Hercules Middle

Summary:

Hercules Middle is a public middle school located in Hercules, California, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 590 students. The school is part of the West Contra Costa Unified School District, which is ranked 1129 out of 1568 districts in California and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Hercules Middle consistently outperforms the West Contra Costa Unified School District and the state of California in Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics across all grade levels. For the 2023-2024 school year, Hercules Middle's proficiency rates in ELA/Literacy range from 43.78% to 52.94%, compared to the district's 28.63% to 32.83% and the state's 45.82% to 47.19%. In Mathematics, Hercules Middle's proficiency rates range from 33.33% to 35.5%, compared to the district's 17.25% to 24.62% and the state's 31.57% to 34.31%. The school also outperforms the district and state in CAST Science assessments, with proficiency rates around 30% compared to the district's 15.34% to 19.91% and the state's 28.95% to 30.7%. However, Hercules Middle's Asian, Hispanic, and White student groups perform below the state average, ranking in the bottom 50% to 60% of California middle schools.

While Hercules Middle generally outperforms the other middle schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, such as Fred T. Korematsu Middle, Lovonya DeJean Middle, Helms Middle, and Pinole Middle, it lags behind some nearby schools outside the district, such as Martinez Junior High and Benicia Middle, in both ELA and Mathematics. Additionally, Hercules Middle has seen a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 4.2% in 2017-2018 to 19.5% in 2022-2023, which is higher than the district's average.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 1900 Refugio Valley Rd.
       Hercules, CA  94547-1554


(510) 231-1429

District: West Contra Costa Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
975th of 2,777 California Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $6,868 Help


Students who attend Hercules Middle usually attend:

High:    Hercules High

Feeder schools for Hercules Middle:

Elementary:    Hanna Ranch Elementary
    Lupine Hills Elementary
    Ohlone Elementary

Student/teacher ratio:  25.7 Help
Number of students:  593

Racial breakdown:

Asian:
39.3%
Hispanic:
26.8%
African American:
15.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  43.7% Help


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 Compare Hercules Middle to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Hercules Middle ranks better than 64.9% of middle schools in California. It also ranks 2nd among 6 ranked middle schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 56.54. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Hercules Middle is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (39.3%), Hispanic (26.8%), African American (15.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 43.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Hercules Middle is 25.7, which is the highest among 6 middle schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Hercules Middle employs 22.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Hercules Middle is $6,868. 3 middle schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Hercules Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Hercules Middle 975th of 2777 California public middle schools. (See Hercules Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


West Contra Costa Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks West Contra Costa Unified 1129th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Hercules Middle?

Rank History for Hercules Middle

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2007 49.93 907th 1999 54.6%
2008 47.07 993rd 2005 50.5%
2009 38.69 1238th 2063 40.0%
2010 38.78 1341st 2179 38.5%
2011 39.17 1382nd 2236 38.2%
2012 33.44 1546th 2259 31.6%
2013 37.38 1507th 2379 36.7%
2015 44.47 1227th 2477 50.5%
2016 42.70 1300th 2497 47.9%
2017 46.05 1218th 2508 51.4%
2018 53.32 1000th 2480 59.7%
2019 51.22 1120th 2715 58.7%
2022 51.50 1132nd 2740 58.7%
2023 54.00 1059th 2802 62.2%
2024 56.54 975th 2777 64.9%
See the entire list of California Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.45 355th 462 23.2%
2019 26.72 436th 554 21.3%
2022 27.73 493rd 665 25.9%
2023 24.17 522nd 678 23.0%
2024 43.23 406th 699 41.9%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.09 490th 1364 64.1%
2019 52.06 394th 1442 72.7%
2022 42.38 675th 1540 56.2%
2023 45.11 574th 1529 62.5%
2024 56.79 310th 1477 79.0%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 55.49 458th 1538 70.2%
2024 59.42 410th 1550 73.5%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.89 997th 2230 55.3%
2019 39.38 1343rd 2369 43.3%
2022 41.29 1290th 2458 47.5%
2023 42.11 1259th 2549 50.6%
2024 51.75 979th 2575 62.0%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.13 953rd 2262 57.9%
2019 51.60 1019th 2380 57.2%
2022 49.69 1073rd 2509 57.2%
2023 58.82 844th 2547 66.9%
2024 60.72 811th 2546 68.1%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 40.35 694th 1369 49.3%
2019 39.22 762nd 1491 48.9%
2022 30.59 1041st 1531 32.0%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.13 939th 2273 58.7%
2019 49.13 1039th 2407 56.8%
2022 52.36 989th 2527 60.9%
2023 47.68 1134th 2558 55.7%
2024 50.03 1079th 2547 57.6%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.77 536th 700 23.4%
2019 24.59 596th 745 20.0%
2022 24.75 576th 733 21.4%
2023 22.27 576th 718 19.8%
2024 29.23 551st 741 25.6%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 34.17 386th 600 35.7%
2019 49.70 279th 643 56.6%
2022 59.32 207th 637 67.5%
2023 65.40 164th 614 73.3%
2024 61.32 186th 626 70.3%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.98 704th 2072 66.0%
2019 42.75 1166th 2213 47.3%
2022 36.05 1430th 2359 39.4%
2023 36.64 1389th 2391 41.9%
2024 31.97 1568th 2383 34.2%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Hercules Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.87 1033rd 1496 30.9%
2019 37.74 996th 1602 37.8%
2022 34.10 1032nd 1555 33.6%
2024 41.65 869th 1535 43.4%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, 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.

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






Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.7)
67%

33%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Thursday, October 18, 2018

Open Quote Very good food.The teachers are very nice.You will be safe at the school. Close Quote


by a student
Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Open Quote Great school and nice 7th graders. Close Quote


by a student
Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Open Quote this school is awsome. In the year of 2011, they have rules, which is good!!!!
I love this school for the awsome teachers and a great principal. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Hercules Middle

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2005 104 215 353 125 3 n/a n/a 18 818
2006 85 216 300 122 2 n/a n/a 39 764
2007 88 214 282 116 0 n/a n/a 55 755
2008 78 209 291 121 1 n/a n/a 0 700
2009 71 202 286 112 2 3 91 0 767
2010 74 219 305 146 0 3 6 0 753
2011 55 161 275 142 0 0 120 0 753
2012 70 216 340 137 1 3 0 0 767
2013 64 195 319 123 1 4 18 0 724
2014 54 185 292 132 3 2 5 0 673
2015 41 158 271 143 3 4 16 0 636
2016 34 164 284 128 3 4 15 0 632
2017 31 125 266 133 1 3 25 0 584
2018 40 135 257 133 0 2 27 0 594
2019 41 114 255 151 1 2 39 0 603
2020 42 99 246 156 2 3 53 0 601
2021 39 98 258 164 2 4 58 0 623
2022 38 97 250 167 2 6 59 0 619
2023 29 94 257 153 1 5 50 1 590
2024 43 91 233 159 1 6 60 0 593

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 Hercules Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 818 31.2 26.2 0
2006 764 21.6 35.4 33.2
2007 755 29.6 25.5 34
2008 700 31.4 22.3 36.1
2009 767 27.2 26.8 35.5
2010 753 24.6 30.6 37.7
2011 753 n/a n/a 43.3
2012 767 27.9 27.4 n/a
2013 724 29.8 24.2 43
2014 673 29.2 23.0 42.8
2015 636 29.0 21.9 44.5
2016 632 21.0 30.0 44.8
2017 584 24.4 23.9 48.3
2018 594 25.3 23.4 44.4
2019 603 23.9 25.2 43.8
2020 601 n/a n/a 37.8
2021 623 24.5 25.4 37.6
2022 619 26.4 23.4 23.3
2023 590 23.0 25.5 28.8
2024 593 22.9 25.7 43.7

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 Hercules Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 818 31.2 26.2 0
2006 764 21.6 35.4 33.2
2007 755 29.6 25.5 34
2008 700 31.4 22.3 36.1
2009 767 27.2 26.8 35.5
2010 753 24.6 30.6 37.7
2011 753 n/a n/a 43.3
2012 767 27.9 27.4 n/a
2013 724 29.8 24.2 43
2014 673 29.2 23.0 42.8
2015 636 29.0 21.9 44.5
2016 632 21.0 30.0 44.8
2017 584 24.4 23.9 48.3
2018 594 25.3 23.4 44.4
2019 603 23.9 25.2 43.8
2020 601 n/a n/a 37.8
2021 623 24.5 25.4 37.6
2022 619 26.4 23.4 23.3
2023 590 23.0 25.5 28.8
2024 593 22.9 25.7 43.7

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 Hercules Middle

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $6,868

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Hercules Middle

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 1120th of 2715 Middle schoolsRanks 1059th of 2802 Middle schools
 3.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Hercules Middle)45.946.4
 0.4%
   6th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (West Contra Costa Unified)32.730.1
 2.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)48.544.2
 4.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Hercules Middle)33.233.2
   6th Grade Mathematics (West Contra Costa Unified)25.121.2
 4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (California)38.533.2
 5.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Hercules Middle)51.649.5
 2.1%
   7th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (West Contra Costa Unified)34.430.8
 3.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)51.447.4
 3.9%
7th Grade Mathematics (Hercules Middle)34.733.5
 1.2%
   7th Grade Mathematics (West Contra Costa Unified)21.719.7
 2.1%
   7th Grade Mathematics (California)37.933.2
 4.7%
8th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Hercules Middle)55.948
 7.9%
   8th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (West Contra Costa Unified)35.427.9
 7.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)49.445.7
 3.8%
8th Grade Mathematics (Hercules Middle)30.428.9
 1.5%
   8th Grade Mathematics (West Contra Costa Unified)17.414.1
 3.3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (California)36.629.9
 6.7%
8th Grade Science (Hercules Middle)30.923.2
 7.7%
   8th Grade Science (West Contra Costa Unified)18.713.2
 5.5%
   8th Grade Science (California)30.828.8
 2.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students603590
 2.2%
African American11494
 17.5%
American Indian11
Asian255257
 0.8%
Hispanic151153
 1.3%
Pacific Islander25
 150%
White4129
 29.3%
Two or More Races3950
 28.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients43.8%28.8%
 15%


Schools Near Hercules Middle









Frequently Asked Questions about Hercules Middle

In the 2023-24 school year, 593 students attended Hercules Middle.

Hercules Middle ranks 975th of 2777 California middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at Hercules Middle are 39% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 15% African American, 10% Two or more races, 7% White, 1% Pacific Islander.

Students who attend Hercules Middle usually go on to attend Hercules High


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





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