Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School

2800 S Hardy Ave
Independence, MO 64052
(School attendance zone shown in map)
2/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 886 students in grades 6-8, Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 886 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 59%
  • : Bottom 50% in MO
  • : 19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 22% (Btm 50%)
  • : 22% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School's student population of 886 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
886 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026

School Rankings

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School is 0.69, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (MO)
#1853 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
19%
40%
22%
43%
22%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
35%
8%
Black
16%
15%
White
41%
68%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.69
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
7%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School's ranking?
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School is ranked #1853 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School?
886 students attend Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School students are White, 35% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School?
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School offer ?
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School part of?
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School is part of Independence 30 School District.

School Reviews

4   4/20/2024
After reading the reviews on Nowlin before my daughter began attending, I have to admit, I did not like what I was hearing. A lot of reviews referred to kids being bullied and about the staff and teachers basically putting in the bare minimum and not really caring. However, I have been surprisingly impressed with Nowlin. My experience with this school has been the opposite. I absolutely believe the staff and teachers ( in my experience, anyway) truly do care about the students and do want them to succeed and give their best effort to make that happen.
- Posted by Parent - Holly H

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 886 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 59%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 22% (Btm 50%)
  • : 22% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education

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