Skip to main content

Very Good

#676 of 2,221 schools in MO

Top 30% in state

Pioneer Ridge Middle

Middle School · INDEPENDENCE 30

1656 S SPECK RD, Independence, MO 64057

Enrollment

817

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

7.2

Grades

7th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Missouri schools

#676 of 2,221

In Independence

#4 of 35

public schools

In district

#4 of 28

INDEPENDENCE 30

Academic growth

9.4 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Pioneer Ridge 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.

Pioneer Ridge Middle

7.2/10

Middle School in Independence · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Bingham Middle

6.7/10

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

Bridger Middle

5.4/10

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

About Pioneer Ridge Middle

Pioneer Ridge Middle is a public middle school in Independence, MO, part of INDEPENDENCE 30. Pioneer Ridge Middle serves approximately 817 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Pioneer Ridge Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #676 of 2,221 schools in MO.

Structured state assessment records for Pioneer Ridge Middle show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.8 pts above district
  • This school 7.2 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.4
  • MO avg 6.1

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.4Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change+6.38 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendImproving
Academics8.0Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency59.5% (2025 MAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.5% (2025 MAP)
Math vs. State Avg+12.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-3.1 pts
Overall Proficiency49% (2025 MAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2025 MAP)
vs. Expected+9.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile70th
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,302
Chronic Absenteeism27.9%

Pioneer Ridge Middle — Students at Pioneer Ridge Middle score 48% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MO MAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 40.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
46.7% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 46.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
42.5% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 36 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
55%
2010
Math
50%
ELA
52%
2011
Math
51%
ELA
49%
2012
Math
45%
ELA
47%
2013
Math
43%
ELA
46%
2014
Math
36%
ELA
55%
2015
Math
36%
ELA
63%
2016
Math
31%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
33%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
31%
ELA
46%
2019
Math
31%
ELA
46%
2020*
Math
25%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
32%
2024
Math
47.6%
ELA
36.7%
2025
Math
59.5%
ELA
37.5%

* 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: 9.4/10.

How Pioneer Ridge Middle Compares

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

Overall Score
7.2/10
70th percentile in MO
Academic
8.0/10
Excellent
Growth
9.4/10
Excellent
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
64%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
49 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.9%

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

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. BINGHAM MIDDLE (rated 6.7/10, 0.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, BRIDGER MIDDLE (rated 5.4/10, 0.5 miles away), a more accessible option. 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 6.7
BRIDGER MIDDLE Independence 0.5 mi 5.4
BLACKBURN ELEM. Independence 1.0 mi 6.6
SUNSHINE CENTER Independence 1.4 mi 3.2
LITTLE BLUE ELEMENTARY Independence 1.3 mi 4.8
SPRING BRANCH ELEM. Independence 1.4 mi 7.6
RANDALL ELEM. Independence 1.9 mi 7.0
GLENDALE ELEM. Independence 1.7 mi 6.4
CLER-MONT ELEM. Independence 2.1 mi 4.2
WILLIAM YATES ELEM. Independence 2.5 mi 5.5
HANTHORN EARLY EDUCATION Independence 2.1 mi
ELM GROVE ELEM. Independence 2.9 mi 5.2
EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR. Independence 2.9 mi 5.0
THOMAS HART BENTON ELEM. Independence 2.3 mi 5.7
THE SCHOOLHOUSE, INC. Independence 3.0 mi
SYCAMORE HILLS ELEM. Independence 3.1 mi 6.9
WILLIAM CHRISMAN HIGH Independence 2.9 mi 5.9
OTT ELEM. Independence 3.0 mi 3.6
BLUE HILLS ELEM. Independence 3.7 mi 6.5
TRUMAN HIGH Independence 3.3 mi 5.0

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CRESTVIEW MIDDLE Ellisville, MO 7.2
FRANCIS HOWELL MIDDLE St. Charles, MO 7.2
JEFFERSON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL St. Charles, MO 7.2
NIXA JUNIOR HIGH Nixa, MO 7.2
NORTH KIRKWOOD MIDDLE Kirkwood, MO 7.2
RAYMORE-PECULIAR SOUTH MIDDLE Peculiar, MO 7.2

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 ranks #676 of 2,221 schools in MO.

What is Pioneer Ridge Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Pioneer Ridge Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 Pioneer Ridge Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pioneer Ridge Middle has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
0 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
22 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.9%

District

INDEPENDENCE 30
District Enrollment
14,168
Schools in District
31
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,302
District Rank
#4 of 28

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.