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Average

#4507 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 47% in state

San Benancio Middle

Middle School · Washington Union Elementary

43 San Benancio Rd., Salinas, CA 93908

Enrollment

260

Student-Teacher

18.6:1

Score

6.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Salinas

#19 of 60

public schools

California middle schools

#643 of 1,349

In district

#3 of 3

Washington Union Elementary

Equity

7.6 / 10

Very strong

About San Benancio Middle

San Benancio Middle serves 260 students in grades 6-8 in Salinas, California, earning an impressive 8.1 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating. The school ranks in the 88th percentile statewide at #1143 out of 9566 California schools, reflecting strong academic performance that exceeds state averages. With 14 full-time equivalent teachers, San Benancio Middle maintains an 18.6-to-1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention in the classroom.

Students demonstrate solid academic achievement, with 67% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 52% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics. The school draws from an affluent community where the median household income reaches $159,688 and median home values approach nearly $1 million. This well-educated community, with 54% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and only a 5% poverty rate, creates a supportive environment for student learning and family engagement.

San Benancio Middle's academic excellence reflects both the school's commitment to quality education and the strong community support it receives. The school is situated in a rural area near town on San Benancio Road, providing students with a peaceful learning environment while maintaining access to broader community resources in Monterey County.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, San Benancio 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 metrics
Student Progress5.3Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.35 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.2Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52%
Reading/ELA Proficiency67.3%
Math vs. State Avg+17.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+21.4 pts
Overall Proficiency60%
Expected (poverty-adj.)69%
vs. Expected-9.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile59th
Resources & Environment7.5Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,940

San Benancio Middle — Students at San Benancio Middle score 60% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

11.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 53.0%
School
State
33.9%
ELA Proficiency 69.2%
School
State
46.6%

Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
57%
ELA
76%
2024
Math
52%
ELA
67.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.3/10.

How San Benancio Middle Compares

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

Overall Score
6.5/10
53th percentile in CA
Academic
7.2/10
7.2/10
Growth
5.3/10
Above average
Environment
7.5/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
12%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers

Location

43 San Benancio Rd., Salinas, CA 93908

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering San Benancio Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Washington Middle (rated 7.0/10, 7.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Buena Vista Middle (rated 4.2/10, 4.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Salinas, see our Salinas schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Toro Park Elementary Salinas 1.4 mi 8.0
Washington Elementary Salinas 2.8 mi 7.0
Buena Vista Middle Salinas 4.3 mi 4.2
Spreckels Elementary Spreckels 5.2 mi 5.6
YORK SCHOOL Monterey 4.9 mi 8.0
Tularcitos Elementary Carmel Valley 6.6 mi 9.3
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Salinas 6.5 mi 6.0
RYAN RANCH CHILDRENS CENTER PRESCHOOL Monterey 5.5 mi
University Park Elementary Salinas 6.8 mi 7.4
PALMA SCHOOL Salinas 6.6 mi 5.7
Mission Park Elementary Salinas 6.7 mi 3.8
Palma High School Salinas 6.7 mi
Chartwell School Seaside 6.2 mi
Monterey Park Elementary Salinas 6.5 mi 6.1
CHARTWELL SCHOOL Seaside 6.2 mi 8.7
Washington Middle Salinas 7.0 mi 7.0
ST DUNSTAN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Carmel 6.3 mi
Learning for Life Charter Marina 7.1 mi 4.8
Salinas High Salinas 7.0 mi 7.0
Monterey County Special Education Salinas 6.7 mi 6.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93908 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$164,554

Median Home Value

$1,071,000

Median Rent

$1,650/mo

Population

12,517

College Educated

56.3%

Homeownership

83%

Avg Commute

28.5 min

Poverty Rate

4.5%

Median Age

42.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding San Benancio Middle has a median household income of $164,554. It is a well-educated community where 56% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,071,000, with a median rent of $1,650/month. The local poverty rate of 4.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Berrendos Middle Red Bluff, CA 6.5
Fortuna Middle Fortuna, CA 6.5
Libertas College Preparatory Charter Los Angeles, CA 6.5
Montgomery Middle San Diego, CA 6.5
AIMS College Prep Middle Oakland, CA 6.4
CORNERSTONE ACADEMY-CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS San Francisco, CA 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about San Benancio Middle

What grades does San Benancio Middle serve?

San Benancio Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend San Benancio Middle?

San Benancio Middle has an enrollment of approximately 260 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at San Benancio Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at San Benancio Middle is 18.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does San Benancio Middle rank in CA?

San Benancio Middle is ranked #4507 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is San Benancio Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

San Benancio Middle has a composite rating of 6.5 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 San Benancio Middle?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, San Benancio Middle has 53.0% math proficiency and 69.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is San Benancio Middle a charter school?

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

Is San Benancio Middle a Title I school?

No, San Benancio Middle is not currently a Title I school.

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

11.5% of students at San Benancio 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

City Safety
High (2,228/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Salinas). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
260
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
11.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Monterey County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Washington Union Elementary
District Enrollment
746
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,614
District Rank
#3 of 3

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.

Read our full methodology

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