Discovery Middle School

Summary:

Discovery Middle School is a public middle school located in Alexandria, Minnesota, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 913 students. The school is part of the Alexandria Public School District, which is ranked 101 out of 463 districts in Minnesota and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Discovery Middle School consistently ranks in the top 25% of Minnesota middle schools, with a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's proficiency rates in MCA-III Math and Reading assessments are generally higher than the state averages, particularly in 6th and 7th grades. However, the school's performance in MCA-III Science assessments is lower than the state average, with only 34.71% of students proficient or better. Female students at Discovery Middle School consistently outperform male students, ranking in the top 25% of Minnesota middle schools for female students. Hispanic and White students at Discovery Middle School perform better than the state averages for their respective subgroups, but students with special education needs and low socioeconomic status students perform below the state averages.

Interestingly, nearby schools like Minnewaska Area Intermediate School and Minnewaska Area Junior High, both part of the Minnewaska School District, as well as Brandon-Evansville Middle School, part of the Brandon-Evansville Public Schools district, have higher proficiency rates in MCA-III Math and Reading assessments compared to Discovery Middle School. Additionally, the racial makeup of Discovery Middle School is significantly less diverse compared to the state average, with a predominance of white students, which may impact the school's ability to address the needs of minority student populations.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 510 N McKay Ave
       Alexandria, MN  56308-8888


(320) 762-7900

District: Alexandria Public School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
119th of 545 Minnesota Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,711 Help


Students who attend Discovery Middle School usually attend:

High:    Alexandria Area High School

Feeder schools for Discovery Middle School:

Elementary:    Carlos Elementary
    Garfield Elementary
    Lincoln Elementary
    Miltona Elementary
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  15.1 Help
Number of students:  913

Racial breakdown:

White:
89.3%
Hispanic:
4.7%
Two or more races:
3.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  34.5% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Discovery Middle School ranks better than 78.2% of middle schools in Minnesota. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 73.38. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (89.3%), Hispanic (4.7%), two or more races (3.8%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 34.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Discovery Middle School is 15.1. (See more...)
Help
Compare Discovery Middle School employs 60.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Discovery Middle School is $10,711.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Discovery Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Discovery Middle School 119th of 545 Minnesota public middle schools. (See Discovery Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


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


Alexandria Public School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Alexandria Public School District 101st of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Discovery Middle School

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Rank History for all students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 89.11 16th 387 95.9%
2005 80.95 50th 396 87.4%
2006 83.13 39th 406 90.4%
2007 80.17 53rd 403 86.8%
2008 79.40 50th 409 87.8%
2009 74.13 42nd 230 81.7%
2010 73.59 89th 454 80.4%
2011 74.19 96th 478 79.9%
2012 77.18 70th 469 85.1%
2013 83.32 46th 488 90.6%
2014 81.86 57th 490 88.4%
2015 80.19 67th 516 87.0%
2016 80.32 64th 508 87.4%
2017 82.19 63rd 523 88.0%
2018 78.98 78th 518 84.9%
2019 79.94 72nd 533 86.5%
2021 79.81 76th 521 85.4%
2022 69.77 129th 520 75.2%
2023 69.13 138th 529 73.9%
2024 73.38 119th 545 78.2%
See the entire list of Minnesota Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.94 89th 114 21.9%
2021 62.08 30th 97 69.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 56.98 100th 253 60.5%
2019 47.73 148th 282 47.5%
2021 46.11 133rd 260 48.8%
2022 22.45 238th 288 17.4%
2023 30.08 220th 298 26.2%
2024 28.60 239th 307 22.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.46 54th 401 86.5%
2019 79.30 49th 415 88.2%
2021 77.95 35th 399 91.2%
2022 52.94 175th 404 56.7%
2023 59.73 145th 459 68.4%
2024 54.40 184th 473 61.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.27 79th 436 81.9%
2019 80.36 58th 439 86.8%
2021 75.65 70th 443 84.2%
2022 67.78 119th 467 74.5%
2023 68.99 113th 455 75.2%
2024 72.44 102nd 474 78.5%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.55 68th 438 84.5%
2019 74.95 98th 454 78.4%
2021 76.81 81st 437 81.5%
2022 66.08 142nd 476 70.2%
2023 64.25 145th 464 68.8%
2024 68.64 124th 479 74.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.16 54th 163 66.9%
2019 41.06 95th 171 44.4%
2022 55.66 69th 188 63.3%
2023 38.13 107th 178 39.9%
2024 37.93 115th 186 38.2%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 69.47 102nd 428 76.2%
2019 69.32 101st 428 76.4%
2021 67.59 107th 422 74.6%
2022 54.59 180th 438 58.9%
2023 54.80 189th 436 56.7%
2024 60.65 149th 440 66.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota 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.

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






Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Discovery Middle School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 779 1 16 3 1 n/a n/a 0 800
1989 822 1 13 3 2 n/a n/a 0 841
1990 859 2 10 7 1 n/a n/a 0 879
1991 916 1 12 1 0 n/a n/a 0 930
1992 984 0 9 3 0 n/a n/a 0 996
1993 1066 0 5 1 0 n/a n/a 0 1072
1994 1052 2 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 1060
1995 1085 5 7 7 2 n/a n/a 0 1106
1996 1085 5 7 7 2 n/a n/a 0 1106
1997 1100 2 8 6 2 n/a n/a 0 1118
1998 1064 1 8 5 2 n/a n/a 0 1080
1999 1066 1 9 2 0 n/a n/a 0 1078
2000 1059 4 10 4 1 n/a n/a 0 1078
2001 1030 6 9 5 3 n/a n/a 0 1053
2002 1058 8 4 8 3 n/a n/a 0 1081
2003 1058 8 4 8 3 n/a n/a 0 1081
2004 1055 7 4 7 2 n/a n/a 0 1075
2005 1002 11 5 5 1 n/a n/a 0 1024
2006 938 20 6 8 1 n/a n/a 0 973
2007 895 16 10 5 0 n/a n/a 0 926
2008 868 16 12 7 4 n/a n/a 0 907
2009 854 17 11 3 7 n/a n/a 0 892
2010 841 14 8 7 5 n/a n/a 0 875
2011 812 12 7 10 8 0 1 0 850
2012 859 13 7 14 7 0 3 0 903
2013 877 18 3 7 5 0 3 0 913
2014 904 14 5 11 3 0 7 0 944
2015 828 9 13 20 7 0 17 0 894
2016 856 7 17 25 5 0 20 0 930
2017 867 9 20 22 2 0 29 0 949
2018 914 9 15 35 1 0 26 0 1000
2019 919 8 7 31 1 0 25 0 991
2020 923 5 3 33 0 0 30 0 994
2021 910 5 7 32 1 0 31 0 986
2022 882 3 7 53 3 0 26 0 974
2023 815 4 10 43 5 1 35 0 913

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 Discovery Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 800 51.6 15.5 21.3
1989 841 53.4 15.7 17
1990 879 54.9 16.0 14.3
1991 930 55.0 16.9 14.6
1992 996 63.6 15.6 13.3
1993 1072 62.0 17.3 14.6
1994 1060 62.4 17.0 13.9
1995 1106 60.9 18.2 12.7
1996 1106 60.9 18.2 12.7
1997 1118 64.6 17.3 10.6
1998 1080 n/a 0.0 11.9
1999 1078 65.6 16.4 10.9
2000 1078 60.2 17.9 21.9
2001 1053 63.7 16.5 21.5
2002 1081 61.9 17.5 22.9
2003 1081 61.9 17.5 22.9
2004 1075 66.8 16.1 21.6
2005 1024 62.4 16.4 22.1
2006 973 62.8 15.5 23.3
2007 926 59.1 15.7 23.7
2008 907 60.8 14.9 22.7
2009 892 59.9 14.9 24.1
2010 875 57.9 15.1 24.6
2011 850 57.2 14.8 27.8
2012 903 53.0 17.0 30.3
2013 913 50.7 17.9 31
2014 944 50.6 18.6 32.2
2015 894 51.0 17.5 30.5
2016 930 54.0 17.2 28.3
2017 949 53.8 17.6 28
2018 1000 55.6 17.9 30
2019 991 54.9 18.0 26.3
2020 994 n/a n/a 26.4
2021 986 42.7 23.0 22.5
2022 974 56.6 17.2 23
2023 913 60.2 15.1 34.5

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 Discovery Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 800 51.6 15.5 21.3
1989 841 53.4 15.7 17
1990 879 54.9 16.0 14.3
1991 930 55.0 16.9 14.6
1992 996 63.6 15.6 13.3
1993 1072 62.0 17.3 14.6
1994 1060 62.4 17.0 13.9
1995 1106 60.9 18.2 12.7
1996 1106 60.9 18.2 12.7
1997 1118 64.6 17.3 10.6
1998 1080 n/a 0.0 11.9
1999 1078 65.6 16.4 10.9
2000 1078 60.2 17.9 21.9
2001 1053 63.7 16.5 21.5
2002 1081 61.9 17.5 22.9
2003 1081 61.9 17.5 22.9
2004 1075 66.8 16.1 21.6
2005 1024 62.4 16.4 22.1
2006 973 62.8 15.5 23.3
2007 926 59.1 15.7 23.7
2008 907 60.8 14.9 22.7
2009 892 59.9 14.9 24.1
2010 875 57.9 15.1 24.6
2011 850 57.2 14.8 27.8
2012 903 53.0 17.0 30.3
2013 913 50.7 17.9 31
2014 944 50.6 18.6 32.2
2015 894 51.0 17.5 30.5
2016 930 54.0 17.2 28.3
2017 949 53.8 17.6 28
2018 1000 55.6 17.9 30
2019 991 54.9 18.0 26.3
2020 994 n/a n/a 26.4
2021 986 42.7 23.0 22.5
2022 974 56.6 17.2 23
2023 913 60.2 15.1 34.5

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 Discovery Middle School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $10,711

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Discovery 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 72nd of 533 Middle schoolsRanks 138th of 529 Middle schools
 12.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Math (Discovery Middle School)71.552.6
 19%
   6th Grade Math (Alexandria Public School District)71.552.6
 19%
   6th Grade Math (Minnesota)50.539.7
 10.8%
6th Grade Reading (Discovery Middle School)77.561.4
 16.1%
   6th Grade Reading (Alexandria Public School District)77.561.4
 16.1%
   6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)62.853.4
 9.4%
7th Grade Math (Discovery Middle School)60.846.8
 14%
   7th Grade Math (Alexandria Public School District)60.846.8
 14%
   7th Grade Math (Minnesota)52.139.7
 12.4%
7th Grade Reading (Discovery Middle School)60.544.6
 15.9%
   7th Grade Reading (Alexandria Public School District)60.544.6
 15.9%
   7th Grade Reading (Minnesota)57.545.2
 12.3%
8th Grade Math (Discovery Middle School)69.754.2
 15.5%
   8th Grade Math (Alexandria Public School District)69.754.2
 15.5%
   8th Grade Math (Minnesota)55.240.3
 14.9%
8th Grade Reading (Discovery Middle School)64.539
 25.5%
   8th Grade Reading (Alexandria Public School District)64.539
 25.5%
   8th Grade Reading (Minnesota)57.744.8
 12.9%
8th Grade Science (Discovery Middle School)4826.7
 21.3%
   8th Grade Science (Alexandria Public School District)4826.7
 21.3%
   8th Grade Science (Minnesota)4327.6
 15.4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students991913
 7.9%
African American84
 50%
American Indian15
 400%
Asian710
 42.9%
Hispanic3143
 38.7%
Pacific Islander01
White919815
 11.3%
Two or More Races2535
 40%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients26.3%34.5%
 8.2%


Schools Near Discovery Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Discovery Middle School

Students who attend Discovery Middle School usually go on to attend Alexandria Area High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 913 students attended Discovery Middle School.

Discovery Middle School ranks 119th of 545 Minnesota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students at Discovery Middle School are 89% White, 5% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races, 1% 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 Minnesota 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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