Merrill Middle School

Summary:

Merrill Middle School is a public middle school in Denver, Colorado, serving 623 students in grades 6-8. This school stands out as a high-performing institution, consistently outperforming the School District No. 1 and the state of Colorado in academic assessments.

In the 2023-2024 school year, Merrill Middle School had significantly higher proficiency rates in CMAS/English Language Arts (63.8% vs. 40.7% for the district and 44.1% for the state) and CMAS/Math (60.6% vs. 31.2% for the district and 34.2% for the state). The school has a strong statewide ranking, placing 48th out of 485 Colorado middle schools and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. This ranking has steadily improved over the years, with the school moving from the 100th position in 2018-2019 to the 48th position in 2023-2024. Merrill Middle School also excels in the performance of specific student groups, ranking 17th out of 273 Colorado middle schools for White students, 32nd out of 199 for Hispanic students, and 22nd out of 126 for Gifted and Talented students.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Morey Middle School (ranked 11th out of 485 Colorado middle schools) and KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy (ranked 445th out of 485), Merrill Middle School stands out as a high-performing institution that provides equitable educational opportunities and support for all students.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 1551 South Monroe Street
       Denver, CO  80210-3015


(720) 424-0600

District: School District No. 1

SchoolDigger Rank:
48th of 485 Colorado Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,866 Help


Students who attend Merrill Middle School usually attend:

High:    South High School

Feeder schools for Merrill Middle School:

Elementary:    Cory Elementary School
    Ellis Elementary School
    Slavens K-8 School
    Steele Elementary School
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  20.0 Help
Number of students:  623

Racial breakdown:

White:
56.8%
Hispanic:
24.4%
African American:
7.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  37.2% Help


 See top rated Colorado middle schools

 Compare Merrill Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Merrill Middle School ranks better than 90.1% of middle schools in Colorado. It also ranks 4th among 30 ranked middle schools in the School District No. 1. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 87.11. (See more...)
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
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 Merrill Middle School has the largest middle school student body size in the School District No. 1.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Merrill Middle School is $15,866. 17 middle schools in the School District No. 1 spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Merrill Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Merrill Middle School 48th of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See Merrill Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


School District No. 1:

SchoolDigger ranks School District No. 1 78th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Merrill Middle School.

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Rank History for Merrill Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 9.92 306th 336 8.9%
2005 8.95 310th 340 8.8%
2006 7.69 323rd 346 6.6%
2007 5.58 340th 360 5.6%
2008 6.92 339th 362 6.4%
2009 4.39 363rd 377 3.7%
2010 6.00 392nd 409 4.2%
2011 5.36 408th 422 3.3%
2012 11.03 379th 425 10.8%
2013 15.71 397th 454 12.6%
2014 22.48 376th 461 18.4%
2015 48.96 196th 436 55.0%
2016 57.61 144th 400 64.0%
2017 52.52 173rd 424 59.2%
2018 68.10 111th 418 73.4%
2019 72.03 100th 458 78.2%
2021 71.75 84th 369 77.2%
2022 80.29 67th 448 85.0%
2023 86.05 53rd 480 89.0%
2024 87.11 48th 485 90.1%
See the entire list of Colorado Middle School Rankings!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.14 115th 222 48.2%
2019 48.57 108th 240 55.0%
2022 46.55 86th 197 56.3%
2023 55.66 80th 241 66.8%
2024 59.51 68th 244 72.1%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 68.42 78th 315 75.2%
2019 72.04 84th 352 76.1%
2021 58.31 93rd 254 63.4%
2022 75.00 62nd 326 81.0%
2023 83.96 48th 363 86.8%
2024 85.45 39th 350 88.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 73.66 3rd 12 75.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 28.92 108th 121 10.7%
2019 51.05 80th 134 40.3%
2022 77.29 12th 93 87.1%
2023 80.18 9th 125 92.8%
2024 73.90 22nd 126 82.5%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 59.73 100th 317 68.5%
2019 65.15 98th 343 71.4%
2021 71.20 56th 249 77.5%
2022 75.53 61st 328 81.4%
2023 80.40 50th 356 86.0%
2024 81.54 48th 357 86.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.60 70th 165 57.6%
2019 47.36 107th 220 51.4%
2022 50.29 71st 169 58.0%
2023 63.32 62nd 198 68.7%
2024 74.01 32nd 199 83.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Merrill Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.16 36th 199 81.9%
2019 79.60 38th 283 86.6%
2021 74.93 35th 203 82.8%
2022 86.64 23rd 265 91.3%
2023 90.62 14th 286 95.1%
2024 89.16 17th 273 93.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Colorado 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.

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






Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2)
0%

0%

50%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Sunday, June 14, 2015

Open Quote The school has a lot of diversity and some good teachers, but some of the teachers (especially temporary teachers) don’t seem to care much. I’ve heard several reports of teachers not being able to control their students and then becoming frustrated and not teaching, just handing out paperwork with no classroom instruction on how to complete the assignments. Also, the administration does not plan very well. For example, there were not enough yearbooks to go around (I'm thinking, can't students pay up front and then the school orders the books, so they know how many to order?). Also, student behavior needs improvement, as there seems to be a handful of students who cause a lot of distraction that negatively impacts learning (kids stealing things out of gym lockers, students acting out in class, some bullying, etc.). On a positive note, there is extra help available some Saturday mornings throughout the school year, and most of the teachers are caring and professional. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Merrill Middle School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 174 45 7 140 1 n/a n/a 0 367
1989 290 100 11 192 4 n/a n/a 0 597
1990 292 111 12 153 4 n/a n/a 0 572
1991 309 99 11 230 3 n/a n/a 0 652
1992 362 94 10 235 4 n/a n/a 0 705
1993 370 104 21 263 8 n/a n/a 0 766
1994 344 108 18 269 5 n/a n/a 0 744
1995 307 119 21 281 6 n/a n/a 0 734
1996 307 119 21 281 6 n/a n/a 0 734
1997 322 87 16 301 6 n/a n/a 0 732
1998 298 72 149 189 4 n/a n/a 0 712
1999 290 84 126 205 3 n/a n/a 0 708
2000 298 68 111 221 3 n/a n/a 0 701
2001 294 73 106 221 8 n/a n/a 0 702
2002 249 88 102 182 4 n/a n/a 0 625
2003 249 88 102 182 4 n/a n/a 0 625
2004 238 124 93 229 8 n/a n/a 0 692
2005 222 143 78 209 25 n/a n/a 0 677
2006 175 130 59 209 32 n/a n/a 0 605
2007 173 154 47 225 19 n/a n/a 0 618
2008 148 129 57 197 17 n/a n/a 0 548
2009 159 103 80 175 19 n/a n/a 0 536
2010 159 93 77 178 18 n/a n/a 0 525
2011 126 98 96 183 17 2 23 0 545
2012 129 93 79 197 17 2 18 0 535
2013 152 78 68 186 5 2 14 0 505
2014 173 80 49 201 3 3 14 0 523
2015 205 89 43 194 1 3 11 0 546
2016 236 79 20 198 4 1 13 0 551
2017 281 56 16 181 4 0 16 0 554
2018 293 46 28 170 6 0 24 0 567
2019 313 42 25 169 6 1 25 0 581
2020 299 39 32 156 4 1 30 0 561
2021 341 43 24 152 2 1 28 0 591
2022 347 47 15 149 2 0 41 0 601
2023 354 47 24 152 4 0 42 0 623

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 Merrill Middle School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 367 24.2 15.1 n/a
1989 597 40.3 14.8 38.9
1990 572 43.0 13.3 33.4
1991 652 45.0 14.4 40
1992 705 47.3 14.9 43.1
1993 766 46.3 16.5 49.7
1994 744 48.6 15.3 47.7
1995 734 36.5 20.1 52.9
1996 734 36.5 20.1 52.9
1997 732 36.1 20.3 52.5
1998 712 45.9 15.5 53.2
1999 708 29.7 23.8 52.1
2000 701 44.2 15.9 59.9
2001 702 43.5 16.1 57
2002 625 44.5 14.0 61.8
2003 625 44.5 14.0 61.8
2004 692 42.2 16.4 64.9
2005 677 36.7 18.4 64.3
2006 605 39.4 15.4 73.9
2007 618 36.5 16.9 77
2008 548 31.5 17.4 78.5
2009 536 36.0 14.9 77.4
2010 525 39.9 13.1 79
2011 545 38.1 14.2 80.4
2012 535 35.2 15.1 81.9
2013 505 30.7 16.4 75.2
2014 523 33.0 15.8 73.6
2015 546 39.0 14.0 64.7
2016 551 39.0 14.1 58.6
2017 554 33.0 16.7 49.8
2018 567 30.0 18.9 48.3
2019 581 32.6 17.7 42.7
2020 561 33.0 16.9 42.4
2021 591 35.8 16.4 37.7
2022 601 35.2 17.0 35.8
2023 623 31.0 20.0 37.2

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 Merrill Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 367 24.2 15.1 n/a
1989 597 40.3 14.8 38.9
1990 572 43.0 13.3 33.4
1991 652 45.0 14.4 40
1992 705 47.3 14.9 43.1
1993 766 46.3 16.5 49.7
1994 744 48.6 15.3 47.7
1995 734 36.5 20.1 52.9
1996 734 36.5 20.1 52.9
1997 732 36.1 20.3 52.5
1998 712 45.9 15.5 53.2
1999 708 29.7 23.8 52.1
2000 701 44.2 15.9 59.9
2001 702 43.5 16.1 57
2002 625 44.5 14.0 61.8
2003 625 44.5 14.0 61.8
2004 692 42.2 16.4 64.9
2005 677 36.7 18.4 64.3
2006 605 39.4 15.4 73.9
2007 618 36.5 16.9 77
2008 548 31.5 17.4 78.5
2009 536 36.0 14.9 77.4
2010 525 39.9 13.1 79
2011 545 38.1 14.2 80.4
2012 535 35.2 15.1 81.9
2013 505 30.7 16.4 75.2
2014 523 33.0 15.8 73.6
2015 546 39.0 14.0 64.7
2016 551 39.0 14.1 58.6
2017 554 33.0 16.7 49.8
2018 567 30.0 18.9 48.3
2019 581 32.6 17.7 42.7
2020 561 33.0 16.9 42.4
2021 591 35.8 16.4 37.7
2022 601 35.2 17.0 35.8
2023 623 31.0 20.0 37.2

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 Merrill Middle School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $12,512
2020 $13,086
2021 $13,149
2022 $13,900
2023 $15,866

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Merrill 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 100th of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 53rd of 480 Middle schools
 10.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Middle School)60.870.2
 9.4%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 1)4038.8
 1.2%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (Merrill Middle School)41.259.2
 18%
   6th Grade Math (School District No. 1)27.926.9
 1%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Middle School)57.258.6
 1.4%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 1)45.140.3
 4.8%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
7th Grade Math (Merrill Middle School)43.954.3
 10.4%
   7th Grade Math (School District No. 1)30.225.1
 5.1%
   7th Grade Math (Colorado)31.626.3
 5.3%
8th Grade Science (Merrill Middle School)34.347.6
 13.3%
   8th Grade Science (School District No. 1)22.726
 3.3%
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Merrill Middle School)60.461.3
 0.9%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 1)4640.8
 5.2%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (Merrill Middle School)54.458.7
 4.3%
   8th Grade Math (School District No. 1)34.430.9
 3.5%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.7
 4.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Merrill Middle School)59.563.4
 3.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (School District No. 1)42.840.3
 2.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Merrill Middle School)46.957.4
 10.5%
   All Grades Math (School District No. 1)32.730.3
 2.4%
   All Grades Math (Colorado)34.732.9
 1.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students581623
 7.2%
African American4247
 11.9%
American Indian64
 33.3%
Asian2524
 4%
Hispanic169152
 10.1%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White313354
 13.1%
Two or More Races2542
 68%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients42.7%37.2%
 5.4%


Schools Near Merrill Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Middle School

In the 2022-23 school year, 623 students attended Merrill Middle School.

Yes. Merrill Middle School ranks in the top 9.9% of Colorado middle schools.

Students who attend Merrill Middle School usually go on to attend South High School

Students at Merrill Middle School are 57% White, 24% Hispanic, 8% African American, 7% Two or more races, 4% Asian.


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