Below Average
#1079 of 1,293 schools in KS
Jefferson West Middle
Middle School · Jefferson West
PO Box 410, Meriden, KS 66512
Enrollment
266
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
4.9
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
266
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
4.9
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Meriden
#2 of 3
public schools
Kansas middle schools
#182 of 222
In district
#2 of 3
Jefferson West
About Jefferson West Middle
Jefferson West Middle is a regular public middle school located in the rural setting of Meriden, Kansas. Serving students from fifth to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 266 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.6:1 with 17 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's MySchoolScout rating is 4.2 out of 10, reflecting its state ranking at #1011 out of 1298 schools in Kansas (22nd percentile).
Academically, Jefferson West Middle has an overall score of 5.2/10, with 29% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards in ELA and reading, and 30% doing the same in math. While there is room for improvement in academic performance, the school community focuses on student development and offers a supportive learning environment. Jefferson West Middle sits in a rural area where close-knit relationships between teachers, students, and families contribute to its unique character.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Jefferson West 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Jefferson West Middle — Students at Jefferson West Middle score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
38%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from KS 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: 4.2/10.
How Jefferson West Middle Compares
See how Jefferson West Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 36% (2019) to 27% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 35% (2019) to 29% (2022).
Location
PO Box 410, Meriden, KS 66512
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Jefferson West Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Seaman Middle School (rated 6.2/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Topeka), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Chase Middle School (rated 5.4/10, 10.1 miles away, in nearby Topeka), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Meriden, see our Meriden schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson West High Meriden | 0.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Jefferson West Elementary School Meriden | 0.3 mi | 7.7 |
| North Fairview Topeka | 6.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Northern Hills Elementary Topeka | 6.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Seaman Middle School Topeka | 6.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Seaman High Topeka | 7.2 mi | 3.7 |
| Tecumseh North Elem Tecumseh | 10.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Elmont Elem Topeka | 7.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Quincy Elem Topeka | 9.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Lawrence Gardner High School Topeka | 9.3 mi | 7.6 |
| Chase Middle School Topeka | 10.1 mi | 5.4 |
| Royal Valley High Hoyt | 8.6 mi | 6.7 |
| State Street Elem Topeka | 10.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Royal Valley Elementary Hoyt | 8.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Logan Elementary Topeka | 9.6 mi | 5.0 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Topeka | 9.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka | 11.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Shawnee Heights Elem Topeka | 11.9 mi | 7.1 |
| West Indianola Elem Topeka | 10.1 mi | 7.7 |
| Valley Falls Elem Valley Falls | 11.7 mi | 5.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66512 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,497
Median Home Value
$183,400
Median Rent
$975/mo
Population
3,476
College Educated
20.3%
Homeownership
81.5%
Avg Commute
23.7 min
Poverty Rate
6.1%
Median Age
37.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Jefferson West Middle has a median household income of $75,497. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $183,400, with a median rent of $975/month. The local poverty rate of 6.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| Holton Middle Holton, KS | 4.9 |
| Hutchinson Middle School 8 Hutchinson, KS | 5.0 |
| Parsons Middle School Parsons, KS | 4.8 |
| Atchison Middle School Atchison, KS | 4.7 |
| Pauline South Intermediate Wakarusa, KS | 4.7 |
| Roosevelt Middle Coffeyville, KS | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jefferson West Middle
What grades does Jefferson West Middle serve?
Jefferson West Middle serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Jefferson West Middle?
Jefferson West Middle has an enrollment of approximately 266 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Jefferson West Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Jefferson West Middle is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Jefferson West Middle rank in KS?
Jefferson West Middle is ranked #1079 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Jefferson West Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Jefferson West Middle has a composite rating of 4.9 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 Jefferson West Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Jefferson West Middle has 29.7% math proficiency and 29.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Jefferson West Middle a charter school?
No, Jefferson West Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Jefferson West Middle a Title I school?
No, Jefferson West Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Jefferson West Middle?
38.0% of students at Jefferson West 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Elevated (952/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 266
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 38.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Jefferson County
- Phone
- (785) 484-2900
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Jefferson West- District Enrollment
- 1,715
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,689
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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.
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