Needs Improvement
#2113 of 2,216 schools in MO
Pioneer Ridge Middle
Middle School · INDEPENDENCE 30
1656 S SPECK RD, Independence, MO 64057
Enrollment
817
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
3.8
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
817
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
3.8
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Independence
#31 of 35
public schools
Missouri middle schools
#374 of 390
In district
#24 of 28
INDEPENDENCE 30
About Pioneer Ridge Middle
Pioneer Ridge Middle serves grades 7 and 8 in Independence, Missouri, with an enrollment of 817 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.7:1. Located on South Speck Road in a large suburban area, the school is a regular public institution with 49 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Academically, Pioneer Ridge Middle is working to build student proficiency across core subjects.
In English Language Arts, 40% of students scored at proficient levels or above, while mathematics shows an area with room for growth, with 26% of students reaching proficiency. The school's academic score of 3.0 out of 10 reflects these developmental areas, and it ranks 1,845th out of 2,234 schools statewide, placing it in the lower percentile range. These metrics suggest the school is focused on strengthening instructional practices and student achievement in both literacy and mathematical reasoning.
Pioneer Ridge Middle is positioned within Independence's suburban community, offering a middle school experience for students transitioning through their early adolescent years. Families considering the school should view it as an institution with room for academic growth and development.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pioneer Ridge Middle — Students at Pioneer Ridge 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
63.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MO EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MO 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: 4.1/10.
How Pioneer Ridge Middle Compares
See how Pioneer Ridge Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 31% (2019) to 23% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 46% (2019) to 32% (2022).
Location
1656 S SPECK RD, Independence, MO 64057
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pioneer Ridge Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. BRIDGER MIDDLE (rated 6.5/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, BINGHAM MIDDLE (rated 4.1/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BINGHAM MIDDLE Independence | 0.2 mi | 4.1 |
| BRIDGER MIDDLE Independence | 0.5 mi | 6.5 |
| BLACKBURN ELEM. Independence | 1.0 mi | 4.6 |
| SUNSHINE CENTER Independence | 1.4 mi | 5.1 |
| LITTLE BLUE ELEMENTARY Independence | 1.3 mi | 6.8 |
| SPRING BRANCH ELEM. Independence | 1.4 mi | 4.3 |
| RANDALL ELEM. Independence | 1.9 mi | 5.8 |
| GLENDALE ELEM. Independence | 1.7 mi | 6.7 |
| CLER-MONT ELEM. Independence | 2.1 mi | 7.6 |
| WILLIAM YATES ELEM. Independence | 2.5 mi | 8.4 |
| HANTHORN EARLY EDUCATION Independence | 2.1 mi | — |
| ELM GROVE ELEM. Independence | 2.9 mi | 2.9 |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR. Independence | 2.9 mi | 7.0 |
| THOMAS HART BENTON ELEM. Independence | 2.3 mi | 5.4 |
| THE SCHOOLHOUSE, INC. Independence | 3.0 mi | — |
| SYCAMORE HILLS ELEM. Independence | 3.1 mi | 6.3 |
| WILLIAM CHRISMAN HIGH Independence | 2.9 mi | 4.0 |
| OTT ELEM. Independence | 3.0 mi | 5.4 |
| BLUE HILLS ELEM. Independence | 3.7 mi | 5.3 |
| TRUMAN HIGH Independence | 3.3 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 64057 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,441
Median Home Value
$235,700
Median Rent
$1,139/mo
Population
14,509
College Educated
28.5%
Homeownership
60.4%
Avg Commute
22.9 min
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Median Age
42.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pioneer Ridge Middle has a median household income of $71,441. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $235,700, with a median rent of $1,139/month. The local poverty rate of 5.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| FERGUSON MIDDLE Ferguson, MO | 3.8 |
| RAYTOWN MIDDLE Kansas City, MO | 3.8 |
| ROLLA JR. HIGH Rolla, MO | 3.9 |
| CROSS KEYS MIDDLE Florissant, MO | 3.6 |
| ROBERT H. SPERRENG MIDDLE St. Louis, MO | 4.0 |
| TRUMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL St. Louis, MO | 4.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pioneer Ridge Middle
What grades does Pioneer Ridge Middle serve?
Pioneer Ridge Middle serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Pioneer Ridge Middle?
Pioneer Ridge Middle has an enrollment of approximately 817 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Ridge Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Ridge Middle is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pioneer Ridge Middle rank in MO?
Pioneer Ridge Middle is ranked #2113 out of 2,216 schools in MO.
What is Pioneer Ridge Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Pioneer Ridge Middle has a composite rating of 3.8 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 Pioneer Ridge Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pioneer Ridge Middle has 26.3% math proficiency and 40.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Pioneer Ridge Middle a charter school?
No, Pioneer Ridge Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pioneer Ridge Middle a Title I school?
No, Pioneer Ridge Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pioneer Ridge Middle?
63.6% of students at Pioneer Ridge 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
- City Safety
- High (4,110/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Independence). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 817
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 49
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 63.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Jackson County
- Phone
- (816) 521-5385
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
INDEPENDENCE 30- District Enrollment
- 14,168
- Schools in District
- 31
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,302
- District Rank
- #24 of 28
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.
Read our full methodologyRelated 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.