Serving 1,012 students in grades 6-8, Wachter Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,012 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in ND
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 52% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Wachter Middle School serves the southern part of Bismarck, ND, covering an area of approximately 55 square miles. The typical drive to the school is between 10 to 12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 10 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wachter Middle School's student population of 1,012 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 69 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,012 students
Total Classroom Teachers
69 teachers
Year Founded
1968
School Calendar
School Motto
Empower Every Learner to Thrive!
School Rankings
Wachter Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 449 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wachter Middle School is 0.52, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#289 out of 449 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
10:1
American Indian
11%
11%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
2%
5%
White
68%
70%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.9%
20.9%
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
27%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wachter Middle School's ranking?
Wachter Middle School is ranked #289 out of 449 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Dakota.
What schools are Wachter Middle School often compared to?
Wachter Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Simle Middle School, Horizon Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% ND state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
How many students attend Wachter Middle School?
1,012 students attend Wachter Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Wachter Middle School students are White, 11% of students are American Indian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wachter Middle School?
Wachter Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 10:1.
What grades does Wachter Middle School offer ?
Wachter Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Wachter Middle School part of?
Wachter Middle School is part of Bismarck 1 School District.
School Reviews
Review Wachter 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
