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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

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 metrics
Student Progress6.4Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.94 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.8Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency40.3%
Math vs. State Avg-12.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.2 pts
Overall Proficiency33%
Expected (poverty-adj.)39%
vs. Expected-6.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
Resources & Environment3.8Fair25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,354

Nelsen Middle School — Students at Nelsen Middle School score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

59.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 28.1%
School
State
37.9%
ELA Proficiency 41.3%
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
37%
ELA
48%
2022
ELA
38%
2024
Math
25.9%
ELA
40.4%

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.

Overall Score
5.2/10
24th percentile in WA
Academic
4.8/10
4.8/10
Growth
6.4/10
Above average
Environment
3.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
60%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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