Needs Improvement
#9322 of 9,539 schools in CA
Valley Center Middle
Middle School · Valley Center-Pauma Unified
28751 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082
Enrollment
778
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
2.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
778
Student-Teacher
22.2:1
Score
2.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#9,322 of 9,539
In Valley Center
#9 of 9
public schools
In district
#8 of 8
Valley Center-Pauma Unified
Shortlisting around Valley Center Middle?
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Valley Center Middle
Middle School in Valley Center · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ambleside Academy
1.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Valley Center Elementary
2.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Valley Center Middle
Valley Center Middle is a public middle school in Valley Center, CA, part of Valley Center-Pauma Unified. Valley Center Middle serves approximately 778 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 22.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Valley Center Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 out of 10 and ranks #9,322 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Valley Center Middle show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 2.9 · Needs Improvement
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Valley Center Middle runs 22.2:1 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.
Valley Center Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Valley Center Middle — Students at Valley Center Middle score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
67.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 1.4/10.
How Valley Center Middle Compares
See how Valley Center Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
28751 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Valley Center Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Quantum Academy (rated 8.3/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Escondido), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hidden Valley Middle (rated 7.5/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Escondido), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Valley Center, see our Valley Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ambleside Academy Valley Center | 1.5 mi | — |
| Valley Center Elementary Valley Center | 2.7 mi | 3.0 |
| Valley Center Prep Valley Center | 2.7 mi | 4.1 |
| Valley Center Primary Valley Center | 2.7 mi | 3.4 |
| All Tribes Elementary Charter Valley Center | 3.9 mi | 6.9 |
| All Tribes Charter Valley Center | 3.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Valley Center High Valley Center | 4.6 mi | 5.5 |
| Oak Glen High Valley Center | 4.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Valley High (Continuation) Escondido | 6.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Pauma Elementary Pauma Valley | 6.4 mi | 3.6 |
| Lilac Valley Center | 5.8 mi | 3.1 |
| Ideal School Escondido | 6.5 mi | — |
| Orange Glen Elementary Escondido | 6.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Quantum Academy Escondido | 6.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Hidden Valley Middle Escondido | 7.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Morning Star Ranch Training Program Valley Center | 6.8 mi | — |
| Glen View Elementary Escondido | 7.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Orange Glen High Escondido | 7.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Heritage K-8 Charter Escondido | 7.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Escondido Charter High Escondido | 7.6 mi | 8.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92082 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$118,602
Median Home Value
$779,500
Median Rent
$1,473/mo
Population
20,596
College Educated
31.5%
Homeownership
87.9%
Avg Commute
35.8 min
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
41.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Valley Oak Middle Visalia, CA | 2.9 |
| Indio Middle Indio, CA | 3.0 |
| KIPP Sol Academy Los Angeles, CA | 2.8 |
| Mesa Linda Middle Victorville, CA | 2.8 |
| TEACH Academy of Technologies Los Angeles, CA | 3.1 |
| Acacia Middle Hemet, CA | 3.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Valley Center Middle
What grades does Valley Center Middle serve?
Valley Center Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Valley Center Middle?
Valley Center Middle has an enrollment of approximately 778 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Valley Center Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Valley Center Middle is 22.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Valley Center Middle rank in CA?
Valley Center Middle ranks #9,322 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Valley Center Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Valley Center Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 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 Valley Center Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Valley Center Middle has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Valley Center Middle a charter school?
No, Valley Center Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Valley Center Middle a Title I school?
No, Valley Center Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Valley Center Middle?
67.6% of students at Valley Center 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 778
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 67.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- San Diego County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 29.9%
- Phone
- (760) 751-4295
Resources & Links
District
Valley Center-Pauma Unified- District Enrollment
- 3,711
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,832
- District Rank
- #8 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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