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Below Average

#1947 of 2,216 schools in MO

West Middle School

Middle School · COLUMBIA 93

401 CLINKSCALES RD, Columbia, MO 65203

Enrollment

525

Student-Teacher

10.7:1

Score

4.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Columbia

#29 of 31

public schools

Missouri middle schools

#356 of 390

In district

#31 of 33

COLUMBIA 93

School environment

8.9 / 10

Exceptional

About West Middle School

West Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Columbia, Missouri. With an enrollment of 525 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10.7:1, the school offers personalized attention to help each student thrive academically and socially. The faculty consists of 49 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to guiding sixth through eighth graders through their formative middle school years.

West Middle School's MySchoolScout rating is 4.5 out of 10, indicating there is room for academic growth. Statewide, the school ranks at #1523 out of 2234 schools in Missouri, placing it around the 32nd percentile. In terms of test performance, 40% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 30% in Math.

While these numbers show areas for improvement, they also highlight opportunities for focused support and development. West Middle School is situated in a mid-size city setting within Boone County, offering students access to various resources and activities that enhance their educational experience beyond the classroom.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.0Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-6.89 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.1Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23%
Reading/ELA Proficiency32%
Overall Proficiency28%
Expected (poverty-adj.)37%
vs. Expected-9.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment8.9Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,719

West Middle School — Students at West Middle School score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

61%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MO EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 29.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 39.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MO state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
44%
ELA
51%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
32%

* 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: 2.0/10.

How West Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.5/10
12th percentile in MO
Academic
4.1/10
4.1/10
Growth
2.0/10
Below average
Environment
8.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
61%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
49 teachers

Location

401 CLINKSCALES RD, Columbia, MO 65203

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SMITHTON MIDDLE (rated 8.1/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbia, see our Columbia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
OUR LADY OF LOURDES INTERPARISH SCHOOL Columbia 0.4 mi 5.5
WEST BLVD. ELEM. Columbia 0.5 mi 8.0
RUSSELL BLVD. ELEM. Columbia 1.0 mi 4.1
COLUMBIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Columbia 0.9 mi
COLUMBIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL Columbia 1.1 mi 8.3
COLLEGE PARK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Columbia 1.4 mi 5.8
MARY PAXTON KEELEY ELEM. Columbia 1.2 mi 5.8
HERITAGE ACADEMY Columbia 1.5 mi 3.6
FAIRVIEW ELEM. Columbia 1.5 mi 6.8
ULYSSES S. GRANT ELEM. Columbia 1.4 mi 4.8
SMITHTON MIDDLE Columbia 1.4 mi 8.1
LA PETITE ECOLE Columbia 1.7 mi
JOHN RIDGEWAY ELEM. Columbia 1.4 mi 7.0
PARKADE ELEM. Columbia 1.6 mi 5.1
DELMAR A COBBLE SCHOOL Columbia 1.7 mi
FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH Columbia 1.6 mi 6.6
DAVID H. HICKMAN HIGH Columbia 1.7 mi 6.6
ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF COLUMBIA-MISSOURI Columbia 1.8 mi 7.9
JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Columbia 1.8 mi 8.5
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SCHOOL Columbia 2.2 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 65203 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$80,442

Median Home Value

$319,100

Median Rent

$1,035/mo

Population

59,663

College Educated

64.9%

Homeownership

63.5%

Avg Commute

17.5 min

Poverty Rate

12.3%

Median Age

36.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding West Middle School has a median household income of $80,442. It is a well-educated community where 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $319,100, with a median rent of $1,035/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.3%. 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
INTERMEDIATE SCH. Desloge, MO 4.5
KELLY A BURLISON MIDDLE SCHOOL Fredericktown, MO 4.4
MILL CREEK UPPER ELEM. Belton, MO 4.6
RAYTOWN CENTRAL MIDDLE Raytown, MO 4.6
ROGERS MIDDLE St. Louis, MO 4.4
EAST PRAIRIE MIDDLE East Prairie, MO 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Middle School

What grades does West Middle School serve?

West Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend West Middle School?

West Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 525 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at West Middle School is 10.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Middle School rank in MO?

West Middle School is ranked #1947 out of 2,216 schools in MO.

What is West Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

West Middle School has a composite rating of 4.5 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 West Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Middle School has 29.7% math proficiency and 39.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is West Middle School a charter school?

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

Is West Middle School a Title I school?

No, West Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

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

61.0% of students at West Middle School 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

City Safety
High (2,688/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
525
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
49
Free/Reduced Lunch
61.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Boone County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

COLUMBIA 93
District Enrollment
18,769
Schools in District
36
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,936
District Rank
#31 of 33

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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