Very Good
#1362 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 29% in state
New Paltz Middle School
Middle School · NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
196 MAIN ST, New Paltz, NY 12561
Enrollment
418
Student-Teacher
8.9:1
Score
7.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
418
Student-Teacher
8.9:1
Score
7.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In New Paltz
#4 of 5
public schools
New York middle schools
#152 of 785
In district
#4 of 4
NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
School environment
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About New Paltz Middle School
New Paltz Middle School is a regular public school serving students in grades six through eight. Located at 196 Main Street in New Paltz, New York, the school has an enrollment of 418 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 8.9:1, ensuring that each child receives ample individual attention. With 47 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to their education, the learning environment is supportive and nurturing.
The academic performance at New Paltz Middle School shows room for improvement, with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 and a state ranking of #2342 among 4758 schools in New York (placing it around the 51st percentile). Students perform better in English Language Arts (ELA/Reading) at 67% proficiency compared to math, where only 33% are proficient or above. Despite these challenges, the school is committed to student development and continuous improvement.
New Paltz Middle School is situated on the edge of an urban area, offering a blend of small-town charm and city conveniences. This setting provides students with opportunities to experience both rural and urban environments, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 8.9:1, New Paltz Middle School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
New Paltz Middle School — Students at New Paltz Middle School score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
28.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 7.5/10.
How New Paltz Middle School Compares
See how New Paltz Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 56% (2019) to 24.5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 74.5% (2021).
Location
196 MAIN ST, New Paltz, NY 12561
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering New Paltz Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 6.0 miles away, in nearby Highland), with a comparable rating. Another option is RONDOUT VALLEY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (rated 6.2/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Accord), a more accessible option. Additionally, RONDOUT VALLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.9/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Accord), a more accessible option. For more schools in New Paltz, see our New Paltz schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN LAUREL WALDORF SCHOOL New Paltz | 0.5 mi | 6.6 |
| DUZINE SCHOOL New Paltz | 1.0 mi | 8.0 |
| ULSTER BOCES New Paltz | 1.2 mi | 7.1 |
| NEW PALTZ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL New Paltz | 1.4 mi | 8.9 |
| LENAPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL New Paltz | 2.6 mi | 8.2 |
| MONTESSORI OF NEW PALTZ New Paltz | 2.7 mi | — |
| HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL Highland | 3.7 mi | 5.9 |
| GROWING CIRCLE MONTESSORI Gardiner | 5.7 mi | — |
| HIGHLAND RESIDENTIAL CENTER Highland | 5.0 mi | — |
| HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL Highland | 6.0 mi | 6.7 |
| HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Highland | 6.1 mi | 7.8 |
| HIGH MEADOW SCHOOL Stone Ridge | 8.0 mi | 6.3 |
| PLATTEKILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wallkill | 8.9 mi | 3.9 |
| RONDOUT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Accord | 7.5 mi | 6.2 |
| MARBLETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Accord | 8.4 mi | 6.7 |
| RONDOUT VALLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Accord | 7.6 mi | 5.9 |
| RONDOUT VALLEY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Accord | 7.6 mi | 6.2 |
| MILLENNIAL KINGDOM FAMILY SCHOOL Hyde Park | 7.5 mi | — |
| LITTLE WATER PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL Poughkeepsie | 7.7 mi | 3.3 |
| THE MOUNT ACADEMY Esopus | 8.9 mi | 7.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 12561 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$89,694
Median Home Value
$411,600
Median Rent
$1,603/mo
Population
18,531
College Educated
56.1%
Homeownership
58.8%
Avg Commute
25.9 min
Poverty Rate
21.5%
Median Age
30.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding New Paltz Middle School has a median household income of $89,694. It is a well-educated community where 56% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $411,600, with a median rent of $1,603/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 26 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 |
|---|---|
| JHS 144 MICHELANGELO Bronx, NY | 7.3 |
| MS 245 COMPUTER SCHOOL (THE) New York, NY | 7.3 |
| SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY: A MOTT HALL SCHOOL Bronx, NY | 7.3 |
| BRIARCLIFF MIDDLE SCHOOL Briarcliff Manor, NY | 7.2 |
| MS 255 SALK SCHOOL OF SCIENCE New York, NY | 7.2 |
| PUTNAM VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL Putnam Valley, NY | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about New Paltz Middle School
What grades does New Paltz Middle School serve?
New Paltz Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend New Paltz Middle School?
New Paltz Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 418 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at New Paltz Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at New Paltz Middle School is 8.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does New Paltz Middle School rank in NY?
New Paltz Middle School is ranked #1362 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is New Paltz Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
New Paltz Middle School has a composite rating of 7.3 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 New Paltz Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, New Paltz Middle School has 33.1% math proficiency and 66.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is New Paltz Middle School a charter school?
No, New Paltz Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is New Paltz Middle School a Title I school?
No, New Paltz Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for New Paltz Middle School?
28.9% of students at New Paltz 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 418
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 8.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 28.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Ulster County
- Phone
- (845) 256-4200
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 1,806
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $36,633
- District Rank
- #4 of 4
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
- Best Public Schools in New York 2026: Top Districts from NYC to the Suburbsbest schools
- Best Schools in New York, NY — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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