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Average

#6137 of 9,539 schools in CA

Joe Walker Middle

Middle School · Westside Union Elementary

5632 West Ave. L-8, Lancaster, CA 93536

Enrollment

818

Student-Teacher

24.1:1

Score

5.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#6,137 of 9,539

In Lancaster

#8 of 47

public schools

In district

#2 of 12

Westside Union Elementary

Academic growth

7.3 / 10

Very Good

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Joe Walker Middle

5.7/10

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

Quartz Hill High

5.4/10

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

Small Wonders Preschool & Learning Center

Nearby

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

About Joe Walker Middle

Joe Walker Middle is a public middle school in Lancaster, CA, part of Westside Union Elementary. Joe Walker Middle serves approximately 818 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 24.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Joe Walker Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #6,137 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Joe Walker Middle show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • District avg 5.5
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Joe Walker Middle runs 24.1:1 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 Progress7.3Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.04 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.6Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-10.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-3.4 pts
Overall Proficiency33% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)40% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-6.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
Resources & Environment3.2Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,325
Chronic Absenteeism25.8%

Joe Walker Middle — Students at Joe Walker Middle score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

61.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
33.9% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 56.5% (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
41%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
41%
ELA
66%
2011
Math
44%
ELA
65%
2012
Math
43%
ELA
61%
2014
Math
31%
ELA
50%
2015
Math
35%
ELA
55%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
56%
2017
Math
28%
ELA
50%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
19.5%
ELA
45.1%
2024
Math
36.1%
ELA
55.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.3/10.

How Joe Walker Middle Compares

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

Overall Score
5.7/10
36th percentile in CA
Academic
5.6/10
Average
Growth
7.3/10
Very Good
Environment
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
62%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.8%

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

5632 West Ave. L-8, Lancaster, CA 93536

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Joe Walker Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 6.1/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Hillview Middle (rated 5.2/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Palmdale), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Endeavour Middle (rated 3.3/10, 2.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lancaster, see our Lancaster schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Quartz Hill High Quartz Hill 0.6 mi 5.4
Small Wonders Preschool & Learning Center Quartz Hill 0.7 mi
Anapasec Adventures Lancaster 0.9 mi
Academies of the Antelope Valley Quartz Hill 0.9 mi 4.7
Academy of Divergent Learners Quartz Hill 1.0 mi
Quartz Hill Elementary Quartz Hill 1.0 mi 4.1
Eduventuring Academy PSP Quartz Hill 1.3 mi
Gregg Anderson Academy Palmdale 1.9 mi 4.7
HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lancaster 2.2 mi 6.1
NOAH'S ARK - HOPE CHAPEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lancaster 2.2 mi 6.9
Endeavour Middle Lancaster 2.1 mi 3.3
Sundown Elementary Lancaster 2.2 mi 2.7
Rancho Vista Elementary Palmdale 2.5 mi 4.2
Fabunni Private School Lancaster 2.5 mi
Hillview Middle Palmdale 2.5 mi 5.2
Valley View Elementary Lancaster 2.3 mi 3.6
Nancy Cory Elementary Lancaster 2.4 mi 4.1
Paraclete High School Lancaster 2.6 mi
PARACLETE HIGH SCHOOL Lancaster 2.6 mi 5.7
West Wind Elementary Lancaster 3.0 mi 5.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93536 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$102,927

Median Home Value

$484,900

Median Rent

$1,946/mo

Population

72,013

College Educated

26.5%

Homeownership

69.3%

Avg Commute

32.7 min

Poverty Rate

12.4%

Median Age

36.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alice C. Stelle Middle Calabasas, CA 5.7
American Canyon Middle American Canyon, CA 5.7
Bell Middle San Diego, CA 5.7
Calle Mayor Middle Torrance, CA 5.7
Daniel Lewis Middle Paso Robles, CA 5.7
Enrique Camarena Jr. High Calexico, CA 5.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Joe Walker Middle

What grades does Joe Walker Middle serve?

Joe Walker Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Joe Walker Middle?

Joe Walker Middle has an enrollment of approximately 818 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Joe Walker Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Joe Walker Middle is 24.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Joe Walker Middle rank in CA?

Joe Walker Middle ranks #6,137 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Joe Walker Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Joe Walker Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 Joe Walker Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Joe Walker Middle has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 57% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Joe Walker Middle a charter school?

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

Is Joe Walker Middle a Title I school?

No, Joe Walker Middle is not currently a Title I school.

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

61.5% of students at Joe Walker 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
23 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
818
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
34
Free/Reduced Lunch
61.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.8%

District

Westside Union Elementary
District Enrollment
9,138
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,325
District Rank
#2 of 12

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