Mears Middle School

Summary:

Mears Middle School is a public magnet middle school in Anchorage, Alaska, serving 733 students in grades 7-8. The school is part of the Anchorage School District, which is ranked 14 out of 24 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating.

Mears Middle School has a relatively diverse student population, with 41.2% White, 2.86% African American, 9.55% Hispanic, 9.96% Asian, 10.37% Native American, 4.77% Pacific Islander, and 21.28% two or more races. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by standardized test scores, is generally lower than the Anchorage School District and the state of Alaska averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of students proficient or better in STAR/English Language Arts was 29.98%, compared to the district's 35.51% and the state's 31.5%. The school's statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a high of 26 out of 138 Alaska middle schools in 2013-2014 to a low of 71 out of 95 in 2021-2022, with a 2-star rating in the most recent 2023-2024 school year.

When compared to nearby schools in the Anchorage School District, such as Goldenview Middle School and Gruening Middle School, Mears Middle School generally performs worse academically, with lower test scores and a lower statewide ranking. Additionally, the school's performance has declined over the years, which may be due in part to the relatively high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, with 30.15% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch in the 2022-2023 school year.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 7-8

 2700 W 100th
       Anchorage, AK  99515-2200


(907) 742-6400

District: Anchorage School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
64th of 91 Alaska Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,007 Help


Students who attend Mears Middle School usually attend:

High:    Dimond High School

Feeder schools for Mears Middle School:

Elementary:    Bayshore Elementary
    Chinook Elementary
    Gladys Wood Elementary
    Kincaid Elementary
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  19.8 Help
Number of students:  733

Racial breakdown:

White:
41.2%
Two or more races:
21.3%
American Indian:
10.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  30.2% Help


 See top rated Alaska middle schools

 Compare Mears Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Mears Middle School ranks worse than 70.3% of middle schools in Alaska. It also ranks 6th among 11 ranked middle schools in the Anchorage School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 32.17. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (41.2%), two or more races (21.3%), American Indian (10.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 30.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Mears Middle School is 19.8. 8 middle schools in the Anchorage School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Mears Middle School employs 36.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Mears Middle School is $14,007. 9 middle schools in the Anchorage School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Mears Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Mears Middle School 64th of 91 Alaska public middle schools. (See Mears Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Migrant students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
Hispanic students:
Native American students:
White students:


Anchorage School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Anchorage School District 14th of 24 Alaska school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Mears Middle School?

Rank History for Mears Middle School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 77.35 27th 138 80.4%
2006 80.48 19th 132 85.6%
2007 78.50 24th 128 81.3%
2008 75.00 30th 132 77.3%
2009 76.41 25th 131 80.9%
2010 75.03 30th 136 77.9%
2011 73.02 34th 133 74.4%
2012 74.78 35th 135 74.1%
2013 72.35 46th 136 66.2%
2014 77.72 26th 138 81.2%
2015 68.98 35th 151 76.8%
2017 39.43 57th 88 35.2%
2018 44.13 57th 96 40.6%
2019 37.69 63rd 99 36.4%
2021 41.19 51st 84 39.3%
2022 26.05 71st 95 25.3%
2023 33.32 61st 92 33.7%
2024 32.17 64th 91 29.7%
See the entire list of Alaska Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 45.25 20th 34 41.2%
2021 57.81 9th 30 70.0%
2022 31.04 17th 28 39.3%
2023 49.91 13th 31 58.1%
2024 43.81 16th 31 48.4%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 47.52 2nd 7 71.4%
2022 56.83 3rd 7 57.1%
2023 36.80 4th 7 42.9%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 17.40 10th 12 16.7%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 35.43 39th 64 39.1%
2021 43.78 23rd 43 46.5%
2022 24.39 31st 43 27.9%
2023 37.10 34th 55 38.2%
2024 29.81 38th 54 29.6%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Migrant students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 45.17 11th 24 54.2%
2021 41.18 5th 10 50.0%
2022 27.06 8th 12 33.3%
2023 30.55 13th 20 35.0%
2024 29.35 14th 20 30.0%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Migrant Students!

Rank History for Female students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 36.80 52nd 74 29.7%
2021 49.54 30th 57 47.4%
2022 25.91 49th 66 25.8%
2023 38.21 43rd 66 34.8%
2024 37.31 49th 69 29.0%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 84.32 1st 20 95.0%
2022 35.43 12th 17 29.4%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 32.38 50th 73 31.5%
2021 40.60 34th 62 45.2%
2022 29.92 48th 68 29.4%
2023 33.41 51st 72 29.2%
2024 26.05 55th 72 23.6%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 32.79 16th 22 27.3%
2021 37.56 8th 13 38.5%
2022 24.09 11th 15 26.7%
2023 35.71 12th 19 36.8%
2024 37.20 9th 16 43.8%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 35.77 15th 19 21.1%
2021 36.45 11th 15 26.7%
2022 23.83 15th 19 21.1%
2023 36.18 12th 21 42.9%
2024 32.42 17th 26 34.6%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 49.64 18th 40 55.0%
2021 22.28 13th 16 18.8%
2022 24.67 12th 16 25.0%
2023 49.70 8th 20 60.0%
2024 28.13 14th 20 30.0%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at Mears Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AK State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 36.90 48th 72 33.3%
2021 54.92 24th 58 58.6%
2022 36.60 50th 69 27.5%
2023 39.47 50th 75 33.3%
2024 38.73 48th 74 35.1%
See the entire list of Best Alaska Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Alaska Department of Education and Early Developmenr, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Mears Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for Mears Middle School.

If you have first-hand knowledge about Mears Middle School, submit a rating!


Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Mears Middle School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 654 47 64 19 50 n/a n/a 0 834
1990 709 41 84 22 65 n/a n/a 0 921
1991 717 39 79 29 72 n/a n/a 0 936
1992 794 49 77 25 81 n/a n/a 0 1026
1993 822 53 81 27 96 n/a n/a 0 1079
1994 872 61 86 40 86 n/a n/a 0 1145
1995 827 49 84 40 82 n/a n/a 0 1082
1996 827 49 84 40 82 n/a n/a 0 1082
1997 825 56 107 39 100 n/a n/a 0 1127
1998 734 42 114 44 103 n/a n/a 0 1037
1999 674 37 132 35 90 n/a n/a 0 968
2000 660 41 115 36 99 n/a n/a 0 951
2001 695 39 124 46 117 n/a n/a 0 1021
2002 686 41 154 60 129 n/a n/a 0 1070
2003 686 41 154 60 129 n/a n/a 0 1070
2004 689 42 169 58 146 n/a n/a 0 1104
2005 717 45 146 48 143 n/a n/a 0 1099
2006 679 53 164 63 131 n/a n/a 0 1090
2007 645 56 160 58 135 n/a n/a 0 1054
2008 521 33 120 79 65 n/a n/a 109 927
2009 468 26 95 81 62 18 120 0 870
2010 450 17 86 78 70 34 107 0 842
2011 400 29 82 74 77 33 109 0 804
2012 403 36 91 72 77 30 123 0 832
2013 397 27 98 90 77 37 131 0 857
2014 373 20 116 80 76 41 111 0 817
2015 332 24 113 65 62 32 148 0 776
2016 332 20 109 62 58 38 172 0 791
2017 346 24 92 57 84 46 149 0 798
2018 350 29 80 71 78 51 143 0 802
2019 340 28 91 71 73 47 138 0 788
2020 323 18 87 72 74 37 142 0 753
2021 273 26 80 63 59 47 136 0 684
2022 313 25 75 78 74 51 163 0 779
2023 302 21 73 70 76 35 156 0 733

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Mears Middle School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 834 39.9 20.9 6.8
1990 921 42.3 21.7 6.1
1991 936 44.0 21.2 5.2
1992 1026 44.0 23.3 7.7
1993 1079 44.0 24.5 7.3
1994 1145 44.0 26.0 6.9
1995 1082 51.0 21.2 11.6
1996 1082 51.0 21.2 11.6
1997 1127 53.0 21.3 12.8
1998 1037 56.2 18.5 12
1999 968 57.0 17.0 n/a
2000 951 56.6 16.8 13
2001 1021 57.1 17.9 10.6
2002 1070 61.6 17.4 12.7
2003 1070 61.6 17.4 12.7
2004 1104 59.8 18.5 16
2005 1099 60.2 18.3 17.7
2006 1090 63.9 17.1 25.9
2007 1054 62.8 16.8 26.1
2008 927 54.3 17.1 24.9
2009 870 55.9 15.6 22.4
2010 842 52.2 16.1 26.4
2011 804 52.4 15.3 32.5
2012 832 52.7 15.7 35.7
2013 857 52.2 16.4 32.9
2014 817 50.2 16.2 36.2
2015 776 45.0 17.2 35.8
2016 791 45.0 17.5 31.9
2017 798 44.0 18.1 31.7
2018 802 41.1 19.4 36.2
2019 788 39.9 19.7 n/a
2020 753 41.8 18.0 36.9
2021 684 39.4 17.3 n/a
2022 779 39.0 19.9 n/a
2023 733 36.9 19.8 30.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Mears Middle School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 834 39.9 20.9 6.8
1990 921 42.3 21.7 6.1
1991 936 44.0 21.2 5.2
1992 1026 44.0 23.3 7.7
1993 1079 44.0 24.5 7.3
1994 1145 44.0 26.0 6.9
1995 1082 51.0 21.2 11.6
1996 1082 51.0 21.2 11.6
1997 1127 53.0 21.3 12.8
1998 1037 56.2 18.5 12
1999 968 57.0 17.0 n/a
2000 951 56.6 16.8 13
2001 1021 57.1 17.9 10.6
2002 1070 61.6 17.4 12.7
2003 1070 61.6 17.4 12.7
2004 1104 59.8 18.5 16
2005 1099 60.2 18.3 17.7
2006 1090 63.9 17.1 25.9
2007 1054 62.8 16.8 26.1
2008 927 54.3 17.1 24.9
2009 870 55.9 15.6 22.4
2010 842 52.2 16.1 26.4
2011 804 52.4 15.3 32.5
2012 832 52.7 15.7 35.7
2013 857 52.2 16.4 32.9
2014 817 50.2 16.2 36.2
2015 776 45.0 17.2 35.8
2016 791 45.0 17.5 31.9
2017 798 44.0 18.1 31.7
2018 802 41.1 19.4 36.2
2019 788 39.9 19.7 n/a
2020 753 41.8 18.0 36.9
2021 684 39.4 17.3 n/a
2022 779 39.0 19.9 n/a
2023 733 36.9 19.8 30.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Mears Middle School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $925 (6.6%) $13,081 (93.4%) $14,007

Data source: Alaska Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Mears Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 63rd of 99 Middle schoolsRanks 61st of 92 Middle schools
 2.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
8th Grade Science (Mears Middle School)40.340.4
 0%
   8th Grade Science (Anchorage School District)45.237.3
 8%
   8th Grade Science (Alaska)43.134.5
 8.6%
All Grades Science (Mears Middle School)40.340.4
 0%
   All Grades Science (Anchorage School District)46.639.4
 7.2%
   All Grades Science (Alaska)44.736.9
 7.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students788733
 7%
African American2821
 25%
American Indian7376
 4.1%
Asian9173
 19.8%
Hispanic7170
 1.4%
Pacific Islander4735
 25.5%
White340302
 11.2%
Two or More Races138156
 13%


Schools Near Mears Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Mears Middle School

Students at Mears Middle School are 41% White, 21% Two or more races, 10% American Indian, 10% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 5% Pacific Islander, 3% African American.

In the 2022-23 school year, 733 students attended Mears Middle School.

Mears Middle School ranks 64th of 91 Alaska middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Mears Middle School usually go on to attend Dimond High School


Rate Mears Middle School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Mears Middle School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Developmenr.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 87 milliseconds.