Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#892 of 967 schools in NE

Dawes Middle School

Middle School · LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

5130 COLFAX STREET, Lincoln, NE 68504

Enrollment

396

Student-Teacher

10.2:1

Score

3.3

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Nebraska schools

#892 of 967

In Lincoln

#58 of 61

public schools

In district

#57 of 60

LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Dawes Middle School?

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.

Dawes Middle School

3.3/10

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

Huntington Elementary School

3.1/10

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

Pershing Elementary School

5.5/10

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

About Dawes Middle School

Dawes Middle School is a public middle school in Lincoln, NE, part of LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Dawes Middle School serves approximately 396 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 10.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Dawes Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and ranks #892 of 967 schools in NE.

Structured state assessment records for Dawes Middle School show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2022) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2022).

How it compares2.4 pts below district
  • This school 3.3 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.7
  • NE avg 5.7

What Parents Should Know

46% of students at Dawes Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-3.98 pts/yr
Data Period2011–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.4Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency29% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency34% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency32% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)50% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-18.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
Resources & Environment3.8Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,573
Chronic Absenteeism45.7%

Dawes Middle School — Students at Dawes Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 47.9% (multi-year average, 2011-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 54.1% (multi-year average, 2011-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 24 test records from NE state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2011
Math
59%
ELA
68%
2012
Math
56%
ELA
73%
2013
Math
66%
ELA
74%
2014
Math
67%
ELA
79%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
78%
2016
Math
59%
ELA
40%
2017
Math
41%
ELA
45%
2018
Math
36%
ELA
41%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
41%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
38%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
38%
2022
Math
29%
ELA
34%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How Dawes Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.3/10
8th percentile in NE
Academic
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
39 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
45.7%

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

5130 COLFAX STREET, Lincoln, NE 68504

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dawes Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. MICKLE MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CULLER MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 2.8/10, 2.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Lincoln, see our Lincoln schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.7 mi
School Distance Rating
HUNTINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 0.7 mi 3.1
PERSHING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 0.9 mi 5.5
LINCOLN NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL Lincoln 1.1 mi 4.3
INFANT TODDLER AT LINCOLN NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL Lincoln 1.1 mi
BROWNELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 1.5 mi 4.6
MICKLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Lincoln 1.5 mi 5.8
RILEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 1.8 mi 4.0
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL Lincoln 1.8 mi 5.6
LINCOLN LUTHERAN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL Lincoln 1.9 mi 5.8
NORWOOD PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 1.6 mi 3.9
CULLER MIDDLE SCHOOL Lincoln 2.1 mi 2.8
NORTH STAR HIGH SCHOOL Lincoln 1.9 mi 5.4
CLINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 2.2 mi 3.9
KAHOA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 2.0 mi 6.9
HARTLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 2.4 mi 3.7
CAMPBELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 2.0 mi 3.8
ECSE - HOMEBASED Lincoln 2.7 mi 3.3
INFANT TODDLER AT BRYAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Lincoln 2.8 mi
EASTRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lincoln 3.0 mi 6.0
ST JOHN THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Lincoln 2.7 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 68504 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$52,159

Median Home Value

$169,000

Median Rent

$1,014/mo

Population

17,396

College Educated

33%

Homeownership

28.8%

Avg Commute

19.2 min

Poverty Rate

19.8%

Median Age

28.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
RALSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Ralston, NE 3.2
ALLIANCE MIDDLE SCHOOL Alliance, NE 3.6
GERING MIDDLE SCHOOL Gering, NE 3.7
NEBRASKA CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL Nebraska City, NE 2.3
BELLEVUE MISSION MIDDLE SCHOOL Bellevue, NE 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dawes Middle School

What grades does Dawes Middle School serve?

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

How many students attend Dawes Middle School?

Dawes Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 396 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Dawes Middle School is 10.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dawes Middle School rank in NE?

Dawes Middle School ranks #892 of 967 schools in NE.

What is Dawes Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dawes Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 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 Dawes Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dawes Middle School has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2022) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2022).

Is Dawes Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Dawes Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

76.5% of students at Dawes 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

Walk Score
44 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
25 Some Transit
Bike Score
69 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
396
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
39
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Lancaster County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
45.7%

District

LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District Enrollment
41,654
Schools in District
78
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,573
District Rank
#57 of 60

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

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.