Skip to main content

Below Average

#1465 of 1,750 schools in OK

Tonkawa MS

Middle School · TONKAWA

500 East North Avenue, Tonkawa, OK 74653

Enrollment

177

Student-Teacher

17.7:1

Score

4.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oklahoma schools

#1,465 of 1,750

In Tonkawa

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

TONKAWA

Academic growth

7.2 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Tonkawa MS?

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.

Tonkawa MS

4.9/10

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

Tonkawa HS

8.2/10

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

Tonkawa ES

6.5/10

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

About Tonkawa MS

Tonkawa MS is a public middle school in Tonkawa, OK, part of TONKAWA. Tonkawa MS serves approximately 177 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Tonkawa MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,465 of 1,750 schools in OK.

Structured state assessment records for Tonkawa MS show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.8 pts below OK schools
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • OK avg 5.7

What Parents Should Know

At 177 students, Tonkawa MS is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at Tonkawa MS sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Tonkawa MS sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.2Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-8.5 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.8Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10% (2025 OSTP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency13% (2025 OSTP)
Overall Proficiency12% (2025 OSTP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)28% (model expectation from 2025 OSTP)
vs. Expected-16.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile10th
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$8,877
Chronic Absenteeism17.5%

Tonkawa MS — Students at Tonkawa MS score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

66.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OK OSTP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 28.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 35.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 48 test records from OK state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2022
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2024
Math
12%
ELA
28.5%
2025
Math
10.5%
ELA
13%

* 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: 7.2/10.

How Tonkawa MS Compares

See how Tonkawa MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
16th percentile in OK
Academic
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
7.2/10
Very Good
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
66%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.5%

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

500 East North Avenue, Tonkawa, OK 74653

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tonkawa MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. PONCA CITY WEST MS (rated 5.9/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Ponca City), which scores slightly higher. Another option is PONCA CITY EAST MS (rated 5.6/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Ponca City), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, BLACKWELL MS (rated 5.5/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Blackwell), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Tonkawa, see our Tonkawa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.9 mi
School Distance Rating
TONKAWA HS Tonkawa 0.0 mi 8.2
TONKAWA ES Tonkawa 0.2 mi 6.5
BLACKWELL HS Blackwell 7.5 mi 8.5
BLACKWELL MS Blackwell 7.8 mi 5.5
BLACKWELL ES Blackwell 7.9 mi 7.5
LINCOLN ES Ponca City 11.3 mi 5.0
BILLINGS ES Billings 12.9 mi 6.0
BILLINGS HS Billings 12.9 mi
PONCA CITY WEST MS Ponca City 11.5 mi 5.9
LIBERTY ES Ponca City 12.2 mi 6.4
UNION ES Ponca City 12.8 mi 4.5
FIRST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Ponca City 12.7 mi 5.6
PONCA CITY EAST MS Ponca City 12.7 mi 5.6
ST MARY'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ponca City 12.8 mi 7.8
GARFIELD ES Ponca City 12.8 mi 5.0
PONCA CITY HS Ponca City 12.8 mi 4.6
ROOSEVELT ES Ponca City 13.0 mi 6.0
WASHINGTON PRE KG CENTER Ponca City 13.0 mi 3.5
PECKHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL Newkirk 15.8 mi 7.4
WOODLANDS ES Ponca City 13.9 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 74653 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,259

Median Home Value

$86,200

Median Rent

$753/mo

Population

3,689

College Educated

21.9%

Homeownership

72.5%

Avg Commute

18.2 min

Poverty Rate

16.5%

Median Age

35.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CANEY VALLEY MS Ramona, OK 5.0
FAIRLAND MS Fairland, OK 5.0
HULBERT MS Hulbert, OK 5.0
HOMINY MS Hominy, OK 4.8
MANGUM MS Mangum, OK 4.8
PAWHUSKA MS Pawhuska, OK 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tonkawa MS

What grades does Tonkawa MS serve?

Tonkawa MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Tonkawa MS?

Tonkawa MS has an enrollment of approximately 177 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tonkawa MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Tonkawa MS is 17.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tonkawa MS rank in OK?

Tonkawa MS ranks #1,465 of 1,750 schools in OK.

What is Tonkawa MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Tonkawa MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Tonkawa MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Tonkawa MS has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Tonkawa MS a charter school?

No, Tonkawa MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Tonkawa MS a Title I school?

No, Tonkawa MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Tonkawa MS?

66.1% of students at Tonkawa MS 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
47 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
44 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
177
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
66.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Kay County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.5%

District

TONKAWA
District Enrollment
799
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,877
District Rank
#3 of 3

Other Schools in This District

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.