Average
#3167 of 4,739 schools in NY
Saranac Lake Middle School
Middle School · SARANAC LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
79 CANARAS AVE, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Enrollment
275
Student-Teacher
9.2:1
Score
5.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
275
Student-Teacher
9.2:1
Score
5.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Saranac Lake
#3 of 4
public schools
New York middle schools
#430 of 785
In district
#3 of 4
SARANAC LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
School environment
7.4 / 10
Strong
About Saranac Lake Middle School
Saranac Lake Middle School is a public middle school located in the serene town of Saranac Lake, New York. The school serves students from sixth to eighth grade and has an enrollment of 275 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 9.2:1, the school provides personalized attention to each student, ensuring that they receive the support they need as they navigate middle school.
Saranac Lake Middle School is part of Franklin County, where it stands out for its community-focused approach despite being in a remote setting. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 3.9/10 and state ranking at #3716 out of 4758 schools suggest that while the academic performance could use some improvement, the school is dedicated to student development and growth. Math proficiency sits at 20% above average, indicating room for improvement, while reading proficiency stands at 43%, showing a stronger foundation in literacy skills.
Saranac Lake Middle School is situated in a quiet town setting where students can enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere as they transition through middle school years.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Saranac Lake Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.2:1, Saranac Lake 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
Saranac Lake Middle School — Students at Saranac Lake Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.2%
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: 6.8/10.
How Saranac Lake Middle School Compares
See how Saranac Lake Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 30% (2019) to 18% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 34% (2019) to 45% (2021).
Location
79 CANARAS AVE, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Saranac Lake Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. LAKE PLACID ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Lake Placid), which scores notably higher. Another option is MOUNTAIN LAKE ACADEMY (rated 8.2/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Lake Placid), which scores notably higher. Additionally, NORTH COUNTRY SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 13.7 miles away, in nearby Lake Placid), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Saranac Lake, see our Saranac Lake schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 31.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PETROVA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Saranac Lake | 0.0 mi | 7.5 |
| ST BERNARDS SCHOOL Saranac Lake | 0.4 mi | 5.4 |
| SARANAC LAKE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Saranac Lake | 0.4 mi | 7.2 |
| BLOOMINGDALE SCHOOL Saranac Lake | 5.8 mi | 5.0 |
| ST AGNES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Lake Placid | 7.6 mi | 5.5 |
| LAKE PLACID ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lake Placid | 8.0 mi | 8.6 |
| LAKE PLACID JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Lake Placid | 8.0 mi | 4.9 |
| MOUNTAIN LAKE ACADEMY Lake Placid | 10.5 mi | 8.2 |
| NORTH COUNTRY SCHOOL Lake Placid | 13.7 mi | 7.7 |
| L P QUINN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tupper Lake | 16.7 mi | 6.8 |
| TUPPER LAKE MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL Tupper Lake | 17.5 mi | 4.7 |
| NEWCOMB CENTRAL SCHOOL Newcomb | 24.5 mi | 7.2 |
| ADIRONDACK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Wilmington | 17.9 mi | 5.1 |
| KEENE CENTRAL SCHOOL Keene Valley | 19.6 mi | 6.6 |
| LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL Long Lake | 28.2 mi | 6.5 |
| AUSABLE FORKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Au Sable Forks | 23.9 mi | 6.0 |
| SARANAC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Saranac | 30.7 mi | 6.3 |
| SARANAC HIGH SCHOOL Saranac | 30.9 mi | 4.9 |
| SARANAC MIDDLE SCHOOL Saranac | 30.9 mi | 6.3 |
| SAINT REGIS FALLS CENTRAL SCHOOL St. Regis Falls | 31.7 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 12983 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$64,604
Median Home Value
$207,800
Median Rent
$845/mo
Population
7,410
College Educated
42.6%
Homeownership
57%
Avg Commute
14.5 min
Poverty Rate
14.4%
Median Age
44.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Saranac Lake Middle School has a median household income of $64,604. It is a well-educated community where 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $207,800, with a median rent of $845/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.4%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 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 |
|---|---|
| CANAJOHARIE MIDDLE SCHOOL Canajoharie, NY | 5.7 |
| CLEVELAND HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL Cheektowaga, NY | 5.7 |
| HUDSON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Hudson, NY | 5.7 |
| IS 192 LINDEN (THE) Saint Albans, NY | 5.7 |
| JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL Cheektowaga, NY | 5.7 |
| NORTHEASTERN CLINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Champlain, NY | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saranac Lake Middle School
What grades does Saranac Lake Middle School serve?
Saranac Lake Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Saranac Lake Middle School?
Saranac Lake Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 275 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Saranac Lake Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Saranac Lake Middle School is 9.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Saranac Lake Middle School rank in NY?
Saranac Lake Middle School is ranked #3167 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is Saranac Lake Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Saranac Lake Middle School has a composite rating of 5.7 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 Saranac Lake Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Saranac Lake Middle School has 20.0% math proficiency and 42.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Saranac Lake Middle School a charter school?
No, Saranac Lake Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Saranac Lake Middle School a Title I school?
No, Saranac Lake Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Saranac Lake Middle School?
42.2% of students at Saranac Lake 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.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 275
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Franklin County
- Phone
- (518) 891-4221
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
SARANAC LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 1,064
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $31,140
- District Rank
- #3 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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