Serving 469 students in grades 6-8, Central Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 49% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 469 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Middle School serves the northwest part of Waterloo, IA, covering an area of approximately 10.8 square miles, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive from the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone is about 2.3 miles, reaching up to 3.6 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Middle School's student population of 469 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
469 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Central Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Middle School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1147 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
34%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
26%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
8%
1%
Two or more races
12%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)59.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Middle School's ranking?
Central Middle School is ranked #1147 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Central Middle School often compared to?
Central Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hoover Middle School, Bunger Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Central Middle School?
469 students attend Central Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Central Middle School students are Black, 26% of students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hawaiian, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Middle School?
Central Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Central Middle School offer ?
Central Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central Middle School part of?
Central Middle School is part of Waterloo Comm School District.
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