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Very Good

#293 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 23% in state

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School

Middle School · Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Comm School District

PO BOX 557 509 Main St., Sanborn, IA 51248

Enrollment

171

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

7.8

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#293 of 1,280

In district

#1 of 3

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Comm School District

Equity

8.4 / 10

Excellent

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Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School

7.8/10

Middle School in Sanborn · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Sanborn Christian School

6.8/10

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

South O'brien Elem Sch Primghar Center

6.7/10

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

About Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School is a public middle school in Sanborn, IA, part of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Comm School District. Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School serves approximately 171 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #293 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School show 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.1 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

At 171 students, Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School 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 metrics
Student Progress8.2Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.23 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.8Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency69.3% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency81.3% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-2.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+10.6 pts
Overall Proficiency75% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+10.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile67th
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,022
Chronic Absenteeism15.8%

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School — Students at Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

54.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.1% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 73.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 38 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
69.3%
ELA
81.4%

* 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: 8.2/10.

How Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School Compares

See how Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.8/10
77th percentile in IA
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
8.2/10
Excellent
Environment
7.3/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
12 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.8%

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

PO BOX 557 509 Main St., Sanborn, IA 51248

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Sheldon Middle School (rated 8.3/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Sheldon), which scores slightly higher. Another option is George-Little Rock Middle School (rated 8.2/10, 20.1 miles away, in nearby George), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Sibley-Ocheyedan Middle School (rated 7.9/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Sibley), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Sanborn, see our Sanborn schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.5 mi
School Distance Rating
SANBORN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sanborn 0.3 mi 6.8
South O'Brien Elem Sch Primghar Center Primghar 6.8 mi 6.7
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School Hartley 8.7 mi 6.5
Sheldon Middle School Sheldon 8.7 mi 8.3
Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School Hartley 8.7 mi 7.6
Little Orabs Preschool Sheldon 8.9 mi
Sheldon High School Sheldon 9.0 mi 7.1
East Elementary School Sheldon 9.2 mi 9.1
SHELDON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sheldon 9.3 mi 7.0
ST PATRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sheldon 10.0 mi 8.1
South O'Brien Secondary School Paullina 14.5 mi 7.1
ZION-ST JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL Paullina 14.7 mi 6.6
Sibley-Ocheyedan Middle School Sibley 15.7 mi 7.9
Sibley-Ocheyedan High School Sibley 15.7 mi 7.0
Sibley Ocheyedan Elementary School Sibley 15.8 mi 9.3
George-Little Rock Elementary School Little Rock 21.0 mi 8.8
Boyden-Hull Elementary School Boyden 17.4 mi 7.8
George-Little Rock Senior High School George 20.1 mi 7.2
George-Little Rock Middle School George 20.1 mi 8.2
Clay Central-Everly Elementary Royal 20.5 mi 5.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 51248 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$60,809

Median Home Value

$154,400

Median Rent

$869/mo

Population

1,643

College Educated

21.9%

Homeownership

77.4%

Poverty Rate

13.5%

Median Age

43.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Madrid Junior High School Madrid, IA 7.7
Nodaway Valley Middle School Fontanelle, IA 7.7
Southwest Valley Middle School Villisca, IA 7.7
Alburnett Middle School Alburnett, IA 7.9
Denver Middle School Denver, IA 7.9
Sibley-Ocheyedan Middle School Sibley, IA 7.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School

What grades does Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School serve?

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School?

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 171 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School rank in IA?

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School ranks #293 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School has 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School a charter school?

No, Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School a Title I school?

No, Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School?

54.4% of students at Hartley-melvin-sanborn Middle School 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
25 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
52 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
171
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
12
Free/Reduced Lunch
54.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
O'Brien County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.8%

District

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Comm School District
District Enrollment
669
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,022
District Rank
#1 of 3

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