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Very Good

#340 of 1,791 schools in MA

Top 19% in state

Van Sickle Academy

Middle School · Springfield

1170 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Enrollment

252

Student-Teacher

10.1:1

Score

7.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Springfield

#9 of 67

public schools

Massachusetts middle schools

#49 of 305

In district

#10 of 61

Springfield

Academic growth

9.6 / 10

Exceptional

About Van Sickle Academy

Van Sickle Academy is a middle school serving students in Grades 6 through 8 in Springfield, Massachusetts. With an enrollment of 252 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 10.1:1, the school provides personalized attention to its young learners. Located in a mid-size city, Van Sickle Academy aims to support students during their critical middle school years.

While academic performance data shows that Van Sickle Academy has room for improvement — with state rankings placing it at 24th percentile and proficiency rates in ELA/Reading, Math, and Science hovering around 19%, 11%, and 10% respectively — the school is focused on student development and growth. The dedicated staff of 25 full-time equivalent teachers works hard to meet the needs of each individual student. Van Sickle Academy sits in a vibrant city setting that offers students access to cultural, recreational, and educational resources beyond the classroom.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.6Exceptional40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change+0.63 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2025
TrendStable
Academics5.1Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency17%
Math vs. State Avg-33.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-25.9 pts
Overall Proficiency13%
Expected (poverty-adj.)4%
vs. Expected+8.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$23,067

Van Sickle Academy — Students at Van Sickle Academy score 13% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 4%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 11.0%
School
State
42.1%
ELA Proficiency 18.6%
School
State
45.5%

Based on 74 test records from MA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2018
Math
12%
ELA
16.5%
2019
Math
9%
ELA
17.4%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
14.2%
2022
Math
9%
ELA
17%
2023
Math
13.8%
ELA
24%
2024
Math
12%
ELA
18.3%
2025
Math
12.5%
ELA
24.5%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How Van Sickle Academy Compares

See how Van Sickle Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.7/10
81th percentile in MA
Academic
5.1/10
5.1/10
Growth
9.6/10
Above average
Environment
8.2/10
Above average

Location

1170 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Van Sickle Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Dupont Middle (rated 5.4/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Chicopee), a more accessible option. Additionally, Rise Academy at Van Sickle (rated 4.3/10), a more accessible option. For more schools in Springfield, see our Springfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
The Springfield Renaissance School an Expeditionary Learning Springfield 0.0 mi 4.9
Rise Academy at Van Sickle Springfield 0.0 mi 4.3
Liberty Springfield 0.4 mi 6.1
Mary O Pottenger Springfield 0.5 mi 5.9
ACADEMY HILL SCHOOL Springfield 0.7 mi 7.1
Samuel Bowles Springfield 0.9 mi 6.5
VALLEY WEST SCHOOL Chicopee 0.9 mi 6.8
GRACE ACADEMY Springfield 1.0 mi 5.1
Glenwood Springfield 0.9 mi 6.0
Edward P. Boland School Springfield 1.1 mi 8.3
Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School Springfield 1.1 mi 7.7
Chicopee High Chicopee 1.2 mi 5.9
Springfield Public Day Elementary School Springfield 1.2 mi 6.5
Margaret C Ells Springfield 1.1 mi 6.9
Rebecca M Johnson Springfield 1.5 mi 5.2
Springfield International Academy at Johnson Springfield 1.5 mi 5.2
Phoenix Academy Public Charter High School Springfield Springfield 1.5 mi 7.1
Dupont Middle Chicopee 1.3 mi 5.4
Early Childhood Education Center Springfield 1.5 mi 6.9
RFK ACADEMY SCHOOL Springfield 1.6 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01104 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$47,530

Median Home Value

$210,800

Median Rent

$1,004/mo

Population

21,745

College Educated

12.8%

Homeownership

46.1%

Avg Commute

18.1 min

Poverty Rate

21.8%

Median Age

34.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding Van Sickle Academy has a median household income of $47,530. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $210,800, with a median rent of $1,004/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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
LANDMARK ELEMENTARYMIDDLE SCHOOL Manchester, MA 7.7
Cambridge Street Upper School Cambridge, MA 7.9
Old Hammondtown Mattapoisett, MA 7.5
Manchester Essex Regional Middle School Manchester, MA 8.0
W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School Great Barrington, MA 7.4
Pentucket Regional Middle West Newbury, MA 7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Van Sickle Academy

What grades does Van Sickle Academy serve?

Van Sickle Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Van Sickle Academy?

Van Sickle Academy has an enrollment of approximately 252 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Van Sickle Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Van Sickle Academy is 10.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Van Sickle Academy rank in MA?

Van Sickle Academy is ranked #340 out of 1,791 schools in MA.

What is Van Sickle Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Van Sickle Academy has a composite rating of 7.7 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 Van Sickle Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Van Sickle Academy has 11.0% math proficiency and 18.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Van Sickle Academy a charter school?

No, Van Sickle Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Van Sickle Academy a Title I school?

No, Van Sickle Academy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
69 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
54 Good Transit
Bike Score
56 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,756/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Springfield). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
252
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
25
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Hampden County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Springfield
District Enrollment
23,693
Schools in District
66
Per-Pupil Spending
$26,900
District Rank
#10 of 61

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 methodology

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