Serving 593 students in grades 6-8, Jefferson Middle School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 593 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Jefferson Middle School serves the southern part of Columbia, MO, covering an area of approximately 15.9 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 2.8 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, and the furthest point being 5.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Jefferson Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Jefferson Middle School's student population of 593 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
593 students
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Year Founded
1910
School Motto
developing curious minds into compassionate, connected citizens... one student at a time.
School Rankings
Jefferson Middle School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jefferson Middle School is 0.58, 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
#474 out of 2076 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
6%
9%
Black
18%
15%
White
61%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.1%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Middle School's ranking?
Jefferson Middle School is ranked #474 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Jefferson Middle School often compared to?
Jefferson Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Middle School, Oakland Middle School, Smithton Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend Jefferson Middle School?
593 students attend Jefferson Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Jefferson Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 12% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Middle School?
Jefferson Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Jefferson Middle School offer ?
Jefferson Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Jefferson Middle School part of?
Jefferson Middle School is part of Columbia 93 School District.
In what neighborhood is Jefferson Middle School located?
Jefferson Middle School is located in the Douglass Park neighborhood of Columbia, MO. There are 1 other public schools located in Douglass Park.
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