Paulding Middle School was originally the first high school built in the area in 1906. Decades later, the school became the lower school that fed into the new high school. Currently, the school is one of three middle schools in the Lucia Mar Unified School District teaching about 550 students in grades 7 and 8.
Serving 544 students in grades 7-8, Paulding Middle School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 544 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 50%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Paulding Middle serves the northwest part of Arroyo Grande, CA, covering an area of approximately 165.1 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 10 to 15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 18.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paulding Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Paulding Middle School's student population of 544 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
Total Students
544 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
School Rankings
Paulding Middle School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paulding Middle School is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2437 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
39%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
5%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
50%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Red and White
School Mascot
Patriot
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paulding Middle School's ranking?
Paulding Middle School is ranked #2437 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Paulding Middle School often compared to?
Paulding Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Judkins Middle School, Mesa Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Paulding Middle School?
544 students attend Paulding Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Paulding Middle School students are White, 39% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paulding Middle School?
Paulding Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Paulding Middle School offer ?
Paulding Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8
What school district is Paulding Middle School part of?
Paulding Middle School is part of Lucia Mar Unified School District.
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