Below Average
#6552 of 8,552 schools in TX
Merkel Middle
Middle School · MERKEL ISD
P O BOX 430, Merkel, TX 79536
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher
10.5:1
Score
4.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
242
Student-Teacher
10.5:1
Score
4.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Texas schools
#6,552 of 8,552
In Merkel
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
MERKEL ISD
School environment
7.3 / 10
Very Good
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Merkel Middle
Middle School in Merkel · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Merkel EL
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Merkel H S
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Merkel Middle
Merkel Middle is a public middle school in Merkel, TX, part of MERKEL ISD. Merkel Middle serves approximately 242 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Merkel Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #6,552 of 8,552 schools in TX.
Structured state assessment records for Merkel Middle show 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.9 · Below Average
- TX avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
Merkel Middle 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Merkel Middle — Students at Merkel Middle score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
44.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX STAAR (2023-24)
Based on 30 test records from TX 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: 4.1/10.
How Merkel Middle Compares
See how Merkel Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
P O BOX 430, Merkel, TX 79536
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Merkel Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. HAWLEY MIDDLE (rated 4.9/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Hawley), with a very similar rating. Another option is CLACK MIDDLE (rated 3.9/10, 13.2 miles away, in nearby Abilene), a more accessible option. Additionally, MANN MIDDLE (rated 3.6/10, 14.8 miles away, in nearby Abilene), a more accessible option. For more schools in Merkel, see our Merkel schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MERKEL EL Merkel | 0.1 mi | 5.3 |
| MERKEL H S Merkel | 0.5 mi | 5.1 |
| TRENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Trent | 7.0 mi | 6.4 |
| DYESS EL Abilene | 12.3 mi | 5.3 |
| CLACK MIDDLE Abilene | 13.2 mi | 3.9 |
| BASSETTI EL Abilene | 13.4 mi | 5.3 |
| ST JOHNS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Abilene | 13.4 mi | 7.1 |
| STAFFORD EL Abilene | 13.8 mi | 5.4 |
| BONHAM EL Abilene | 14.1 mi | 4.6 |
| HAWLEY H S Hawley | 15.3 mi | 6.8 |
| HAWLEY MIDDLE Hawley | 15.3 mi | 4.9 |
| AUSTIN EL Abilene | 14.5 mi | 5.5 |
| PURCELL EL Abilene | 14.5 mi | 3.0 |
| HAWLEY EL Hawley | 15.5 mi | 4.5 |
| LONG EARLY LEARNING CENTER Abilene | 14.6 mi | 3.7 |
| WYLIE H S Abilene | 15.0 mi | 6.8 |
| MANN MIDDLE Abilene | 14.8 mi | 3.6 |
| WARD EL Abilene | 15.1 mi | 5.5 |
| CROCKETT EARLY HEADSTART Abilene | 15.0 mi | 3.3 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Abilene | 15.2 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 79536 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,346
Median Home Value
$133,300
Median Rent
$1,187/mo
Population
6,080
College Educated
14.2%
Homeownership
80.1%
Avg Commute
29.3 min
Poverty Rate
15.5%
Median Age
31.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BOYD INT Boyd, TX | 4.9 |
| HAWLEY MIDDLE Hawley, TX | 4.9 |
| O W SADBERRY SR INT Bryan, TX | 4.9 |
| TRENTON MIDDLE Trenton, TX | 4.9 |
| ARP J H Arp, TX | 5.0 |
| COAHOMA J H Coahoma, TX | 5.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Merkel Middle
What grades does Merkel Middle serve?
Merkel Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Merkel Middle?
Merkel Middle has an enrollment of approximately 242 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Merkel Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Merkel Middle is 10.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Merkel Middle rank in TX?
Merkel Middle ranks #6,552 of 8,552 schools in TX.
What is Merkel Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Merkel Middle 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 Merkel Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Merkel Middle has 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Merkel Middle a charter school?
No, Merkel Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Merkel Middle a Title I school?
No, Merkel Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Merkel Middle?
44.6% of students at Merkel Middle 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 242
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 44.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Taylor County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 28.5%
- Phone
- (325) 928-5511
Resources & Links
District
MERKEL ISD- District Enrollment
- 1,127
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,577
- 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.
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