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Average

#854 of 1,226 schools in OR

Walker Middle School

Middle School · Salem-Keizer SD 24J

1075 8th St NW, Salem, OR 97304

Enrollment

581

Student-Teacher

22.3:1

Score

5.3

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#854 of 1,226

In Salem

#17 of 57

public schools

In district

#16 of 65

Salem-Keizer SD 24J

Equity

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Walker Middle School

5.3/10

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

Harritt Elementary School

3.2/10

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

Myers Elementary School

6.4/10

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

About Walker Middle School

Walker Middle School is a public middle school in Salem, OR, part of Salem-Keizer SD 24J. Walker Middle School serves approximately 581 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 22.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Walker Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #854 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for Walker Middle School show 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts above district
  • This school 5.3 · Average
  • District avg 4.9
  • OR avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

Walker Middle School runs 22.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

46% of students at Walker Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-3.3 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.8Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.8% (2025 OSAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency49% (2025 OSAS)
Math vs. State Avg-1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6 pts
Overall Proficiency40% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected+7.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile67th
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,770
Chronic Absenteeism46.1%

Walker Middle School — Students at Walker Middle School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

66.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 62.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.8% (2025 OSAS)
ELA Proficiency 70.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
43.0% (2025 OSAS)

Based on 26 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
90%
ELA
85%
2010
Math
78%
ELA
89%
2011
Math
84%
ELA
84%
2012
Math
81%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
78%
ELA
76%
2014
Math
61%
ELA
73%
2015
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
60%
ELA
68%
2017
Math
56%
ELA
66%
2018
Math
51%
ELA
63%
2019
Math
51%
ELA
63%
2022
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2025
Math
30.8%
ELA
49%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.2/10.

How Walker Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.3/10
30th percentile in OR
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
4.2/10
Below Average
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
67%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
46.1%

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

1075 8th St NW, Salem, OR 97304

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Walker Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Howard Street Charter (rated 7.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Straub Middle School (rated 6.7/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Parrish Middle School (rated 4.1/10, 1.7 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Salem, see our Salem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Harritt Elementary School Salem 1.2 mi 3.2
Myers Elementary School Salem 0.9 mi 6.4
Chapman Hill Elementary School Salem 1.0 mi 5.6
Straub Middle School Salem 1.3 mi 6.7
CAPITAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salem 1.1 mi 4.5
Kalapuya Elementary School Salem 1.4 mi 7.4
RIVIERA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salem 1.7 mi 4.8
West Salem High School Salem 1.4 mi 5.1
Howard Street Charter Salem 1.3 mi 7.4
LITTLE FRIENDS MONTESSORI Salem 1.4 mi 7.5
ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Salem 1.4 mi 7.8
Brush College Elementary School Salem 1.9 mi 8.2
South Salem High School Salem 2.0 mi 5.3
Grant Community School Salem 1.6 mi 6.3
Highland Elementary School Salem 1.8 mi 3.7
Candalaria Elementary School Salem 2.4 mi 7.2
McKinley Elementary School Salem 2.3 mi 4.0
Parrish Middle School Salem 1.7 mi 4.1
ST JOHN LUTHERAN PREKINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN Salem 1.9 mi
Bush Elementary School Salem 1.9 mi 3.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97304 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$91,731

Median Home Value

$469,500

Median Rent

$1,441/mo

Population

34,846

College Educated

39.4%

Homeownership

64.7%

Avg Commute

24.3 min

Poverty Rate

9.6%

Median Age

38.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Cascade Middle School Eugene, OR 5.3
McLoughlin Middle School Medford, OR 5.3
Talmadge Middle School Independence, OR 5.3
Scenic Middle School Central Point, OR 5.2
Sweet Home Junior High School Sweet Home, OR 5.2
Roseway Heights School Portland, OR 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Walker Middle School

What grades does Walker Middle School serve?

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

How many students attend Walker Middle School?

Walker Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 581 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Walker Middle School is 22.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Walker Middle School rank in OR?

Walker Middle School ranks #854 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Walker Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Walker Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 Walker Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Walker Middle School has 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Walker Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Walker Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

66.8% of students at Walker 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
63 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
37 Some Transit
Bike Score
74 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
581
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
66.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
46.1%

District

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

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