Watson Junior High School

Summary:

Watson Junior High School is a public middle school located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, serving grades 6-8 with a student population of 544. The school is part of School District No. 3, which is ranked 59 out of 116 districts in Colorado and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Watson Junior High School has a more diverse student population compared to nearby schools, with a higher percentage of Hispanic (30.88%) and African American (8.09%) students, it consistently underperforms in academic measures. The school's proficiency rates in CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) tests are significantly lower than state and district averages, with only 34.2% of students proficient in English Language Arts, 13.8% in Math, and 19.5% in 8th grade Science, compared to the state averages of 44.1%, 34.2%, and 32.2%, respectively. Additionally, the school has a higher percentage of students from low-income families, with 37.13% to 53.86% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch over the past three school years.

When compared to other nearby middle schools, such as Sproul Junior High School, which is also in School District No. 3, Watson Junior High School generally underperforms across multiple subject areas and grade levels. The school's statewide ranking has also steadily declined over the past several years, from 177 out of 418 Colorado middle schools in 2017-2018 to 338 out of 485 in 2023-2024, indicating that its academic performance is not keeping pace with other middle schools in the state.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 136 Fontaine Boulevard
       Colorado Springs, CO  80911-2127


(719) 391-3255

District: School District No. 3

SchoolDigger Rank:
338th of 485 Colorado Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,173 Help


Students who attend Watson Junior High School usually attend:

High:    Widefield High School

Feeder schools for Watson Junior High School:

Elementary:    Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School
    Talbott STEAM Innovation School
    Venetucci Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.5 Help
Number of students:  544

Racial breakdown:

White:
48.9%
Hispanic:
30.9%
Two or more races:
9.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  37.1% Help


 See top rated Colorado middle schools

 Compare Watson Junior High School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Watson Junior High School ranks worse than 69.7% of middle schools in Colorado. It also ranks last among 3 ranked middle schools in the School District No. 3. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 26.08. (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 Watson Junior High School has the largest middle school student body size in the School District No. 3.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Watson Junior High School is $14,173. 1 middle schools in the School District No. 3 spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Watson Junior High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Watson Junior High School 338th of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See Watson Junior High School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


School District No. 3:

SchoolDigger ranks School District No. 3 59th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Watson Junior High School?

Rank History for Watson Junior High School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 47.98 174th 336 48.2%
2005 41.32 221st 340 35.0%
2006 43.26 212th 346 38.7%
2007 55.55 170th 360 52.8%
2008 47.70 209th 362 42.3%
2009 47.23 222nd 377 41.1%
2010 44.21 244th 409 40.3%
2011 45.33 251st 422 40.5%
2012 43.22 255th 425 40.0%
2013 37.36 308th 454 32.2%
2014 39.47 282nd 461 38.8%
2015 36.64 269th 436 38.3%
2016 41.84 212th 400 47.0%
2017 33.86 265th 424 37.5%
2018 52.27 177th 418 57.7%
2019 43.40 250th 458 45.4%
2021 25.52 291st 369 21.1%
2022 36.95 261st 448 41.7%
2023 30.14 309th 480 35.6%
2024 26.08 338th 485 30.3%
See the entire list of Colorado Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.31 11th 14 21.4%
2019 23.81 24th 31 22.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 70.08 40th 222 82.0%
2019 64.48 62nd 240 74.2%
2022 44.12 95th 197 51.8%
2023 31.29 166th 241 31.1%
2024 29.87 177th 244 27.5%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.82 150th 315 52.4%
2019 47.91 175th 352 50.3%
2021 22.70 206th 254 18.9%
2022 33.30 206th 326 36.8%
2023 28.98 232nd 363 36.1%
2024 22.83 259th 350 26.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.69 147th 317 53.6%
2019 45.26 175th 343 49.0%
2021 17.03 229th 249 8.0%
2022 33.58 203rd 328 38.1%
2023 22.03 262nd 356 26.4%
2024 23.66 265th 357 25.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 63.69 8th 33 75.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.74 48th 165 70.9%
2019 61.32 69th 220 68.6%
2022 38.52 96th 169 43.2%
2024 28.25 141st 199 29.1%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Watson Junior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 35.39 123rd 199 38.2%
2019 27.93 209th 283 26.1%
2021 16.66 182nd 203 10.3%
2022 18.31 221st 265 16.6%
2023 12.83 258th 286 9.8%
2024 17.02 226th 273 17.2%
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.

Watson Junior High 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%

0%

100%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Saturday, February 20, 2016

Open Quote They have teachers that are okay, however, the administration has an issue with dealing with bullying and even occasional fights on the premises Close Quote



Enrollment information for Watson Junior High School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 352 66 21 44 8 n/a n/a 0 491
1989 339 76 26 48 6 n/a n/a 0 495
1990 344 70 22 50 7 n/a n/a 0 493
1991 339 56 23 49 9 n/a n/a 0 476
1992 355 74 19 51 7 n/a n/a 0 506
1993 373 96 26 55 8 n/a n/a 0 558
1994 399 100 18 67 12 n/a n/a 0 596
1995 443 128 31 80 12 n/a n/a 0 694
1996 443 128 31 80 12 n/a n/a 0 694
1997 485 140 40 91 10 n/a n/a 0 766
1998 328 69 17 49 5 n/a n/a 0 468
1999 288 82 19 53 3 n/a n/a 0 445
2000 284 74 24 66 5 n/a n/a 0 453
2001 294 86 24 53 4 n/a n/a 0 461
2002 271 70 11 55 5 n/a n/a 0 412
2003 271 70 11 55 5 n/a n/a 0 412
2004 248 74 16 59 4 n/a n/a 0 401
2005 267 78 14 74 5 n/a n/a 0 438
2006 290 77 18 76 5 n/a n/a 0 466
2007 266 74 15 71 6 n/a n/a 0 432
2008 273 59 15 74 6 n/a n/a 0 427
2009 251 50 15 87 3 n/a n/a 0 406
2010 242 56 14 82 3 n/a n/a 0 397
2011 334 64 8 172 11 15 26 0 630
2012 334 63 7 157 5 15 41 0 622
2013 348 68 11 169 7 9 49 0 661
2014 349 65 13 170 4 4 54 0 659
2015 353 66 14 182 6 9 60 0 690
2016 350 56 11 190 6 12 76 0 701
2017 373 53 10 182 9 13 70 0 710
2018 368 61 8 196 12 11 71 0 727
2019 364 78 7 208 10 10 82 0 759
2020 239 62 5 171 8 1 74 0 560
2021 250 49 6 163 3 1 59 0 531
2022 266 39 8 163 6 6 50 0 538
2023 266 44 6 168 6 2 52 0 544

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 Watson Junior High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 491 28.5 17.2 n/a
1989 495 28.6 17.3 17.8
1990 493 29.7 16.5 16.6
1991 476 30.3 15.7 21
1992 506 29.7 17.0 20
1993 558 32.8 17.0 21
1994 596 35.7 16.7 19
1995 694 39.6 17.5 20.3
1996 694 39.6 17.5 20.3
1997 766 41.3 18.5 18.3
1998 468 27.7 16.9 18.4
1999 445 27.9 15.9 22.2
2000 453 27.8 16.3 30.7
2001 461 28.0 16.5 25.6
2002 412 25.8 16.0 30.1
2003 412 25.8 16.0 30.1
2004 401 24.2 16.6 29.9
2005 438 26.2 16.7 32.6
2006 466 28.1 16.6 36.3
2007 432 27.6 15.7 31.5
2008 427 28.6 14.9 30.9
2009 406 27.3 14.9 35
2010 397 24.4 16.2 45.6
2011 630 38.2 16.4 47.8
2012 622 36.9 16.8 47.6
2013 661 37.6 17.5 42.8
2014 659 40.3 16.3 44
2015 690 39.0 17.6 46.5
2016 701 38.0 18.4 53.6
2017 710 41.5 17.1 50.3
2018 727 43.5 16.7 45.4
2019 759 46.5 16.3 47
2020 560 39.7 14.1 54.3
2021 531 38.3 13.8 53.9
2022 538 36.4 14.7 47.2
2023 544 37.5 14.5 37.1

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 Watson Junior High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 491 28.5 17.2 n/a
1989 495 28.6 17.3 17.8
1990 493 29.7 16.5 16.6
1991 476 30.3 15.7 21
1992 506 29.7 17.0 20
1993 558 32.8 17.0 21
1994 596 35.7 16.7 19
1995 694 39.6 17.5 20.3
1996 694 39.6 17.5 20.3
1997 766 41.3 18.5 18.3
1998 468 27.7 16.9 18.4
1999 445 27.9 15.9 22.2
2000 453 27.8 16.3 30.7
2001 461 28.0 16.5 25.6
2002 412 25.8 16.0 30.1
2003 412 25.8 16.0 30.1
2004 401 24.2 16.6 29.9
2005 438 26.2 16.7 32.6
2006 466 28.1 16.6 36.3
2007 432 27.6 15.7 31.5
2008 427 28.6 14.9 30.9
2009 406 27.3 14.9 35
2010 397 24.4 16.2 45.6
2011 630 38.2 16.4 47.8
2012 622 36.9 16.8 47.6
2013 661 37.6 17.5 42.8
2014 659 40.3 16.3 44
2015 690 39.0 17.6 46.5
2016 701 38.0 18.4 53.6
2017 710 41.5 17.1 50.3
2018 727 43.5 16.7 45.4
2019 759 46.5 16.3 47
2020 560 39.7 14.1 54.3
2021 531 38.3 13.8 53.9
2022 538 36.4 14.7 47.2
2023 544 37.5 14.5 37.1

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 Watson Junior High School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $9,796
2020 $11,280
2021 $11,716
2022 $12,752
2023 $14,173

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Watson Junior High 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 250th of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 309th of 480 Middle schools
 9.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Watson Junior High School)43.731.9
 11.8%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 3)41.740.6
 1.1%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (Watson Junior High School)21.414.6
 6.8%
   6th Grade Math (School District No. 3)19.917.6
 2.3%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Watson Junior High School)51.339.9
 11.4%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 3)5249.6
 2.4%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
8th Grade Science (Watson Junior High School)29.822.5
 7.3%
   8th Grade Science (School District No. 3)34.525
 9.5%
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Watson Junior High School)46.736
 10.7%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 3)52.845.3
 7.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (Watson Junior High School)31.814.9
 16.9%
   8th Grade Math (School District No. 3)38.720.9
 17.8%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.4
 4.5%
All Grades English Language Arts (Watson Junior High School)47.135.9
 11.2%
   All Grades English Language Arts (School District No. 3)48.342.4
 5.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Watson Junior High School)26.411.4
 15%
   All Grades Math (School District No. 3)31.826.4
 5.4%
   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 Students759544
 28.3%
African American7844
 43.6%
American Indian106
 40%
Asian76
 14.3%
Hispanic208168
 19.2%
Pacific Islander102
 80%
White364266
 26.9%
Two or More Races8252
 36.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients47%37.1%
 9.9%


Schools Near Watson Junior High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Watson Junior High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 544 students attended Watson Junior High School.

Students at Watson Junior High School are 49% White, 31% Hispanic, 10% Two or more races, 8% African American, 1% Asian, 1% American Indian.

Watson Junior High School ranks 338th of 485 Colorado middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Watson Junior High School usually go on to attend Widefield High School


Rate Watson Junior High School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Watson Junior High School!




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.





Diagnostics
x12_080648001126 retrieved from Memory in 0 milliseconds.
None retrieved from Database in 21 milliseconds.