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Average

#1594 of 2,228 schools in WA

Nisqually Middle School

Middle School · North Thurston Public Schools

8100 Steilacoom Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Enrollment

815

Student-Teacher

18.1:1

Score

5.3

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,594 of 2,228

In Lacey

#18 of 24

public schools

In district

#18 of 24

North Thurston Public Schools

School environment

7.3 / 10

Very Good

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Nisqually Middle School

5.3/10

Middle School in Lacey · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Lydia Hawk Elementary

5.9/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Olympic View Elementary

6.8/10

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Nisqually Middle School

Nisqually Middle School is a public middle school in Lacey, WA, part of North Thurston Public Schools. Nisqually Middle School serves approximately 815 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Nisqually Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,594 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Nisqually Middle School show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.3 · Average
  • District avg 5.6
  • WA avg 6.0

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.9Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.66 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17.4% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency35.4% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-21.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.1 pts
Overall Proficiency26% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-17.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,096
Chronic Absenteeism19.3%

Nisqually Middle School — Students at Nisqually Middle School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 35.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.9% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 49.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
49.0% (2024 SBA)

Based on 34 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
40%
ELA
56%
2010
Math
46%
ELA
54%
2011
Math
50%
ELA
59%
2012
Math
54%
ELA
61%
2013
Math
53%
ELA
64%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
49%
2015
Math
38%
ELA
49%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
39%
ELA
56%
2018
Math
41%
ELA
51%
2019
Math
41%
ELA
51%
2022
Math
18.6%
ELA
39%
2024
Math
17.4%
ELA
35.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.9/10.

How Nisqually Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.3/10
29th percentile in WA
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.9/10
Average
Environment
7.3/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
45 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.3%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

8100 Steilacoom Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Nisqually Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Meadows Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PARAMOUNT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 8.0/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lacey, see our Lacey schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Lydia Hawk Elementary Lacey 0.5 mi 5.9
Olympic View Elementary Lacey 0.9 mi 6.8
River Ridge High School Lacey 0.9 mi 5.3
FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL Lacey 1.0 mi 7.2
FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL Lacey 1.0 mi 6.0
Seven Oaks Elementary Lacey 1.4 mi 6.7
PARAMOUNT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lacey 1.3 mi 8.0
THE PARAMOUNT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SCHOOL Lacey 1.3 mi 7.7
Meadows Elementary Lacey 1.3 mi 8.8
Evergreen Forest Elementary Lacey 2.0 mi 7.3
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL Lacey 2.0 mi 8.2
Salish Middle School Lacey 2.3 mi 3.9
Lacey Elementary Lacey 2.1 mi 5.0
POPE JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL Lacey 2.1 mi 7.5
Woodland Elementary Lacey 3.0 mi 7.8
Timberline High School Lacey 3.2 mi 6.7
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Lacey 2.5 mi 7.5
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lacey 2.6 mi 6.3
Lakes Elementary School Lacey 3.4 mi 6.8
Summit VIrtual Academy Lacey 2.7 mi 2.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98503 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$87,515

Median Home Value

$407,700

Median Rent

$1,673/mo

Population

42,189

College Educated

30.8%

Homeownership

58.7%

Avg Commute

25 min

Poverty Rate

9.8%

Median Age

40.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Bethel Middle School Spanaway, WA 5.3
Cascade Middle School Auburn, WA 5.3
Chief Joseph Middle School Richland, WA 5.3
Explorer Middle School Everett, WA 5.3
Showalter Middle School Tukwila, WA 5.2
Stevens Middle School Pasco, WA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nisqually Middle School

What grades does Nisqually Middle School serve?

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

How many students attend Nisqually Middle School?

Nisqually Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 815 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Nisqually Middle School is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Nisqually Middle School rank in WA?

Nisqually Middle School ranks #1,594 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Nisqually Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Nisqually Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 Nisqually Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Nisqually Middle School has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Nisqually Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Nisqually Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

52.1% of students at Nisqually 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

Walk Score
17 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
39 Some Transit
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
815
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
45
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Thurston County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.3%

District

North Thurston Public Schools
District Enrollment
15,197
Schools in District
24
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,096
District Rank
#18 of 24

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