Watson B. Duncan Middle School

Q: Is Watson B. Duncan Middle School a good school?

Watson B. Duncan Middle School ranks 316 th of 1196 Florida middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Watson B. Duncan Middle School is a public middle school located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, serving 1,157 students in grades 6-8. As part of the Palm Beach School District, which is ranked 41 out of 68 districts in the state, this school stands out as a high-performing and diverse institution.

Academically, Watson B. Duncan Middle School consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Florida, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. Its students demonstrate exceptional performance on standardized tests, with significantly higher proficiency rates compared to the district and state averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 95% of students were proficient or better in EOC/Algebra 1, compared to 58% in the Palm Beach district and 55% statewide. The school's diverse student population, with a racial makeup of 48.23% White, 19.36% African American, and 21.43% Hispanic, is notable compared to some nearby schools, such as Conniston Middle School (69.67% Hispanic) and Howell L. Watkins Middle School (72.29% African American).

Additionally, Watson B. Duncan Middle School has a relatively low chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 3.0% to 15.2%, which is significantly lower than some nearby schools like Conniston Middle School (24.9%) and Howell L. Watkins Middle School (24.1%). The school's higher per-student spending of $12,419 in the 2022-2023 school year, compared to the state average, suggests it has the resources necessary to support its academic programs and provide a quality education for its students.

Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-8

5150 117th Ct N
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

(561) 776-3500

District: Palm Beach

SchoolDigger Rank:
316^th of 1,196 Florida Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $12,419

Feeder schools for Watson B. Duncan Middle School:

Elementary:	Jupiter Farms Elementary School
	Marsh Pointe Elementary
	Timber Trace Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 16.5

Number of students: 1,157

Racial breakdown:

White:

48.2%

Hispanic:

21.4%

African American:

19.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 40.9%

See top rated Florida middle schools

Compare Watson B. Duncan Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Watson B. Duncan Middle School ranks better than 73.6% of middle schools in Florida. It also ranks 13^th among 36 ranked middle schools in the Palm Beach School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 71.1. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a high 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

Compare Details Student population at Watson B. Duncan Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (48.2%), Hispanic (21.4%), African American (19.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 40.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Watson B. Duncan Middle School is 16.5, which is the 11^th best among 36 middle schools in the Palm Beach School District. (See more...)

Compare Watson B. Duncan Middle School employs 69.8 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Watson B. Duncan Middle School is $12,419, which is the 12^th highest among 36 middle schools in the Palm Beach School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Watson B. Duncan Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Watson B. Duncan Middle School 316^th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Watson B. Duncan Middle School in the ranking list.)

Palm Beach:

SchoolDigger ranks Palm Beach 41^st of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Watson B. Duncan Middle School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	FL State Percentile
2004	77.93	115^th	593	80.6%
2005	72.27	148^th	602	75.4%
2006	68.54	204^th	675	69.8%
2007	71.60	203^rd	736	72.4%
2008	72.44	197^th	740	73.4%
2009	76.88	169^th	780	78.3%
2010	81.38	126^th	839	85.0%
2011	80.47	151^st	891	83.1%
2012	77.78	181^st	897	79.8%
2013	83.90	119^th	956	87.6%
2014	84.88	117^th	999	88.3%
2016	72.26	254^th	997	74.5%
2017	72.32	266^th	1031	74.2%
2018	72.13	269^th	1035	74.0%
2019	71.43	288^th	1099	73.8%
2021	66.20	350^th	1136	69.2%
2022	69.78	306^th	1148	73.3%
2023	65.37	376^th	1177	68.1%
2024	71.10	316^th	1196	73.6%

See the entire list of Florida Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!

Enrollment information for Watson B. Duncan Middle School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1992	949	156	20	34	3	n/a	n/a	0	1162
1993	1120	167	22	41	2	n/a	n/a	0	1352
1994	1263	151	24	38	1	n/a	n/a	0	1477
1995	1352	193	24	57	5	n/a	n/a	0	1631
1996	1352	193	24	57	5	n/a	n/a	0	1631
1997	1373	167	24	65	10	n/a	n/a	0	1639
1998	1285	152	30	71	6	n/a	n/a	0	1544
1999	1257	159	31	72	3	n/a	n/a	0	1522
2000	1232	119	36	58	6	n/a	n/a	0	1451
2001	1239	150	36	63	6	n/a	n/a	0	1494
2002	903	186	31	101	7	n/a	n/a	0	1228
2003	903	186	31	101	7	n/a	n/a	0	1228
2004	898	162	28	104	4	n/a	n/a	0	1196
2005	885	216	26	102	7	n/a	n/a	0	1236
2006	876	181	31	114	7	n/a	n/a	0	1209
2007	823	132	35	122	11	n/a	n/a	55	1178
2008	820	119	35	126	9	n/a	n/a	61	1170
2009	794	126	33	142	7	n/a	n/a	59	1161
2010	779	134	47	183	4	n/a	n/a	31	1178
2011	788	181	47	188	6	5	43	0	1258
2012	848	177	52	245	6	0	53	0	1381
2013	799	165	60	224	6	0	49	0	1303
2014	785	168	63	247	4	0	55	0	1322
2015	719	188	59	249	3	0	50	0	1268
2016	718	210	66	265	4	0	45	0	1308
2017	684	185	75	238	6	0	45	0	1233
2018	728	192	69	251	2	1	50	0	1293
2019	723	187	73	276	2	2	54	0	1317
2020	693	181	76	269	4	2	42	0	1267
2021	636	183	78	251	5	1	58	0	1212
2022	602	175	67	227	3	1	59	0	1134
2023	558	224	60	248	3	1	63	0	1157

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 B. Duncan Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1992	1162	61.0	19.0	n/a
1993	1352	57.0	23.7	11.2
1994	1477	63.0	23.4	11.6
1995	1631	71.0	23.0	11.5
1996	1631	71.0	23.0	11.5
1997	1639	73.0	22.5	4.9
1998	1544	73.0	21.2	10.8
1999	1522	69.0	22.1	9.7
2000	1451	69.0	21.0	14.5
2001	1494	65.0	23.0	14.9
2002	1228	55.0	22.3	24.6
2003	1228	55.0	22.3	24.6
2004	1196	57.0	21.0	22
2005	1236	61.0	20.3	22.8
2006	1209	67.0	18.0	22.5
2007	1178	68.0	17.3	21.5
2008	1170	70.5	16.6	22.5
2009	1161	81.4	16.6	24.3
2010	1178	62.5	18.8	26.2
2011	1258	71.5	17.5	31.6
2012	1381	76.0	18.1	33.5
2013	1303	75.0	17.3	33.3
2014	1322	75.0	17.6	38.8
2015	1268	80.0	15.8	38.5
2016	1308	77.0	16.9	42.3
2017	1233	75.0	16.4	44.1
2018	1293	78.0	16.5	44.4
2019	1317	80.1	16.4	40.2
2020	1267	78.6	16.1	42.1
2021	1212	75.5	16.0	48.7
2022	1134	72.5	15.6	50.6
2023	1157	69.8	16.5	40.9

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 B. Duncan Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1992	1162	61.0	19.0	n/a
1993	1352	57.0	23.7	11.2
1994	1477	63.0	23.4	11.6
1995	1631	71.0	23.0	11.5
1996	1631	71.0	23.0	11.5
1997	1639	73.0	22.5	4.9
1998	1544	73.0	21.2	10.8
1999	1522	69.0	22.1	9.7
2000	1451	69.0	21.0	14.5
2001	1494	65.0	23.0	14.9
2002	1228	55.0	22.3	24.6
2003	1228	55.0	22.3	24.6
2004	1196	57.0	21.0	22
2005	1236	61.0	20.3	22.8
2006	1209	67.0	18.0	22.5
2007	1178	68.0	17.3	21.5
2008	1170	70.5	16.6	22.5
2009	1161	81.4	16.6	24.3
2010	1178	62.5	18.8	26.2
2011	1258	71.5	17.5	31.6
2012	1381	76.0	18.1	33.5
2013	1303	75.0	17.3	33.3
2014	1322	75.0	17.6	38.8
2015	1268	80.0	15.8	38.5
2016	1308	77.0	16.9	42.3
2017	1233	75.0	16.4	44.1
2018	1293	78.0	16.5	44.4
2019	1317	80.1	16.4	40.2
2020	1267	78.6	16.1	42.1
2021	1212	75.5	16.0	48.7
2022	1134	72.5	15.6	50.6
2023	1157	69.8	16.5	40.9

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 B. Duncan Middle School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$491 (5.9%)	$7,766 (94.1%)	$8,257
2019	$606 (7.1%)	$7,883 (92.9%)	$8,490
2020	$595 (6.1%)	$9,085 (93.9%)	$9,679
2021	$822 (7.9%)	$9,579 (92.1%)	$10,401
2022	$1,542 (13.0%)	$10,285 (87.0%)	$11,827
2023	$1,341 (10.8%)	$11,077 (89.2%)	$12,419

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Watson B. Duncan 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 288^th of 1099 Middle schools	Ranks 376^th of 1177 Middle schools	5.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	65	65
6th Grade English Language Arts (Palm Beach)	58	54	4%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	54	52	2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	60	58	2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Palm Beach)	60	50	10%
6th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	55	49	6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	60	58	2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Palm Beach)	53	51	2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	52	48	4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	18	13	5%
7th Grade Mathematics (Palm Beach)	35	27	8%
7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	54	46	8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	70	57	13%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Palm Beach)	58	51	7%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	49	7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	69	63	6%
8th Grade Mathematics (Palm Beach)	64	57	7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	46	42	4%
8th Grade Science (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	66	55	11%
8th Grade Science (Palm Beach)	51	46	5%
8th Grade Science (Florida)	48	44	4%
End of Course Civics (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	83	74	9%
End of Course Civics (Palm Beach)	72	65	7%
End of Course Civics (Florida)	71	66	5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	90	81	9%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Palm Beach)	65	54	11%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)	62	54	8%
End of Course Geometry (Watson B. Duncan Middle School)	100	100
End of Course Geometry (Palm Beach)	61	53	8%
End of Course Geometry (Florida)	57	50	7%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1317	1157	12.1%
African American	187	224	19.8%
American Indian	2	3	50%
Asian	73	60	17.8%
Hispanic	276	248	10.1%
Pacific Islander	2	1	50%
White	723	558	22.8%
Two or More Races	54	63	16.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	40.2%	40.9%	0.7%

Schools Near Watson B. Duncan Middle School

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)			FAST Math (2024)			Statewide Science Science (2024)	EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
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	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Watson B. Duncan Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	5150 117th Ct N	Palm Beach Gardens	33418	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 776-3500	1,157	70	16.5	40.9%	558 (48.2%)	224 (19.4%)	248 (21.4%)	60 (5.2%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	63 (5.4%)	71.1	316^th of 1196 public middle schools	73.6%		65.4	376^th of 1177 public middle schools	68.1%	60	67.0	61.0	67.0	61.0	31.0	73.0	59.0	95.0	100.0	70.0	$12,419	$1,341	$11,077
Howell L. Watkins Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	9480 MacArthur Blvd	Palm Beach Gardens	33403	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 776-3600	794	60	13.2	76.3%	62 (7.8%)	574 (72.3%)	120 (15.1%)	13 (1.6%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	22 (2.8%)	21.8	973^rd of 1196 public middle schools	18.6%		15.4	1036^th of 1177 public middle schools	12.0%	63	43.0	33.0	37.0	35.0	15.0	35.0	24.0	72.0	100.0	49.0	$15,531	$3,501	$12,030
Independence Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	4001 Greenway Dr	Jupiter	33458	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	No	(561) 799-7500	1,166	64	18.2	25.4%	733 (62.9%)	41 (3.5%)	295 (25.3%)	51 (4.4%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	44 (3.8%)	79.7	207^th of 1196 public middle schools	82.7%		80.8	186^th of 1177 public middle schools	84.2%	21	72.0	71.0	68.0	62.0	23.0	75.0	70.0	92.0	100.0	82.0	$11,165	$987	$10,177
Jupiter Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	15245 Military Trl	Jupiter	33458	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 745-7200	1,384	86	16.1	38.2%	694 (50.1%)	90 (6.5%)	508 (36.7%)	36 (2.6%)	6 (0.4%)	2 (0.1%)	48 (3.5%)	70.4	325^th of 1196 public middle schools	72.8%		69.1	337^th of 1177 public middle schools	71.4%	12	64.0	60.0	61.0	68.0	29.0	70.0	60.0	95.0	98.0	66.0	$12,222	$1,217	$11,005
John F. Kennedy Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	1901 Avenue S	Riviera Beach	33404	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 845-4500	826	48	17.2	78.3%	41 (5.0%)	532 (64.4%)	225 (27.2%)	6 (0.7%)	13 (1.6%)	1 (0.1%)	8 (1.0%)	23.8	949^th of 1196 public middle schools	20.7%		17.7	1002^nd of 1177 public middle schools	14.9%	53	35.0	25.0	35.0	24.0	35.0	49.0	28.0	87.0	100.0	47.0	$12,608	$2,030	$10,578
Bak Middle School Of The Arts	Public, Magnet	6-8	1725 Echo Lake Dr	West Palm Beach	33407	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	No	(561) 882-3870	1,260	73	17.3	22.5%	568 (45.1%)	165 (13.1%)	297 (23.6%)	153 (12.1%)	6 (0.5%)	1 (0.1%)	70 (5.6%)	97.5	10^th of 1196 public middle schools	99.2%		97.5	12^th of 1177 public middle schools	99.0%	2	93.0	94.0	95.0	92.0	96.0	98.0	89.0	100.0	100.0	98.0	$11,958	$1,010	$10,948
Bear Lakes Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	3505 Shenandoah Blvd	West Palm Beach	33409	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 615-7700	842	57	14.7	74.1%	42 (5.0%)	579 (68.8%)	196 (23.3%)	6 (0.7%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	16 (1.9%)	20	999^th of 1196 public middle schools	16.5%		17.2	1014^th of 1177 public middle schools	13.8%	15	36.0	29.0	33.0	32.0	31.0	37.0	23.0	76.0	72.0	45.0	$14,262	$2,567	$11,694
Jeaga Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	3777 N Jog Rd	West Palm Beach	33411	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 242-8000	941	45	20.9	78.0%	47 (5.0%)	403 (42.8%)	459 (48.8%)	10 (1.1%)	6 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	15 (1.6%)	15.2	1050^th of 1196 public middle schools	12.2%		14.1	1049^th of 1177 public middle schools	10.9%	1	26.0	22.0	26.0	23.0	17.0	43.0	21.0	100.0	94.0	39.0	$12,070	$1,616	$10,453
Roosevelt Middle School	Public, Magnet	6-8	1900 N Australian Ave	West Palm Beach	33407	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 822-0200	851	61	13.9	80.4%	13 (1.5%)	550 (64.6%)	253 (29.7%)	14 (1.6%)	5 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (1.9%)	46.4	637^th of 1196 public middle schools	46.7%		36.1	752^nd of 1177 public middle schools	36.1%	115	50.0	42.0	43.0	61.0	26.0	73.0	33.0	63.0		59.0	$15,387	$2,165	$13,222
Western Pines Community Middle	Public, Magnet	6-8	5949 140th Ave N	Royal Palm Beach	33411	Palm Beach County	Palm Beach	No	Yes	No	Yes	(561) 792-2500	991	54	18.5	42.5%	458 (46.2%)	141 (14.2%)	301 (30.4%)	42 (4.2%)	4 (0.4%)	3 (0.3%)	42 (4.2%)	71.9	308^th of 1196 public middle schools	74.2%		71.5	307^th of 1177 public middle schools	73.9%	1	69.0	60.0	58.0	70.0	39.0	74.0	60.0	96.0	100.0	83.0	$11,419	$1,119	$10,299

Frequently Asked Questions about Watson B. Duncan Middle School

What district is Watson B. Duncan Middle School in?

Palm Beach

What is the racial makeup of Watson B. Duncan Middle School?

Students at Watson B. Duncan Middle School are 48% White, 21% Hispanic, 19% African American, 5% Two or more races, 5% Asian.

How many students attend Watson B. Duncan Middle School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,157 students attended Watson B. Duncan Middle School.

Is Watson B. Duncan Middle School a good school?

Watson B. Duncan Middle School ranks 316^th of 1196 Florida middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Rate Watson B. Duncan Middle School!

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