Very Good
#1977 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 21% in state
Ranchos Middle
Middle School · Golden Valley Unified
12455 Road 35 1/2, Madera, CA 93636
Enrollment
405
Student-Teacher
23.8:1
Score
7.6
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
405
Student-Teacher
23.8:1
Score
7.6
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Madera
#2 of 41
public schools
California middle schools
#229 of 1,349
In district
#1 of 7
Golden Valley Unified
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Ranchos Middle
Ranchos Middle serves 405 students in grades 7-8 in Madera, California, earning a solid 7.4 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking in the 79th percentile among California middle schools. With 17 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23.8 to 1. Academically, Ranchos Middle demonstrates strong performance, particularly in English Language Arts where 67% of students achieve proficiency or above across grade levels.
Math scores show 49% of students meeting proficiency standards, indicating room for continued growth in mathematical achievement. The school's overall academic score of 8.3 out of 10 reflects its commitment to student learning and development. The school draws families from a well-established community where the median household income reaches $119,375 and median home values are $450,900.
With 38% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a low poverty rate of 8.1%, the area provides a stable foundation for educational pursuits. The ZIP code 93636 encompasses a population of 13,447 residents. Ranchos Middle sits in a rural setting near town, offering students the benefits of a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining access to broader educational and cultural opportunities in the greater Madera area.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Ranchos Middle is 23.8:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Ranchos Middle may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ranchos Middle — Students at Ranchos Middle score 58% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.7/10.
How Ranchos Middle Compares
See how Ranchos Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 38% (2019) to 48.83% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 59% (2019) to 67.45% (2024).
Location
12455 Road 35 1/2, Madera, CA 93636
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ranchos Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Norman Liddell Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 6.0 miles away, in nearby Fresno), which scores slightly higher. Another option is River Bluff Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Fresno), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Rio Vista Middle (rated 7.5/10, 6.5 miles away, in nearby Fresno), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Madera, see our Madera schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Continuation High Madera | 0.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Liberty High Madera | 0.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Centennial Independent Study Madera | 0.4 mi | — |
| Webster Elementary Madera | 0.9 mi | 4.5 |
| FOOTHILL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Madera | 2.5 mi | — |
| Freedom Home Madera | 4.1 mi | 3.6 |
| Sierra View Elementary Madera | 4.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Norman Liddell Elementary Fresno | 6.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Elephant Owl School of SAT Sciences Fresno | 6.5 mi | — |
| Rio Vista Middle Fresno | 6.5 mi | 7.5 |
| River Bluff Elementary Fresno | 6.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Stone Creek Elementary Madera | 5.4 mi | 5.4 |
| H. Roger Tatarian Elementary Fresno | 6.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Herndon-Barstow Elementary Fresno | 7.2 mi | 5.8 |
| William Saroyan Elementary Fresno | 7.2 mi | 4.4 |
| Figarden Elementary Fresno | 7.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Valley Children's Hospital Madera | 6.5 mi | — |
| Cesar Chavez Elementary Madera | 6.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Lawless Elementary Fresno | 8.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Nelson Elementary Pinedale | 7.7 mi | 5.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93636 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$124,024
Median Home Value
$483,300
Median Rent
$1,788/mo
Population
14,777
College Educated
38.6%
Homeownership
88.3%
Avg Commute
34.5 min
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Median Age
37.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ranchos Middle has a median household income of $124,024. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $483,300, with a median rent of $1,788/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.3%. The average commute in the area is 35 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Anderson Middle Anderson, CA | 7.6 |
| Animo Florence-Firestone Charter Middle Los Angeles, CA | 7.6 |
| Lindbergh STEM Academy Long Beach, CA | 7.6 |
| Lloyd G. Johnson Junior High Arbuckle, CA | 7.6 |
| Rio Bravo-Greeley Elementary Bakersfield, CA | 7.6 |
| Seaside Middle Seaside, CA | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ranchos Middle
What grades does Ranchos Middle serve?
Ranchos Middle serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Ranchos Middle?
Ranchos Middle has an enrollment of approximately 405 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ranchos Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Ranchos Middle is 23.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ranchos Middle rank in CA?
Ranchos Middle is ranked #1977 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Ranchos Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Ranchos Middle has a composite rating of 7.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ranchos Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ranchos Middle has 43.9% math proficiency and 63.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ranchos Middle a charter school?
No, Ranchos Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ranchos Middle a Title I school?
No, Ranchos Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ranchos Middle?
40.0% of students at Ranchos 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 405
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Madera County
- Phone
- (559) 645-3550
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Golden Valley Unified- District Enrollment
- 2,774
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,158
- District Rank
- #1 of 7
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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