Average
#1692 of 2,225 schools in WA
Nelsen Middle School
Middle School · Renton School District
2403 Jones Ave S, Renton, WA 98055
Enrollment
882
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
5.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
882
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
5.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Renton
#21 of 25
public schools
Washington middle schools
#242 of 374
In district
#20 of 27
Renton School District
About Nelsen Middle School
Nelsen Middle School serves 882 students in grades 6 through 8 in Renton, Washington. With 41 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.5:1, providing a typical middle school learning environment in this King County community. Academically, Nelsen Middle School has room for growth, with 38% of students performing at proficient levels or above in English Language Arts and Reading across all grade levels.
The school currently ranks in the 10th percentile among Washington middle schools, indicating opportunities for continued focus on student development and academic improvement. The school draws from the 98055 ZIP code area, a community of approximately 24,400 residents with a median household income of $90,525. The neighborhood reflects a solidly middle-class character, with median home values around $497,000 and a relatively low poverty rate of 9%.
About 37% of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting a community that values educational achievement. Located on Jones Avenue South, Nelsen Middle School sits in the heart of Renton, a mid-size city that offers students access to both urban amenities and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, providing a well-rounded environment for middle school students during these important developmental years.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Nelsen Middle School is 21.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Nelsen Middle School — Students at Nelsen Middle School score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
59.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 13 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.4/10.
How Nelsen Middle School Compares
See how Nelsen Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 25.9% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 48% (2019) to 40.3% (2024).
Location
2403 Jones Ave S, Renton, WA 98055
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nelsen Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Sartori Elementary School (rated 8.9/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Talbot Hill Elementary School (rated 8.6/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cascade Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Renton, see our Renton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| H.O.M.E. Program Renton | 0.1 mi | 3.6 |
| Renton Academy Renton | 0.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Open Door Youth Reengagement Renton | 0.1 mi | 6.4 |
| CHILDREN'S INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING DIFFERENCES Renton | 0.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Talbot Hill Elementary School Renton | 0.6 mi | 8.6 |
| Cascade Elementary School Renton | 0.6 mi | 8.3 |
| PHOENIX MONTESSORI Renton | 0.7 mi | — |
| NEW HORIZON SCHOOL Renton | 1.1 mi | 7.2 |
| KING OF KINGS LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Renton | 1.3 mi | — |
| Tiffany Park Elementary School Renton | 1.0 mi | 7.8 |
| RENTON PREP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Renton | 1.6 mi | 7.9 |
| AMAZING GRACE RENTON PREP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Renton | 1.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Benson Hill Elementary School Renton | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Renton | 1.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Renton Senior High School Renton | 1.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Out Of District Facility Renton | 1.5 mi | — |
| Sartori Elementary School Renton | 2.0 mi | 8.9 |
| Renton Park Elementary School Renton | 1.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Lindbergh Senior High School Renton | 1.5 mi | 3.5 |
| Glenridge Elementary Kent | 2.2 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98055 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$100,207
Median Home Value
$561,600
Median Rent
$2,098/mo
Population
24,851
College Educated
39%
Homeownership
56.2%
Avg Commute
31.1 min
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
34.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nelsen Middle School has a median household income of $100,207. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $561,600, with a median rent of $2,098/month. The local poverty rate of 7.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 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 |
|---|---|
| Cedarcrest Middle School Spanaway, WA | 5.2 |
| Chief Joseph Middle School Richland, WA | 5.2 |
| East Valley Central Middle School Yakima, WA | 5.2 |
| Foothills Middle School Wenatchee, WA | 5.2 |
| Huntington Middle School Kelso, WA | 5.2 |
| Morgan Middle School Ellensburg, WA | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nelsen Middle School
What grades does Nelsen Middle School serve?
Nelsen Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Nelsen Middle School?
Nelsen Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 882 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nelsen Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Nelsen Middle School is 21.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Nelsen Middle School rank in WA?
Nelsen Middle School is ranked #1692 out of 2,225 schools in WA.
What is Nelsen Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nelsen Middle School has a composite rating of 5.2 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 Nelsen Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Nelsen Middle School has 28.1% math proficiency and 41.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Nelsen Middle School a charter school?
No, Nelsen Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Nelsen Middle School a Title I school?
No, Nelsen Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nelsen Middle School?
59.6% of students at Nelsen 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,662/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Renton). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 882
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 59.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- King County
- Phone
- (425) 204-3000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Renton School District- District Enrollment
- 15,081
- Schools in District
- 31
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,241
- District Rank
- #20 of 27
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 methodologyRelated reading
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.