Serving 902 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 17:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 902 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School serves the west part of Independence, MO, covering an area of approximately 9.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge being about 4.3 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School's student population of 902 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
902 students
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
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 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1853 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
36%
9%
Black
17%
15%
White
35%
67%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.5%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
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 schools are Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School often compared to?
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bingham Middle School, Pioneer Ridge Middle School by visitors of our site.
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?
902 students attend Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School students are Hispanic, 35% of students are White, 17% of students are Black, 10% 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 17:1, 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 10/10/2025
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.
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