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Excellent

#191 of 1,823 schools in IN

Top 10% in state

Benjamin Franklin Middle School

Middle School · Valparaiso Community Schools

605 Campbell, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Enrollment

806

Student-Teacher

14.1:1

Score

8.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#191 of 1,823

In Valparaiso

#11 of 23

public schools

In district

#6 of 11

Valparaiso Community Schools

Equity

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Benjamin Franklin Middle School

8.5/10

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

Central Elementary School

8.7/10

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

Memorial Elementary School

8.4/10

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

About Benjamin Franklin Middle School

Benjamin Franklin Middle School is a public middle school in Valparaiso, IN, part of Valparaiso Community Schools. Benjamin Franklin Middle School serves approximately 806 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Benjamin Franklin Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.5 out of 10 and ranks #191 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Benjamin Franklin Middle School show 70% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 8.5 · Excellent
  • District avg 8.3
  • IN avg 5.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.4 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics8.5Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency60.2% (2025 ILEARN)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.9% (2025 ILEARN)
Math vs. State Avg+20.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+21.3 pts
Overall Proficiency61% (2025 ILEARN, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)57% (model expectation from 2025 ILEARN)
vs. Expected+4.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile77th
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,533
Chronic Absenteeism10.7%

Benjamin Franklin Middle School — Students at Benjamin Franklin Middle School score 61% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

22.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 69.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
38.2% (2025 ILEARN)
ELA Proficiency 76.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.5% (2025 ILEARN)

Based on 37 test records from IN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
88%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
89%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
91%
ELA
93%
2012
Math
91%
ELA
89%
2013
Math
91%
ELA
88%
2014
Math
70%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
69%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
70%
ELA
80%
2017
Math
73%
ELA
82%
2018
Math
63%
ELA
73%
2019
Math
63%
ELA
73%
2020*
Math
49%
ELA
65%
2021*
Math
49%
ELA
65%
2022
Math
57%
2025
Math
60.2%
ELA
61.9%

* 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: 8.6/10.

How Benjamin Franklin Middle School Compares

See how Benjamin Franklin Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.5/10
90th percentile in IN
Academic
8.5/10
Excellent
Growth
8.6/10
Excellent
Environment
8.2/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
22%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
57 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
10.7%

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

605 Campbell, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Benjamin Franklin Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Northview Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Thomas Jefferson Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, John Simatovich Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 4.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Valparaiso, see our Valparaiso schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Elementary School Valparaiso 0.3 mi 8.7
Memorial Elementary School Valparaiso 0.4 mi 8.4
Northview Elementary School Valparaiso 0.7 mi 9.2
ST PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Valparaiso 1.1 mi 6.6
Valparaiso High School Valparaiso 1.4 mi 7.9
MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF VALPARAISO Valparaiso 1.4 mi
Parkview Elementary School Valparaiso 1.2 mi 8.5
Thomas Jefferson Middle School Valparaiso 1.3 mi 8.1
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Valparaiso 1.4 mi 9.2
Heavilin Elementary School Valparaiso 1.9 mi 8.9
Cooks Corners Elementary School Valparaiso 1.9 mi 8.0
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Valparaiso 1.7 mi 7.5
Flint Lake Elementary School Valparaiso 2.7 mi 8.5
VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, INC Valparaiso 2.8 mi 7.2
VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Valparaiso 3.3 mi 7.7
Washington Twp Middle/High School Valparaiso 3.8 mi 8.5
Washington Twp Elementary School Valparaiso 3.9 mi 5.5
John Simatovich Elementary School Valparaiso 4.8 mi 9.1
SHULTS-LEWIS SCHOOL Valparaiso 6.0 mi
Morgan Township Middle/High School Valparaiso 5.9 mi 7.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 46385 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$97,208

Median Home Value

$305,400

Median Rent

$1,225/mo

Population

41,390

College Educated

34.3%

Homeownership

87.9%

Avg Commute

30.5 min

Poverty Rate

7.4%

Median Age

43.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Chesterton Middle School Chesterton, IN 8.6
LaPorte Middle School Laporte, IN 8.4
Avon Intermediate School East Avon, IN 8.3
Avon Intermediate School West Avon, IN 8.3
Avon Middle School South Avon, IN 8.3
Castle South Middle School Newburgh, IN 8.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Benjamin Franklin Middle School

What grades does Benjamin Franklin Middle School serve?

Benjamin Franklin Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Benjamin Franklin Middle School?

Benjamin Franklin Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 806 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Franklin Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Benjamin Franklin Middle School rank in IN?

Benjamin Franklin Middle School ranks #191 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Benjamin Franklin Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Benjamin Franklin Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.5 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 Benjamin Franklin Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Benjamin Franklin Middle School has 70% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Benjamin Franklin Middle School a charter school?

No, Benjamin Franklin Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Benjamin Franklin Middle School a Title I school?

No, Benjamin Franklin Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benjamin Franklin Middle School?

22.3% of students at Benjamin Franklin 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
77 Very Walkable
Transit Score
22 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
55 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
806
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
57
Free/Reduced Lunch
22.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Small Suburb
County
Porter County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
10.7%

District

Valparaiso Community Schools
District Enrollment
6,441
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,533
District Rank
#6 of 11

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