Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#2114 of 2,221 schools in MO

East Middle

Middle School · JOPLIN SCHOOLS

PO BOX 128, Joplin, MO 64802

Enrollment

586

Student-Teacher

14.3:1

Score

3.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Missouri schools

#2,114 of 2,221

In Joplin

#14 of 15

public schools

In district

#14 of 15

JOPLIN SCHOOLS

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around East Middle?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

East Middle

3.6/10

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

Soaring Heights Elem.

6.4/10

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

Eastmorland Elem.

3.6/10

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

About East Middle

East Middle is a public middle school in Joplin, MO, part of JOPLIN SCHOOLS. East Middle serves approximately 586 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio. East Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,114 of 2,221 schools in MO.

Structured state assessment records for East Middle show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.8
  • MO avg 6.1

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.9Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-8.9 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency38.3% (2025 MAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency36.4% (2025 MAP)
Math vs. State Avg-10.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.5 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2025 MAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2025 MAP)
vs. Expected-1.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile40th
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,792
Chronic Absenteeism21.7%

East Middle — Students at East Middle score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

64.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MO MAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 36.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
47.1% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 41.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
42.0% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 39 test records from MO state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
55%
ELA
48%
2010
Math
53%
ELA
50%
2011
Math
43%
ELA
44%
2012
Math
45%
ELA
47%
2013
Math
37%
ELA
44%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
45%
2015
Math
21%
ELA
45%
2016
Math
25%
ELA
44%
2017
Math
24%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
44%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
44%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
40%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
40%
2022
Math
29%
ELA
29%
2024
Math
55.4%
ELA
37.1%
2025
Math
38.3%
ELA
36.4%

* 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: 1.9/10.

How East Middle Compares

See how East Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.6/10
5th percentile in MO
Academic
5.7/10
Average
Growth
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
65%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.7%

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

PO BOX 128, Joplin, MO 64802

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering East Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ST PETERS MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 3.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is SOUTH MIDDLE (rated 6.9/10, 3.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, WEBB CITY JR. HIGH (rated 6.5/10, 5.5 miles away, in nearby Webb City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Joplin, see our Joplin schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.6 mi
School Distance Rating
SOARING HEIGHTS ELEM. Joplin 0.1 mi 6.4
EASTMORLAND ELEM. Joplin 1.7 mi 3.6
COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Joplin 2.1 mi 5.6
COLLEGE VIEW SCHOOL Joplin 2.4 mi
THOMAS JEFFERSON INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL Joplin 2.5 mi 7.8
MCKINLEY ELEM. Joplin 2.5 mi 6.8
MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL Joplin 2.6 mi 6.4
KELSEY NORMAN ELEM. Joplin 2.9 mi 8.5
ROYAL HEIGHTS ELEM. Joplin 3.4 mi 6.7
JOPLIN HIGH Joplin 3.2 mi 5.8
SOUTH MIDDLE Joplin 3.9 mi 6.9
STAPLETON ELEM. Joplin 3.9 mi 7.9
MCAULEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Joplin 3.8 mi 7.6
ST PETERS MIDDLE SCHOOL Joplin 3.9 mi 7.5
Dover Hill Elementary Joplin 4.3 mi 6.4
EUGENE FIELD ELEM. Webb City 5.1 mi 3.6
NORTH MIDDLE Joplin 4.4 mi 3.8
WEBB CITY JR. HIGH Webb City 5.5 mi 6.5
IRVING ELEMENTARY Joplin 4.5 mi 4.2
JOPLIN EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR. Joplin 4.6 mi 3.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
PACIFIC INTERMEDIATE Pacific, MO 3.6
YEATMAN-LIDDELL MIDDLE SCHOOL St. Louis, MO 3.6
POPLAR BLUFF JR. HIGH Poplar Bluff, MO 3.7
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE St. Louis, MO 3.7
BRITTANY WOODS University City, MO 3.8
GATEWAY MIDDLE St. Louis, MO 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about East Middle

What grades does East Middle serve?

East Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend East Middle?

East Middle has an enrollment of approximately 586 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at East Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at East Middle is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does East Middle rank in MO?

East Middle ranks #2,114 of 2,221 schools in MO.

What is East Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

East Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 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 East Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, East Middle has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is East Middle a charter school?

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

Is East Middle a Title I school?

No, East Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for East Middle?

64.8% of students at East 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
28 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
586
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
41
Free/Reduced Lunch
64.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small Suburb
County
Jasper County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.7%

District

JOPLIN SCHOOLS
District Enrollment
7,746
Schools in District
16
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,792
District Rank
#14 of 15

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.