Serving 832 students in grades 6-8, Vel Phillips Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 832 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WI
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Merrill Middle serves the northern part of Oshkosh, WI, covering an attendance zone of approximately 18.4 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 5.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Vel Phillips Middle School's student population of 832 students has grown by 73% over five school years.
The teacher population of 73 teachers has grown by 58% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
832 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
73 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Vel Phillips Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Vel Phillips Middle School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1747 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
40%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
38%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
10%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
18%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
51%
66%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
12%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.4%
24%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
36%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Gold and Regatta Blue
School Mascot
Phoenix
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vel Phillips Middle School's ranking?
Vel Phillips Middle School is ranked #1747 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are Vel Phillips Middle School often compared to?
Vel Phillips Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like South Park Middle School, Tipler Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
How many students attend Vel Phillips Middle School?
832 students attend Vel Phillips Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Vel Phillips Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 12% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Asian, and 9% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Vel Phillips Middle School?
Vel Phillips Middle School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Vel Phillips Middle School offer ?
Vel Phillips Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Vel Phillips Middle School part of?
Vel Phillips Middle School is part of Oshkosh Area School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I give my school a 5/5 because it is one of the best schools there is. I think this because there are teachers there that act like that are rude and mean like my teacher Mrs.Lubbers but really she like others really care for us students and are a hard on us because they want us to do good on life. Another reason is that they felt that students were not well and where giving up on life but then on Friday, January 24, 2020, they had a speaker that talked to our whole school community telling us not to give up and there is always someone that cares and loves you and at one point;The speaker had all the students and teacher come to the gym floor and had us give hugs to everyone teachers and staff where all crying. This is why Merrill Middle School is an amazing school because they don't care just about our grades but they also care about us and that they don't want us to give up in life and that the teachers really care.
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