Northridge Middle School

Q: Is Northridge Middle School a good school?

Northridge Middle School ranks 55 th of 335 Arkansas middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Northridge Middle School is a public middle school located in Van Buren, Arkansas, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 753 students. The school is part of the Van Buren School District, which is ranked 103 out of 252 school districts in Arkansas and is rated 3 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger.

Northridge Middle School consistently performs above the district and state averages in various academic subjects. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school had proficiency rates of 44.7% in English Language Arts (ELA), 39.7% in Reading, 49% in Mathematics, 64.6% in Algebra, and 42.3% in Science, all of which were significantly higher than the district and state averages. The school has also consistently ranked among the top middle schools in Arkansas, with a ranking of 55 out of 335 middle schools in the state for the 2023-2024 school year, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. Additionally, Northridge Middle School has a relatively low student-teacher ratio of 17.2 students per teacher, compared to the district average of 15.2 students per teacher.

Compared to the nearby Butterfield Trail Middle School, also part of the Van Buren School District, Northridge Middle School outperforms in most academic subjects. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, Northridge had a 44.7% proficiency rate in ELA, while Butterfield Trail had a 19.6% proficiency rate. Additionally, Northridge Middle School has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, at 45.55% in the 2022-2023 school year, compared to the district average of 42.57%, indicating the school's ability to support and serve a more socioeconomically diverse student population.

Detail:

Public 6-8

120 Northridge Dr
Van Buren, AR 72956

(479) 471-3126

District: Van Buren School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
55^th of 335 Arkansas Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $8,871

Students who attend Northridge Middle School usually attend:

High:

Van Buren High School

Feeder schools for Northridge Middle School:

Elementary:	Oliver Springs Elementary School
	Parkview Elementary School
	Rena Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 17.2

Number of students: 753

Racial breakdown:

White:

69.1%

Hispanic:

17.8%

Two or more races:

6.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 45.6%

See top rated Arkansas middle schools

Compare Northridge Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Northridge Middle School ranks better than 83.6% of middle schools in Arkansas. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 75.71. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (69.1%), Hispanic (17.8%), two or more races (6.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 45.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northridge Middle School is 17.2. (See more...)

Compare Northridge Middle School employs 43.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northridge Middle School is $8,871.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Northridge Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Northridge Middle School 55^th of 335 Arkansas public middle schools. (See Northridge Middle School in the ranking list.)

Van Buren School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Van Buren School District 103^rd of 252 Arkansas school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Northridge Middle School.

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Rank History for Northridge Middle School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	AR State Percentile
2013	62.81	107^th	278	61.5%
2014	61.53	109^th	280	61.1%
2015	48.31	131^st	275	52.4%
2016	68.06	83^rd	312	73.4%
2017	68.88	80^th	315	74.6%
2018	68.51	89^th	318	72.0%
2019	69.27	85^th	319	73.4%
2021	73.32	62^nd	330	81.2%
2022	77.33	48^th	318	84.9%
2023	76.11	62^nd	330	81.2%
2024	75.71	55^th	335	83.6%

See the entire list of Arkansas Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent on FaceBook
Friday, April 30, 2010

If you have a child that is different from a middle to high class white child, your child will not fit in to this school and they will tell you that as well. Our child had never been trouble, had okay to decent grades, and generally got along with everyone; until he went to Northridge. Our child has gone to the school 8 months this school year, and we have yet to meet any of his teachers. The personnel I have met at the school: the principal, asst. principal and a few secretaries, are completely snobby and trust you as if you are beneath them. They will agree with what ever you have to say to your face but never follow through with anything. If you have a choice, DO NOT put your child in this school!!! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Northridge Middle School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1999	384	7	4	11	3	n/a	n/a	409
2000	418	6	8	11	1	n/a	n/a	444
2001	435	4	9	13	4	n/a	n/a	465
2002	411	5	8	18	5	n/a	n/a	447
2003	411	5	8	18	5	n/a	n/a	447
2004	413	8	6	22	8	n/a	n/a	457
2005	374	7	8	22	11	n/a	n/a	422
2006	384	12	13	28	40	n/a	n/a	477
2007	388	14	13	31	47	n/a	n/a	493
2008	371	13	12	40	39	n/a	n/a	475
2009	439	19	11	46	6	n/a	n/a	521
2010	449	12	7	44	13	1	29	555
2011	410	10	6	40	10	3	36	515
2012	365	11	10	40	5	2	47	480
2013	577	16	16	63	16	3	60	751
2014	515	18	23	62	11	2	74	705
2015	474	11	19	65	18	1	69	657
2016	446	16	22	68	14	1	65	632
2017	446	17	28	69	15	0	47	622
2018	449	19	27	64	9	0	48	616
2019	467	20	21	71	9	0	30	618
2020	502	20	17	75	8	0	28	650
2021	472	20	16	73	7	1	26	615
2022	503	18	17	104	13	2	43	700
2023	520	17	16	134	13	1	52	753

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 Northridge Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1999	409	23.0	17.8	32.3
2000	444	31.0	14.3	36.7
2001	465	27.0	17.2	36.1
2002	447	31.0	14.4	37.4
2003	447	31.0	14.4	37.4
2004	457	33.0	13.8	37.4
2005	422	34.0	12.4	38.4
2006	477	31.0	15.4	38.8
2007	493	35.0	14.1	41
2008	475	26.0	18.3	41.7
2009	521	29.0	18.0	42.6
2010	555	29.5	17.3	43.1
2011	515	24.8	20.7	45.4
2012	480	26.2	18.2	49.8
2013	751	47.0	15.9	48.1
2014	705	47.5	14.8	51.8
2015	657	48.0	13.6	54.3
2016	632	47.0	13.4	52.8
2017	622	44.6	13.9	34.6
2018	616	45.8	13.4	36.2
2019	618	41.6	14.8	48.5
2020	650	44.7	14.5	51.7
2021	615	46.3	13.2	42.6
2022	700	46.0	15.2	42.6
2023	753	43.7	17.2	45.6

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 Northridge Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1999	409	23.0	17.8	32.3
2000	444	31.0	14.3	36.7
2001	465	27.0	17.2	36.1
2002	447	31.0	14.4	37.4
2003	447	31.0	14.4	37.4
2004	457	33.0	13.8	37.4
2005	422	34.0	12.4	38.4
2006	477	31.0	15.4	38.8
2007	493	35.0	14.1	41
2008	475	26.0	18.3	41.7
2009	521	29.0	18.0	42.6
2010	555	29.5	17.3	43.1
2011	515	24.8	20.7	45.4
2012	480	26.2	18.2	49.8
2013	751	47.0	15.9	48.1
2014	705	47.5	14.8	51.8
2015	657	48.0	13.6	54.3
2016	632	47.0	13.4	52.8
2017	622	44.6	13.9	34.6
2018	616	45.8	13.4	36.2
2019	618	41.6	14.8	48.5
2020	650	44.7	14.5	51.7
2021	615	46.3	13.2	42.6
2022	700	46.0	15.2	42.6
2023	753	43.7	17.2	45.6

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 Northridge Middle School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,207 (13.6%)	$7,663 (86.4%)	$8,871

Data source: Arkansas Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northridge 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 85^th of 319 Middle schools	Ranks 62^nd of 330 Middle schools	7.9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English (Northridge Middle School)	73.4	81	7.6%
6th Grade English (Van Buren School District)	68	69.5	1.5%
6th Grade English (Arkansas)	72.8	67.6	5.2%
6th Grade Math (Northridge Middle School)	61.5	69.9	8.4%
6th Grade Math (Van Buren School District)	57.6	53.4	4.2%
6th Grade Math (Arkansas)	53.7	47	6.7%
6th Grade Science (Northridge Middle School)	45.9	54.2	8.3%
6th Grade Science (Van Buren School District)	43.2	43.2
6th Grade Science (Arkansas)	45.8	40.3	5.5%
6th Grade Reading (Northridge Middle School)	46.8	42.2	4.6%
6th Grade Reading (Van Buren School District)	39.9	35.1	4.8%
6th Grade Reading (Arkansas)	43.1	39	4.1%
7th Grade English (Northridge Middle School)	85.8	82.2	3.6%
7th Grade English (Van Buren School District)	81.1	75.6	5.5%
7th Grade English (Arkansas)	78.3	75.1	3.2%
7th Grade Math (Northridge Middle School)	55.9	55.1	0.8%
7th Grade Math (Van Buren School District)	47.9	45.3	2.6%
7th Grade Math (Arkansas)	47.7	39.6	8.1%
7th Grade Science (Northridge Middle School)	54.3	44.8	9.5%
7th Grade Science (Van Buren School District)	46	36.7	9.3%
7th Grade Science (Arkansas)	43	38.5	4.5%
7th Grade Reading (Northridge Middle School)	49.7	39.8	9.9%
7th Grade Reading (Van Buren School District)	42.4	34.6	7.8%
7th Grade Reading (Arkansas)	39.2	34.2	5%
8th Grade English (Northridge Middle School)	78.9	71.3	7.6%
8th Grade English (Van Buren School District)	73.1	66.2	6.9%
8th Grade English (Arkansas)	74.1	69.2	4.9%
8th Grade Math (Northridge Middle School)	56.2	52.6	3.6%
8th Grade Math (Van Buren School District)	48.2	42.5	5.7%
8th Grade Math (Arkansas)	47.7	37.9	9.8%
8th Grade Science (Northridge Middle School)	46.9	42.2	4.7%
8th Grade Science (Van Buren School District)	41.7	37.3	4.4%
8th Grade Science (Arkansas)	42.5	36.1	6.4%
8th Grade Reading (Northridge Middle School)	58.8	54	4.8%
8th Grade Reading (Van Buren School District)	54	48.8	5.2%
8th Grade Reading (Arkansas)	53.1	50.8	2.3%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	618	753	21.8%
African American	20	17	15%
American Indian	9	13	44.4%
Asian	21	16	23.8%
Hispanic	71	134	88.7%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	467	520	11.3%
Two or More Races	30	52	73.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	48.5%	45.6%	3%

Schools Near Northridge Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				ATLAS English Language Arts (2024)					ATLAS Reading (2024)					ATLAS Mathematics (2024)					ATLAS Algebra (2024)		ATLAS Geometry (2024)		ATLAS Science (2024)					Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ATLAS English Language Arts 5th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 6th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 7th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 8th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts All Grades	ATLAS Reading 5th Grade	ATLAS Reading 6th Grade	ATLAS Reading 7th Grade	ATLAS Reading 8th Grade	ATLAS Reading All Grades	ATLAS Mathematics 5th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 6th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 7th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 8th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics All Grades	ATLAS Algebra 8th Grade	ATLAS Algebra All Grades	ATLAS Geometry 8th Grade	ATLAS Geometry All Grades	ATLAS Science 5th Grade	ATLAS Science 6th Grade	ATLAS Science 7th Grade	ATLAS Science 8th Grade	ATLAS Science All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Northridge Middle School	Public	6-8	120 Northridge Dr	Van Buren	72956	Crawford County	Van Buren School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 471-3126	753	44	17.2	45.6%	520 (69.1%)	17 (2.3%)	134 (17.8%)	16 (2.1%)	13 (1.7%)	1 (0.1%)	52 (6.9%)	75.7	55^th of 335 public middle schools	83.6%		76.1	62^nd of 330 public middle schools	81.2%	7		47.1	41.9	45.2	44.7		41.7	35.0	42.0	39.7		65.0	51.3	19.4	49.0	64.0	64.6				45.7	42.3	39.4	42.3	$8,871	$1,207	$7,663
Butterfield Trail Middle School	Public	6-8	310 N 11th St	Van Buren	72956	Crawford County	Van Buren School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 474-6838	613	43	14.3	73.2%	351 (57.3%)	20 (3.3%)	177 (28.9%)	12 (2.0%)	7 (1.1%)	1 (0.2%)	45 (7.3%)	28.8	259^th of 335 public middle schools	22.7%		32.5	242^nd of 330 public middle schools	26.7%	17		23.0	15.8	19.9	19.6		24.7	16.9	18.8	20.1		32.1	25.3	19.2	25.9	53.3	53.3				29.2	22.5	30.4	27.4	$8,763	$1,148	$7,614
Dora Kimmons Middle School	Public	6-8	2201 N 50th St	Fort Smith	72904	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 785-2451	841	56	15.1	91.2%	112 (13.3%)	133 (15.8%)	496 (59.0%)	55 (6.5%)	9 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	36 (4.3%)	23.9	278^th of 335 public middle schools	17.0%		20.4	279^th of 330 public middle schools	15.5%	1		18.2	19.6	23.5	20.6		17.8	18.6	22.9	19.9		13.5	28.4	18.1	20.0	52.8	52.8				17.0	22.1	25.5	21.8	$10,718	$1,945	$8,773
Cedarville Middle School	Public	5-8	9614 Pirates Point	Cedarville	72932	Crawford County	Cedarville School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 474-5847	210	17	12.0	98.6%	173 (82.4%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (5.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (11.9%)	48.1	167^th of 335 public middle schools	50.1%		60.5	132^nd of 330 public middle schools	60.0%	35	48.9	19.6	40.0	29.7	34.6	51.0	21.8	35.6	29.7	34.6	53.2	19.5	31.1	42.5	36.5					31.9	32.6	35.5	36.1	34.0	$8,683	$1,335	$7,348
William O. Darby Middle School	Public	6-8	616 N 14th St	Fort Smith	72901	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 783-4159	700	48	14.6	86.7%	193 (27.6%)	89 (12.7%)	351 (50.1%)	12 (1.7%)	4 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	50 (7.1%)	31.1	242^nd of 335 public middle schools	27.8%		23	275^th of 330 public middle schools	16.7%	33		24.6	27.5	20.6	24.3		25.5	28.5	22.2	25.4		29.0	27.9	8.0	22.9	42.2	43.0				26.3	26.1	20.2	24.2	$12,760	$2,373	$10,387
Alma Middle School	Public	6-8	706 Hwy 64 E	Alma	72921	Crawford County	Alma School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 632-2168	716	61	11.7	44.3%	597 (83.4%)	10 (1.4%)	38 (5.3%)	4 (0.6%)	21 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	46 (6.4%)	69.1	78^th of 335 public middle schools	76.7%		65.7	105^th of 330 public middle schools	68.2%	27		39.2	33.7	37.6	36.9		37.1	33.0	35.6	35.3		40.7	45.1	39.0	41.7	81.6	81.6				40.3	46.3	46.7	44.4	$8,398	$1,119	$7,279
L. A. Chaffin Middle School	Public	6-8	3025 Massard Rd	Fort Smith	72903	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 452-2226	725	52	13.8	53.7%	387 (53.4%)	26 (3.6%)	138 (19.0%)	59 (8.1%)	12 (1.7%)	2 (0.3%)	101 (13.9%)	91	17^th of 335 public middle schools	94.9%		91.5	11^th of 330 public middle schools	96.7%	6		49.7	51.5	57.6	53.0		47.5	51.7	56.8	52.1		54.8	61.9	44.3	54.9	76.3	76.3	100.0	100.0		45.7	54.8	59.8	53.6	$10,044	$1,432	$8,612
Ramsey Middle School	Public	6-8	3201 Jenny Lind Rd	Fort Smith	72901	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 783-5115	832	61	13.5	67.2%	434 (52.2%)	99 (11.9%)	152 (18.3%)	34 (4.1%)	12 (1.4%)	2 (0.2%)	99 (11.9%)	59.6	107^th of 335 public middle schools	68.1%		65.1	108^th of 330 public middle schools	67.3%	1		36.8	31.1	36.0	34.5		38.1	32.8	35.3	35.3		37.7	38.7	28.1	35.5	51.3	51.3	100.0	100.0		32.8	37.1	42.4	37.5	$10,610	$1,885	$8,724
Lavaca Middle School	Public	5-8	603 N Division St	Lavaca	72941	Sebastian County	Lavaca School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 674-5618	231	19	12.2	47.6%	182 (78.8%)	1 (0.4%)	20 (8.7%)	4 (1.7%)	2 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (9.5%)	51.8	144^th of 335 public middle schools	57.0%		73.3	71^st of 330 public middle schools	78.5%	73	48.2	32.7	27.5	34.6	35.9	50.0	31.0	29.4	30.4	35.3	60.8	36.2	45.1	24.3	43.0	42.1	42.1			48.2	25.9	35.3	42.8	38.0	$7,709	$1,080	$6,629
Mountainburg Middle School Brain Academy	Public, Charter	6-8	129 Hwy 71 SW	Mountainburg	72946	Crawford County	Mountainburg School District	Yes	No	No	Yes	(479) 369-4506	184	15	12.5	98.9%	175 (95.1%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (2.7%)	1 (0.5%)	2 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	39.5	211^th of 335 public middle schools	37.0%		44	201^st of 330 public middle schools	39.1%	10		20.4	45.8	24.5	30.5		22.7	41.7	22.5	29.1		11.4	23.0	0.0	12.6	35.7	35.7				13.7	50.0	34.7	33.4

Frequently Asked Questions about Northridge Middle School

How many students attend Northridge Middle School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 753 students attended Northridge Middle School.

What is the racial makeup of Northridge Middle School?

Students at Northridge Middle School are 69% White, 18% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 2% African American, 2% Asian, 2% American Indian.

What high school do graduates of Northridge Middle School attend?

Students who attend Northridge Middle School usually go on to attend Van Buren High School

Is Northridge Middle School a good school?

Northridge Middle School ranks 55^th of 335 Arkansas middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What district is Northridge Middle School in?

Van Buren School District

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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.