Very Good
#464 of 3,440 schools in OH
Top 14% in state
Big Walnut Middle School
Middle School · Big Walnut Local
555 S Old 3c Rd, Sunbury, OH 43074
Enrollment
619
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
7.9
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
619
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
7.9
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sunbury
#1 of 7
public schools
Ohio middle schools
#99 of 650
In district
#1 of 8
Big Walnut Local
Academic performance
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Big Walnut Middle School
Big Walnut Middle School serves 619 students in grades 7-8 in Sunbury, Ohio, establishing itself as a strong academic performer in Delaware County. With 40 full-time teachers maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1, the school creates an environment where students receive meaningful individual attention during these crucial middle school years. Academically, Big Walnut Middle School demonstrates impressive results, ranking in the 85th percentile statewide at #534 out of 3,468 Ohio schools.
Students show particularly strong performance in English Language Arts, with 82% achieving proficient or above levels, while 70% reach proficiency in mathematics. This solid academic foundation reflects the school's commitment to preparing students for high school success. The school draws from an educated and economically stable community, where 39% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher and the median household income reaches $103,875.
The low poverty rate of 6.3% in the 43074 ZIP code area suggests families have the resources to support their children's educational journey. Big Walnut Middle School sits in Sunbury, a growing town on the fringe of the Columbus metropolitan area, offering students the benefits of a close-knit community while maintaining access to broader urban opportunities and resources.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Big Walnut Middle School — Students at Big Walnut Middle School score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
17%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores OH EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from OH state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.9/10.
How Big Walnut Middle School Compares
See how Big Walnut Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 67% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 83% (2019) to 77% (2021).
Location
555 S Old 3c Rd, Sunbury, OH 43074
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Big Walnut Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Big Walnut Intermediate School (rated 7.8/10, 1.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Berkshire Middle School (rated 7.7/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Galena), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Genoa Middle School (rated 7.2/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Westerville), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Sunbury, see our Sunbury schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 43074 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$109,541
Median Home Value
$396,600
Median Rent
$1,563/mo
Population
15,948
College Educated
40.6%
Homeownership
81.1%
Avg Commute
26.9 min
Poverty Rate
5.7%
Median Age
39.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Big Walnut Middle School has a median household income of $109,541. It is a well-educated community where 41% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $396,600, with a median rent of $1,563/month. The local poverty rate of 5.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Bellbrook Middle School Bellbrook, OH | 7.9 |
| Bexley Middle School Columbus, OH | 7.9 |
| Claggett Middle School Medina, OH | 7.9 |
| Columbia Intermediate School Kings Mills, OH | 7.9 |
| Coventry Middle School Akron, OH | 7.9 |
| Creekview Intermediate Elementary School Marysville, OH | 7.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Big Walnut Middle School
What grades does Big Walnut Middle School serve?
Big Walnut Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Big Walnut Middle School?
Big Walnut Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 619 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Walnut Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Big Walnut Middle School is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Big Walnut Middle School rank in OH?
Big Walnut Middle School is ranked #464 out of 3,440 schools in OH.
What is Big Walnut Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Big Walnut Middle School has a composite rating of 7.9 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 Big Walnut Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Big Walnut Middle School has 71.0% math proficiency and 80.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Big Walnut Middle School a charter school?
No, Big Walnut Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Big Walnut Middle School a Title I school?
No, Big Walnut Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Walnut Middle School?
17.0% of students at Big Walnut 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 619
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 40
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 17.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Delaware County
- Phone
- (740) 965-3006
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Big Walnut Local- District Enrollment
- 4,280
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,454
- District Rank
- #1 of 8
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 Schools in Akron, OH — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Columbus, OH — 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
- Moving for Schools: How to Find the Best Schools Before You Relocateguides
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.