Serving 700 students in grades 6-8, Bell Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 16% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 700 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bell Middle serves the southeast part of San Diego, CA, encompassing an area of approximately 10.6 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 3.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bell Middle School's student population of 700 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
700 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1969
School Rankings
Bell Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bell Middle School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7726 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
20%
12%
Hispanic
54%
56%
Black
13%
5%
White
4%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bell Middle School's ranking?
Bell Middle School is ranked #7726 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Bell Middle School often compared to?
Bell Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like San Diego Scpa by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Bell Middle School?
700 students attend Bell Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Bell Middle School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Asian, 13% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are White, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bell Middle School?
Bell Middle School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Bell Middle School offer ?
Bell Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Bell Middle School part of?
Bell Middle School is part of San Diego Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Bell Middle School located?
Bell Middle School is located in the Bay Terraces neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 7 other public schools located in Bay Terraces.
School Calendar
View the Bell Middle School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 01, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September 01, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of LatinX Heritage Month
September 15, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
First Day of Dyslexia Awareness Month
October 01, 2026 (Thursday)
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