Nelsen Middle School, is located in Renton, Washington, USA, a suburb of Seattle, and is in Renton School District 403. It is a middle school that educates around 1,010 students in grades 6–8.
Serving 913 students in grades 6-8, Nelsen Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 22% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 913 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Nelsen Middle School serves the southeast part of Renton, WA, covering an attendance zone of approximately 7.5 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.1 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, extending up to 4.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Nelsen Middle School's student population of 913 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
913 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Nelsen Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Nelsen Middle School is 0.79, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1731 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
Asian
27%
9%
Hispanic
27%
27%
Black
16%
5%
White
19%
47%
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
9%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.1%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Purple, Yellow
School Mascot
Hawk
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nelsen Middle School's ranking?
Nelsen Middle School is ranked #1731 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Nelsen Middle School often compared to?
Nelsen Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dimmitt Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
22% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Nelsen Middle School?
913 students attend Nelsen Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
27% of Nelsen Middle School students are Asian, 27% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nelsen Middle School?
Nelsen Middle School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Nelsen Middle School offer ?
Nelsen Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Nelsen Middle School part of?
Nelsen Middle School is part of Renton School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Very good
5 10/10/2025
It is a very good school quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities. Availability of music, art, sports, and other extracurricular activities.
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