Serving 728 students in grades 6-8, Sanford Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 41% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is equal to the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 728 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Sanford Middle serves the southeast part of Minneapolis, MN, covering an area of approximately 7.8 square miles. Students typically live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 1.9 miles to the nearest edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 3.3 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Sanford Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Sanford Middle School's student population of 728 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has grown by 84% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
728 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Motto
Everyone belongs. Together we thrive.
School Rankings
Sanford Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sanford Middle School is 0.61, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#805 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
46%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
8%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
10%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
12%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
60%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.2%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanford Middle School's ranking?
Sanford Middle School is ranked #805 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Sanford Middle School often compared to?
Sanford Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dowling Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Sanford Middle School?
728 students attend Sanford Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Sanford Middle School students are White, 12% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sanford Middle School?
Sanford Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Sanford Middle School offer ?
Sanford Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Sanford Middle School part of?
Sanford Middle School is part of Minneapolis Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Sanford Middle School located?
Sanford Middle School is located in the Howe neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. There are 2 other public schools located in Howe.
School Reviews
Review Sanford Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
