Serving 882 students in grades 6-8, Nelsen Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 22% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 882 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Nelsen Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Nelsen Middle School's student population of 882 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
882 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Nelsen Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Nelsen Middle School is 0.80, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1727 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
26%
9%
Hispanic
25%
26%
Black
18%
5%
White
19%
48%
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
10%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nelsen Middle School's ranking?
Nelsen Middle School is ranked #1727 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Nelsen Middle School often compared to?
Nelsen Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dimmitt Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
22% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Nelsen Middle School?
882 students attend Nelsen Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Nelsen Middle School students are Asian, 25% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 18% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Nelsen Middle School?
Nelsen Middle School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Nelsen Middle School offer ?
Nelsen Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Nelsen Middle School part of?
Nelsen Middle School is part of Renton School District.
School Reviews
5 1/4/2022
It is a very good school quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities. Availability of music, art, sports, and other extracurricular activities.
5 12/26/2017
Very good
Review Nelsen Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What are the Benefits of Magnet Schools?
Kate Barrington has compiled this guide to magnet schools, explaining their unique educational approach, core principles, benefits, and potential considerations for parents seeking alternatives within the public school system.
Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
This comprehensive article explores the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools. It discusses their impact on safety, learning environment, self-expression, and cost-effectiveness. The piece presents statistics, expert opinions, and arguments from both proponents and opponents, helping parents make informed decisions about uniform policies.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
