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Average

#1622 of 2,225 schools in WA

Horizon Middle School

Middle School · Ferndale School District

P.O. Box 1769, Ferndale, WA 98248

Enrollment

413

Student-Teacher

15.3:1

Score

5.3

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Ferndale

#6 of 8

public schools

Washington middle schools

#223 of 374

In district

#8 of 10

Ferndale School District

School environment

8.4 / 10

Very strong

About Horizon Middle School

Horizon Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Ferndale, Washington. Serving students from sixth to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 413 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15.3:1. Horizon Middle School aims to provide a supportive learning environment with 27 full-time equivalent teachers who are committed to their students' success.

The academic performance at Horizon Middle School shows there is room for improvement, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading standing at 42%, Math at 30%, and Science at 32%. These scores place the school at the 35th percentile among Washington state schools. Despite these challenges, the dedicated teachers are focused on student development and growth.

Horizon Middle School is situated in a mid-size suburb where students can enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere. The setting offers a blend of suburban amenities and the charm of small-town living, making it an appealing place for families seeking a supportive educational environment.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.31 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.2%
Math vs. State Avg-11.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-9.3 pts
Overall Proficiency33%
Expected (poverty-adj.)40%
vs. Expected-7.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile28th
Resources & Environment8.4Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,981

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

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

58.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 30.1%
School
State
37.9%
ELA Proficiency 42.1%
School
State
49.0%

Based on 13 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
42%
ELA
56%
2022
ELA
46%
2024
Math
27.1%
ELA
37.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.0/10.

How Horizon Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.3/10
27th percentile in WA
Academic
4.6/10
4.6/10
Growth
4.0/10
Below average
Environment
8.4/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
59%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers

Location

P.O. Box 1769, Ferndale, WA 98248

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Horizon Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Custer Elem (rated 8.7/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Custer), which scores notably higher. Another option is Vista Middle School (rated 8.0/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Alderwood Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 7.3 miles away, in nearby Bellingham), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ferndale, see our Ferndale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Eagleridge Elementary Ferndale 0.1 mi 7.2
Cascadia Elementary Ferndale 0.5 mi 4.5
Skyline Elementary School Ferndale 1.1 mi 7.7
Vista Middle School Ferndale 1.1 mi 8.0
Ferndale Special Services Ferndale 1.2 mi
FERNDALE RE-ENGAGEMENT Ferndale 1.2 mi
Ferndale High School Ferndale 1.7 mi 5.7
Ferndale Virtual Academy Ferndale 1.7 mi 3.9
Central Elementary Ferndale 2.0 mi 5.9
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NW Ferndale 1.9 mi 3.5
Custer Elem Custer 4.0 mi 8.7
Alderwood Elementary School Bellingham 7.3 mi 7.9
Meridian Parent Partnership Program Bellingham 6.1 mi 6.0
Meridian Special Programs Bellingham 6.1 mi
Meridian High School Bellingham 6.2 mi 5.1
Cordata Elementary School Bellingham 6.9 mi 5.0
Lummi High School Bellingham 9.3 mi
Lummi Nation Tribal School Bellingham 9.3 mi 7.7
Birchwood Elementary School Bellingham 8.1 mi 7.1
Meridian Impact Re-Engagement Bellingham 8.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98248 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$88,566

Median Home Value

$550,300

Median Rent

$1,455/mo

Population

28,061

College Educated

31%

Homeownership

76.6%

Avg Commute

22.6 min

Poverty Rate

9.2%

Median Age

37.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Horizon Middle School has a median household income of $88,566. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $550,300, with a median rent of $1,455/month. The local poverty rate of 9.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 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
Centralia Middle School Centralia, WA 5.3
Greenacres Middle School Spokane Valley, WA 5.3
Jemtegaard Middle School Washougal, WA 5.3
East Valley Middle School Spokane Valley, WA 5.2
Foothills Middle School Wenatchee, WA 5.2
Hawkins Middle School Belfair, WA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Horizon Middle School

What grades does Horizon Middle School serve?

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

How many students attend Horizon Middle School?

Horizon Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 413 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Horizon Middle School is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Horizon Middle School rank in WA?

Horizon Middle School is ranked #1622 out of 2,225 schools in WA.

What is Horizon Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Horizon Middle School has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Horizon Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Horizon Middle School has 30.1% math proficiency and 42.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Horizon Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Horizon Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

58.8% of students at Horizon 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

City Safety
High (1,706/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
413
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
58.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Whatcom County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Ferndale School District
District Enrollment
4,643
Schools in District
14
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,722
District Rank
#8 of 10

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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