Average
#1110 of 2,102 schools in WI
Wayne Bartels Middle
Middle School · Portage Community School District
2505 New Pinery Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Enrollment
409
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
409
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Portage
#2 of 6
public schools
Wisconsin middle schools
#296 of 387
In district
#3 of 7
Portage Community School District
Academic growth
8.3 / 10
Very strong
About Wayne Bartels Middle
Wayne Bartels Middle is a regular public middle school located in the rural area near Portage, Wisconsin. The school serves students from sixth to eighth grade and has an enrollment of 409 students. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.6:1, Wayne Bartels Middle offers individualized attention to help each student succeed.
The academic performance at Wayne Bartels Middle shows room for growth, with the MySchoolScout Rating standing at 4.8 out of 10 and ranking as the 1333rd school in Wisconsin based on state standards. In terms of proficiency rates, 40% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 41% meet or exceed proficiency levels in Math. Despite these current metrics, Wayne Bartels Middle focuses on student development and provides a supportive environment for its young scholars to thrive.
The school is situated in a rural setting with close proximity to Portage, offering students a blend of small-town charm and access to local amenities. Wayne Bartels Middle stands out as an important educational cornerstone in this part of Columbia County, fostering growth and learning among its middle-grade students.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Wayne Bartels Middle are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Wayne Bartels Middle may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Wayne Bartels Middle — Students at Wayne Bartels Middle score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)
Based on 10 test records from WI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.3/10.
How Wayne Bartels Middle Compares
See how Wayne Bartels Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 33% (2019) to 26% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 31% (2019) to 34% (2021).
Location
2505 New Pinery Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Wayne Bartels Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Poynette Middle (rated 7.7/10, 12.2 miles away, in nearby Poynette), which scores notably higher. Another option is Pardeeville Middle (rated 4.2/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Pardeeville), a more accessible option. Additionally, LOG CABIN SCHOOL (rated 2.3/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Pardeeville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Portage, see our Portage schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Portage Academy of Achievement Portage | 0.0 mi | — |
| Portage Partnering Preschool Portage | 0.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Woodridge Elementary Portage | 0.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Muir Elementary Portage | 0.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Portage High Portage | 0.3 mi | 4.0 |
| ST JOHNS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Portage | 1.1 mi | 5.3 |
| ST MARY SCHOOL Portage | 1.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Columbia Correctional Institution Portage | 1.3 mi | — |
| Lewiston Elementary Portage | 5.2 mi | 4.5 |
| Endeavor Elementary Endeavor | 10.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Poynette Elementary Poynette | 11.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Pardeeville Elementary Pardeeville | 8.8 mi | 6.0 |
| ST JOHN'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL Pardeeville | 8.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Pardeeville High Pardeeville | 8.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Pardeeville Middle Pardeeville | 8.9 mi | 4.2 |
| Poynette Middle Poynette | 12.2 mi | 7.7 |
| Poynette High Poynette | 12.3 mi | 7.2 |
| LOG CABIN SCHOOL Pardeeville | 11.3 mi | 2.3 |
| MEADOW VIEW AMISH SCHOOL Pardeeville | 10.8 mi | 2.2 |
| MEADOW VIEW SCHOOL Pardeeville | 10.8 mi | 2.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 53901 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,244
Median Home Value
$214,300
Median Rent
$969/mo
Population
14,654
College Educated
19.8%
Homeownership
68%
Avg Commute
25 min
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Median Age
40.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Wayne Bartels Middle has a median household income of $72,244. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $214,300, with a median rent of $969/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.8%. The average commute for residents is 25 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 |
|---|---|
| Cudahy Middle Cudahy, WI | 6.4 |
| Farnsworth Middle Sheboygan, WI | 6.4 |
| Glen Hills Middle Glendale, WI | 6.4 |
| River Bluff Middle Stoughton, WI | 6.4 |
| Sheboygan Falls Middle Sheboygan Falls, WI | 6.4 |
| Viking Middle Woodville, WI | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wayne Bartels Middle
What grades does Wayne Bartels Middle serve?
Wayne Bartels Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Wayne Bartels Middle?
Wayne Bartels Middle has an enrollment of approximately 409 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Wayne Bartels Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Wayne Bartels Middle is 13.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Wayne Bartels Middle rank in WI?
Wayne Bartels Middle is ranked #1110 out of 2,102 schools in WI.
What is Wayne Bartels Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Wayne Bartels Middle has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Wayne Bartels Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Wayne Bartels Middle has 41.4% math proficiency and 40.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Wayne Bartels Middle a charter school?
No, Wayne Bartels Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Wayne Bartels Middle a Title I school?
No, Wayne Bartels Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wayne Bartels Middle?
0.7% of students at Wayne Bartels Middle 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 (2,095/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Portage). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 409
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 0.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Columbia County
- Phone
- (608) 742-2165
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Portage Community School District- District Enrollment
- 2,058
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,940
- District Rank
- #3 of 7
Other Schools in This District
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
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