Very Good
#523 of 2,102 schools in WI
Top 25% in state
West Salem Middle
Middle School · West Salem School District
440 East Ave, West Salem, WI 54669
Enrollment
549
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
7.4
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
549
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
7.4
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In West Salem
#1 of 3
public schools
Wisconsin middle schools
#141 of 387
In district
#1 of 3
West Salem School District
Academic growth
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About West Salem Middle
West Salem Middle is a regular public school located in West Salem, Wisconsin, on the eastern edge of an urban area. The school serves students from fifth through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 549 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14.1:1. There are 39 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting this diverse group of middle schoolers.
Academically, West Salem Middle earns a MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks as the 550th best school in Wisconsin among 2112 schools, placing it in the 74th percentile statewide. The ELA/Reading proficiency rate is at 61%, while Math proficiency stands at 66%. These scores suggest that there is room for academic growth but also highlight areas where students are excelling.
West Salem Middle offers a supportive learning environment with dedicated teachers and a manageable student load, making it an inviting place for young adolescents to explore their interests and develop academically. The school's setting in a town on the fringe of an urban area provides both the benefits of city amenities and the comfort of a close-knit community. West Salem Middle is situated in a neighborhood that fosters a sense of belonging, with its proximity to urban areas offering students opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
West Salem Middle — Students at West Salem Middle score 48% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
27%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)
Based on 12 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: 8.2/10.
How West Salem Middle Compares
See how West Salem Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 58% (2019) to 50% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 45% (2021).
Location
440 East Ave, West Salem, WI 54669
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Salem Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ST PATRICK SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 7.4 miles away, in nearby Onalaska), with a very similar rating. Another option is Pertzsch Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Onalaska), with a very similar rating. Additionally, COULEE REGION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 0.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in West Salem, see our West Salem schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Salem Elementary West Salem | 0.1 mi | 6.7 |
| West Salem High West Salem | 0.2 mi | 6.3 |
| COULEE REGION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL West Salem | 0.4 mi | 7.4 |
| CHRIST-ST JOHN'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL West Salem | 0.6 mi | 4.8 |
| ST PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Bangor | 4.5 mi | — |
| Bangor Elementary Bangor | 4.6 mi | 6.5 |
| Bangor Middle/High Bangor | 4.7 mi | 4.9 |
| North Woods International School La Crosse | 6.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Eagle Bluff Elementary Onalaska | 6.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Onalaska Prekindergarten Partner School Onalaska | 6.3 mi | 5.4 |
| LUTHER HIGH SCHOOL Onalaska | 7.2 mi | 7.1 |
| ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Onalaska | 7.3 mi | 5.7 |
| ST PATRICK SCHOOL Onalaska | 7.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Onalaska Middle Onalaska | 7.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Onalaska High Onalaska | 7.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Pertzsch Elementary Onalaska | 7.8 mi | 7.5 |
| SANDY OAK AMISH SCHOOL Rockland | 7.9 mi | — |
| Northern Hills Elementary Onalaska | 7.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Sand Lake Elementary Holmen | 8.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Logan High La Crosse | 8.8 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 54669 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$100,214
Median Home Value
$288,600
Median Rent
$1,156/mo
Population
8,227
College Educated
42.3%
Homeownership
83.1%
Avg Commute
20.3 min
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Median Age
41
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Salem Middle has a median household income of $100,214. It is a well-educated community where 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $288,600, with a median rent of $1,156/month. The local poverty rate of 6.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Hamilton Middle Madison, WI | 7.4 |
| Hortonville Middle Hortonville, WI | 7.4 |
| Marshall Middle Janesville, WI | 7.4 |
| Menomonie Middle Menomonie, WI | 7.4 |
| Oak Creek West Middle Oak Creek, WI | 7.4 |
| Rice Lake Middle Rice Lake, WI | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Salem Middle
What grades does West Salem Middle serve?
West Salem Middle serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend West Salem Middle?
West Salem Middle has an enrollment of approximately 549 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Salem Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at West Salem Middle is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Salem Middle rank in WI?
West Salem Middle is ranked #523 out of 2,102 schools in WI.
What is West Salem Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
West Salem Middle has a composite rating of 7.4 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 West Salem Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Salem Middle has 65.8% math proficiency and 60.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Salem Middle a charter school?
No, West Salem Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Salem Middle a Title I school?
No, West Salem Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Salem Middle?
27.0% of students at West Salem 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (West Salem). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 549
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 27.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- La Crosse County
- Phone
- (608) 786-2090
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Salem School District- District Enrollment
- 1,841
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,469
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
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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