Very Good
#1255 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 27% in state
South Ocean Middle School
Middle School · PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
225 S OCEAN AVE, Patchogue, NY 11772
Enrollment
559
Student-Teacher
9.8:1
Score
7.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
559
Student-Teacher
9.8:1
Score
7.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Patchogue
#6 of 8
public schools
New York middle schools
#138 of 785
In district
#8 of 11
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Academic growth
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About South Ocean Middle School
South Ocean Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Patchogue, New York, in Suffolk County. The school serves students in grades six through eight and has an enrollment of 559 students with a student-teacher ratio of 9.8:1. With 57 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, South Ocean Middle School offers personalized attention to each student.
The academic performance at South Ocean Middle School is reflected in its MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and state ranking of #2004 among 4758 schools in New York, placing it in the 58th percentile. In terms of subject proficiency, the school shows a higher percentage of students performing proficiently or above in math (58%) compared to ELA/reading (17%). While there is room for improvement in certain areas, South Ocean Middle School focuses on providing strong academic support and development opportunities.
The school sits in a large suburban area that offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and nearby amenities. South Ocean Middle School is an integral part of the Patchogue community, contributing to the educational landscape with its dedicated staff and supportive environment for students.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.8:1, South Ocean 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
South Ocean Middle School — Students at South Ocean Middle School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
59%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 3 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.9/10.
How South Ocean Middle School Compares
See how South Ocean Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 75% (2021).
Location
225 S OCEAN AVE, Patchogue, NY 11772
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Ocean Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. OREGON MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 3.3 miles away, in nearby Medford), which scores slightly higher. Another option is SAXTON MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 1.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, JAMES WILSON YOUNG MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 6.2/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby Bayport), a more accessible option. For more schools in Patchogue, see our Patchogue schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HOLY ANGELS REGIONAL SCHOOL Patchogue | 0.1 mi | 5.3 |
| BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patchogue | 0.4 mi | 7.8 |
| RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patchogue | 0.6 mi | 8.1 |
| MEDFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patchogue | 1.1 mi | 8.8 |
| SAXTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Patchogue | 1.7 mi | 7.1 |
| EASTERN SUFFOLK BOCES Patchogue | 1.6 mi | 7.1 |
| BLUE POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Blue Point | 1.5 mi | 8.5 |
| CANAAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patchogue | 1.9 mi | 8.0 |
| BARTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patchogue | 2.0 mi | 8.8 |
| JAMES WILSON YOUNG MIDDLE SCHOOL Bayport | 2.0 mi | 6.2 |
| SYLVAN AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bayport | 2.0 mi | 9.6 |
| TREMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Medford | 3.1 mi | 3.7 |
| BAYPORT-BLUE POINT HIGH SCHOOL Bayport | 2.6 mi | 8.6 |
| OREGON MIDDLE SCHOOL Medford | 3.3 mi | 8.2 |
| VERNE W CRITZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL East Patchogue | 2.6 mi | 6.9 |
| ACADEMY STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bayport | 2.8 mi | 8.7 |
| VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY East Patchogue | 2.7 mi | 6.9 |
| PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL Medford | 3.6 mi | 6.1 |
| TAMARAC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Holbrook | 3.5 mi | 8.2 |
| SUNRISE DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sayville | 3.2 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 11772 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$105,246
Median Home Value
$450,600
Median Rent
$2,015/mo
Population
45,006
College Educated
32.7%
Homeownership
70.3%
Avg Commute
32.6 min
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Median Age
40.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Ocean Middle School has a median household income of $105,246. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $450,600, with a median rent of $2,015/month. The local poverty rate of 6.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 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 |
|---|---|
| MATH AND SCIENCE EXPLORATORY SCHOOL (THE) Brooklyn, NY | 7.4 |
| MOTT HALL II New York, NY | 7.4 |
| MS 101 EDWARD R BYRNE Bronx, NY | 7.4 |
| MS 180 DR DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS Bronx, NY | 7.4 |
| PAUL J GELINAS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL East Setauket, NY | 7.4 |
| TURTLE HOOK MIDDLE SCHOOL Uniondale, NY | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Ocean Middle School
What grades does South Ocean Middle School serve?
South Ocean Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend South Ocean Middle School?
South Ocean Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 559 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Ocean Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Ocean Middle School is 9.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Ocean Middle School rank in NY?
South Ocean Middle School is ranked #1255 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is South Ocean Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Ocean Middle School has a composite rating of 7.4 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 South Ocean Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Ocean Middle School has 58.5% math proficiency and 17.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Ocean Middle School a charter school?
No, South Ocean Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Ocean Middle School a Title I school?
No, South Ocean Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Ocean Middle School?
59.0% of students at South Ocean 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 559
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 57
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 59.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Suffolk County
- Phone
- (631) 687-6600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 7,463
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $26,659
- District Rank
- #8 of 11
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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