Needs Improvement
#424 of 478 private schools in IN
Nature Valley School
Middle School
1115 S 400 E, Lagrange, IN 46761
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on IN statewide data. Learn more
Enrollment
34
Student-Teacher
17:1
Score
3.5
Grades
1st – 8th
Enrollment
34
Student-Teacher
17:1
Score
3.5
Grades
1st – 8th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Lagrange
#5 of 6
public schools
Indiana middle schools
#67 of 120
About Nature Valley School
Nature Valley School is a small, rural public school located at 1115 S 400 E in Lagrange, Indiana. Serving students from first to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of just 34 students and employs two full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. With limited test score data available, it’s clear that Nature Valley School is focused on fostering a nurturing environment where each child can grow and develop at their own pace.
The school's setting in a rural area provides a unique learning atmosphere, offering students the opportunity to connect with nature and explore community projects that are closely tied to local surroundings. Despite its modest academic ranking, Nature Valley School prioritizes individualized attention and support for every student, making it a close-knit community where everyone knows each other well.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 34 students, Nature Valley School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
As a private school, Nature Valley School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Located in a rural area, Nature Valley School 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.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Nature Valley School compares to 5 public schools serving similar grades in Lagrange, IN
Student Demographics
Nearby Middle Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Nature Valley School (this school) | 3.5 |
| Lakeland Primary School | 7.6 |
| Lakeland Intermediate School | 7.2 |
| Lakeland Jr/Sr High School | 5.4 |
| Prairie Heights Elementary School | 5.9 |
| Prairie Heights Middle School | 5.9 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in IN.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in IN
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
1115 S 400 E, Lagrange, IN 46761
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nature Valley School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Prairie Heights Middle School (rated 5.9/10, 7.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CREEKSIDE AMISH SCHOOL (rated 4.8/10, 4.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MAPLE GROVE SCHOOL (rated 4.8/10, 6.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lagrange, see our Lagrange schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL Lagrange | 1.4 mi | — |
| NEW VALENTINE AMISH SCHOOL Lagrange | 3.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Lakeland Intermediate School Lagrange | 3.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Lakeland Primary School Lagrange | 3.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Lagrange | 3.8 mi | 5.4 |
| CREEKSIDE AMISH SCHOOL Lagrange | 4.5 mi | 4.8 |
| COUNTRYSIDE SCHOOL Lagrange | 4.5 mi | — |
| Wolcott Mills Elementary School Wolcottville | 6.6 mi | — |
| ANDERSEN TRAIL SCHOOL Lagrange | 5.8 mi | 4.6 |
| MORNING STAR Lagrange | 5.9 mi | — |
| Lima - Brighton Elementary Howe | 7.8 mi | — |
| LAKESIDE SCHOOL Wolcottville | 7.0 mi | 3.1 |
| MAPLE GROVE SCHOOL Lagrange | 6.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Rome City Elementary School Rome City | 9.2 mi | 6.1 |
| SUNRISE RIDGE Lagrange | 7.2 mi | — |
| Prairie Heights Elementary School Lagrange | 7.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Prairie Heights Sr High School Lagrange | 7.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Prairie Heights Middle School Lagrange | 7.6 mi | 5.9 |
| GOLDEN RULE SCHOOL Lagrange | 8.6 mi | 2.8 |
| Eastwood School Sturgis | 11.9 mi | 6.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46761 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,088
Median Home Value
$205,200
Median Rent
$766/mo
Population
11,985
College Educated
9.7%
Homeownership
79.6%
Avg Commute
21.2 min
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Median Age
33.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nature Valley School has a median household income of $72,088. It is a community where 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $205,200, with a median rent of $766/month. The local poverty rate of 8.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| CEDAR GROVE AMISH SCHOOL Montgomery, IN | 3.5 |
| COUNTRY CORNER SCHOOL Monroe, IN | 3.5 |
| SHIPSHE MEADOWS SCHOOL Shipshewana, IN | 3.5 |
| COUNTRY LANE SCHOOL Middlebury, IN | 3.4 |
| COUNTRY MEADOW South Whitley, IN | 3.4 |
| HILLSIDE AMISH SCHOOL Goshen, IN | 3.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nature Valley School
What grades does Nature Valley School serve?
Nature Valley School serves students in grades 1st through 8th.
How many students attend Nature Valley School?
Nature Valley School has an enrollment of approximately 34 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nature Valley School?
The student-teacher ratio at Nature Valley School is 17:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Nature Valley School rank in IN?
Nature Valley School is ranked #424 out of 478 private schools in IN.
What is Nature Valley School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nature Valley School has a composite rating of 3.5 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.
Is Nature Valley School a private school?
Yes, Nature Valley School is a private coeducational school with a Amish affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Nature Valley School a religious school?
Nature Valley School has a Amish religious affiliation.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Average (584/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lagrange). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- 1st – 8th
- Enrollment
- 34
- Gender Split
- 65% M / 35% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 2
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Amish
- School Day
- 6.5 hours
- Days Per Year
- 167 days
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- LAGRANGE
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
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