Below Average
#1955 of 2,228 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
4.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
882
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
4.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Washington schools
#1,955 of 2,228
In Renton
#27 of 30
public schools
In district
#23 of 27
Renton School District
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Nelsen Middle School
Middle School in Renton · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
H.o.m.e. Program
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Renton Academy
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Nelsen Middle School
Nelsen Middle School is a public middle school in Renton, WA, part of Renton School District. Nelsen Middle School serves approximately 882 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Nelsen Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,955 of 2,228 schools in WA.
Structured state assessment records for Nelsen Middle School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.4 · Below Average
- District avg 5.2
- WA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Nelsen Middle School runs 21.5:1 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.
37% of students at Nelsen 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 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 34 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: 4.5/10.
How Nelsen Middle School Compares
See how Nelsen Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
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 9.3/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Talbot Hill Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, RENTON PREP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 1.6 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 | 5.2 |
| Renton Academy Renton | 0.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Open Door Youth Reengagement Renton | 0.1 mi | 7.0 |
| CHILDREN'S INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING DIFFERENCES Renton | 0.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Talbot Hill Elementary School Renton | 0.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Cascade Elementary School Renton | 0.6 mi | 6.1 |
| 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 | 5.6 |
| 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 | 5.1 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Renton | 1.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Renton Senior High School Renton | 1.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Out Of District Facility Renton | 1.5 mi | — |
| Sartori Elementary School Renton | 2.0 mi | 9.3 |
| Renton Park Elementary School Renton | 1.4 mi | 4.0 |
| Lindbergh Senior High School Renton | 1.5 mi | 3.9 |
| Glenridge Elementary Kent | 2.2 mi | 7.0 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Horse Heaven Hills Middle School Kennewick, WA | 4.4 |
| Housel Middle School Prosser, WA | 4.4 |
| Lakewood Middle School N. Lakewood, WA | 4.4 |
| Shaw Middle School Spokane, WA | 4.4 |
| Cascade Middle School Seattle, WA | 4.5 |
| Glacier View Junior High Puyallup, WA | 4.5 |
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 ranks #1,955 of 2,228 schools in WA.
What is Nelsen Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nelsen Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 Nelsen Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Nelsen Middle School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 37.4%
- Phone
- (425) 204-3000
Resources & Links
District
Renton School District- District Enrollment
- 15,081
- Schools in District
- 31
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,241
- District Rank
- #23 of 27
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