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#866 of 1,226 schools in OR

Waldo Middle School

Middle School · Salem-Keizer SD 24J

2805 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301

Enrollment

1,035

Student-Teacher

18.5:1

Score

5.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Salem

#25 of 57

public schools

Oregon middle schools

#131 of 207

In district

#24 of 65

Salem-Keizer SD 24J

Academic growth

7.0 / 10

Strong

About Waldo Middle School

Waldo Middle School serves 1,035 students in grades 6-8 in Salem, Oregon, with 56 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining an 18.5:1 student-teacher ratio. This regular public school faces significant academic challenges, with only 25% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and 10% meeting math standards. The school ranks in the 5th percentile statewide at #1168 out of 1,231 Oregon schools, indicating substantial room for academic growth.

Located on Lansing Avenue in Salem's 97301 ZIP code, Waldo Middle School serves a community where the median household income is $53,113 and the poverty rate reaches 20.8%. With only 18% of area residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, the school operates in a neighborhood where educational support systems may be limited. The median home value of $274,900 reflects the area's working-class character.

Despite the academic challenges, Waldo Middle School's substantial enrollment suggests it plays an important role in the community's educational landscape. The school's focus on student development becomes particularly crucial given the socioeconomic factors affecting many families in the area. Waldo Middle School sits within Salem, a mid-size city that serves as Oregon's capital and provides an urban setting for students' educational journey.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Waldo 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.0Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.26 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.3Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.7%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.2%
Math vs. State Avg-17.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-18.8 pts
Overall Proficiency19%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected-12.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile14th
Resources & Environment6.2Above Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,604

Waldo Middle School — Students at Waldo Middle School score 19% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

67.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 13.9%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 28.7%
School
State
43.0%

Based on 6 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
10%
ELA
25%
2025
Math
14.7%
ELA
24.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.0/10.

How Waldo Middle School Compares

See how Waldo Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.5/10
29th percentile in OR
Academic
3.3/10
3.3/10
Growth
7.0/10
Above average
Environment
6.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers

Location

2805 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Waldo Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Jane Goodall Environmental Middle Charter School (rated 6.4/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Parrish Middle School (rated 5.5/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Claggett Creek Middle School (rated 5.4/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Keizer), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Washington Elementary School Salem 0.2 mi 4.0
Hallman Elementary School Salem 1.1 mi 4.5
Hoover Elementary School Salem 1.2 mi 6.6
McKay High School Salem 1.0 mi 2.4
Englewood Elementary School Salem 1.3 mi 4.8
Early College High School Salem 1.2 mi 8.1
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOL Salem 1.1 mi 4.7
BLANCHET CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salem 1.2 mi 7.8
Eagle Charter School Salem 1.2 mi 8.3
Jane Goodall Environmental Middle Charter School Salem 1.2 mi 6.4
Oregon School for the Deaf Salem 1.3 mi 7.3
Claggett Creek Middle School Keizer 1.7 mi 5.4
Swegle Elementary School Salem 1.4 mi 5.3
Weddle Elementary School Keizer 1.8 mi 6.5
North Salem High School Salem 1.6 mi 5.0
Highland Elementary School Salem 1.4 mi 5.8
Parrish Middle School Salem 1.7 mi 5.5
Grant Community School Salem 1.6 mi 6.6
Scott Elementary School Salem 1.6 mi 6.2
Hayesville Elementary School Salem 2.0 mi 5.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97301 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,497

Median Home Value

$310,800

Median Rent

$1,197/mo

Population

56,274

College Educated

18.1%

Homeownership

43.2%

Avg Commute

21.4 min

Poverty Rate

20.2%

Median Age

33.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Waldo Middle School has a median household income of $57,497. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $310,800, with a median rent of $1,197/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 21 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
Parrish Middle School Salem, OR 5.5
Claggett Creek Middle School Keizer, OR 5.4
Five Oaks Middle School Beaverton, OR 5.6
Highland Park Middle School Beaverton, OR 5.6
Reynolds Middle School Fairview, OR 5.4
Thomas R Fowler Middle School Tigard, OR 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Waldo Middle School

What grades does Waldo Middle School serve?

Waldo Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Waldo Middle School?

Waldo Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,035 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Waldo Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Waldo Middle School is 18.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Waldo Middle School rank in OR?

Waldo Middle School is ranked #866 out of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Waldo Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Waldo Middle School has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Waldo Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Waldo Middle School has 13.9% math proficiency and 28.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Waldo Middle School a charter school?

No, Waldo Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Waldo Middle School a Title I school?

No, Waldo Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Waldo Middle School?

67.9% of students at Waldo 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
49 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
55 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,397/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Salem). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,035
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Marion County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Salem-Keizer SD 24J
District Enrollment
38,818
Schools in District
65
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,770
District Rank
#24 of 65

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 methodology

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