/10

Middle School in Torrance · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Anza Elementary

8.5/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Joseph Arnold Elementary

7.4/10

0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Jefferson Middle

Jefferson Middle is a public middle school in Torrance, CA, part of Torrance Unified. Jefferson Middle serves approximately 645 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 26.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Jefferson Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,191 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Jefferson Middle show 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 7.7 · Very Good
  • District avg 7.1
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Jefferson Middle runs 26.9:1 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 metrics
Student Progress9.0Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.3 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.7Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency60.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency70.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+25.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+24.8 pts
Overall Proficiency66% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+7.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile80th
Resources & Environment4.2Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,134
Chronic Absenteeism12.4%

Jefferson Middle — Students at Jefferson Middle score 66% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

28.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 62.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
33.9% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 71.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.6% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
68%
ELA
73%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
71%
2011
Math
68%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
66%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
51%
ELA
63%
2015
Math
61%
ELA
69%
2016
Math
63%
ELA
74%
2017
Math
65%
ELA
73%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
73%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
73%
2022
Math
58.8%
ELA
70.3%
2024
Math
60.3%
ELA
70.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.0/10.

How Jefferson Middle Compares

See how Jefferson Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.7/10
77th percentile in CA
Academic
8.7/10
Excellent
Growth
9.0/10
Excellent
Environment
4.2/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
28%
Teaching Staff
27:1 student-teacher ratio
24 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
12.4%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

21717 Talisman St., Torrance, CA 90503

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Jefferson Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Bert M. Lynn Middle (rated 7.4/10, 1.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Madrona Middle (rated 6.7/10, 0.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Calle Mayor Middle (rated 5.7/10, 1.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Torrance, see our Torrance schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Anza Elementary Torrance 0.5 mi 8.5
Joseph Arnold Elementary Torrance 0.7 mi 7.4
Fresh Roots Forest School Torrance 0.7 mi
St. James Elementary Torrance 0.8 mi
ST JAMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Torrance 0.9 mi 6.5
HICKORY TREE SCHOOL Torrance 0.8 mi 5.9
Hickory Tree School Torrance 0.8 mi
Seaside Elementary Torrance 0.9 mi 8.2
Madrona Middle Torrance 0.8 mi 6.7
Mr. J's Academy Torrance 0.9 mi
Victor Elementary Torrance 1.0 mi 5.4
Bishop Montgomery High Torrance 0.9 mi
BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH Torrance 0.9 mi 5.5
SOUTH BAY JUNIOR ACADEMY Torrance 1.1 mi 7.0
THE KNOWING GARDEN Redondo Beach 1.0 mi
Calle Mayor Middle Torrance 1.2 mi 5.7
West High Torrance 1.2 mi 7.3
FIRST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Torrance 1.1 mi 6.5
First Lutheran Torrance 1.1 mi
Bert M. Lynn Middle Torrance 1.3 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 90503 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$119,685

Median Home Value

$1,058,100

Median Rent

$2,249/mo

Population

43,764

College Educated

55.4%

Homeownership

52.5%

Avg Commute

27.8 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

41.5

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Col. J. K. Tuffree Middle Placentia, CA 7.7
Dartmouth Middle San Jose, CA 7.7
Hermosa Valley Elementary Hermosa Beach, CA 7.7
John Sutter Middle Fowler, CA 7.7
Mendota Junior High Mendota, CA 7.7
Oak Avenue Intermediate Temple City, CA 7.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Jefferson Middle

What grades does Jefferson Middle serve?

Jefferson Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Jefferson Middle?

Jefferson Middle has an enrollment of approximately 645 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Jefferson Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Jefferson Middle is 26.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Jefferson Middle rank in CA?

Jefferson Middle ranks #2,191 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Jefferson Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Jefferson Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 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 Jefferson Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Jefferson Middle has 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Jefferson Middle a charter school?

No, Jefferson Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Jefferson Middle a Title I school?

No, Jefferson Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Jefferson Middle?

28.4% of students at Jefferson 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
77 Very Walkable
Transit Score
43 Some Transit
Bike Score
59 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
645
Student-Teacher Ratio
26.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
24
Free/Reduced Lunch
28.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
12.4%

District

Torrance Unified
District Enrollment
22,109
Schools in District
32
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,134
District Rank
#13 of 30

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