Is Willmar Middle School a good school?

Willmar Middle School ranks 284 th of 545 Minnesota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Willmar Middle School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 842 students attended Willmar Middle School.

What is the racial makeup of Willmar Middle School?

Students at Willmar Middle School are 47% Hispanic, 33% White, 14% African American, 4% Asian, 2% Two or more races.

What high school do graduates of Willmar Middle School attend?

Students who attend Willmar Middle School usually go on to attend Willmar Senior High

Willmar Middle School

Summary:

Willmar Middle School is a public middle school serving grades 6-8 in Willmar, Minnesota, which is part of the Willmar Public School District. The school has a diverse student population, with over 40% Hispanic students and a high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

Willmar Middle School's performance is mixed, with math proficiency rates on par with or slightly below the state average, but reading and science proficiency rates significantly lower. The school performs relatively well for its African American and White student populations, but struggles with its Hispanic and English Language Learner students, as well as its Special Education students. Interestingly, the school has been ranked as the top-performing in Minnesota for its military-connected student population.

Compared to nearby schools, Willmar Middle School's performance is generally lower than that of New London-Spicer Middle School, which is ranked much higher among Minnesota middle schools. However, Willmar Middle School outperforms the Middle School Alternative Learning Center, which is part of the same district and serves a more at-risk student population.

Detail:

Public 6-8

209 Willmar Ave SE
Willmar, MN 56201-4599

(320) 214-6000

District: Willmar Public School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
284^th of 545 Minnesota Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,802

Students who attend Willmar Middle School usually attend:

High:

Willmar Senior High

Feeder schools for Willmar Middle School:

Elementary:	Kennedy Elementary
	Roosevelt Elementary

Student/teacher ratio: 13.9

Number of students: 842

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

46.6%

White:

33.1%

African American:

13.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 68.9%

See top rated Minnesota middle schools

Compare Willmar Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Willmar Middle School ranks worse than 52.1% of middle schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 47.88. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Willmar Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (46.6%), White (33.1%), African American (13.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 68.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Willmar Middle School is 13.9. (See more...)

Compare Willmar Middle School employs 60.2 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Willmar Middle School is $11,802.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Willmar Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Willmar Middle School 284^th of 545 Minnesota public middle schools. (See Willmar Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

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:

Willmar Public School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Willmar Public School District 345^th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Willmar Middle School.

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Your rating for Willmar Middle School?

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Rank History for Willmar Middle School

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Rank History for all students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2004	36.84	302^nd	387	22.0%
2005	52.30	238^th	396	39.9%
2006	54.24	224^th	406	44.8%
2007	58.34	178^th	403	55.8%
2008	49.02	251^st	409	38.6%
2009	48.71	144^th	230	37.4%
2010	37.70	337^th	454	25.8%
2011	35.40	358^th	478	25.1%
2012	33.67	364^th	469	22.4%
2013	38.25	344^th	488	29.5%
2014	45.87	285^th	490	41.8%
2015	46.33	290^th	516	43.8%
2016	48.67	271^st	508	46.7%
2017	49.83	284^th	523	45.7%
2018	47.32	305^th	518	41.1%
2019	50.73	279^th	533	47.7%
2021	47.64	270^th	521	48.2%
2022	52.79	240^th	520	53.8%
2023	55.15	226^th	529	57.3%
2024	47.88	284^th	545	47.9%

See the entire list of Minnesota Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	33.63	78^th	109	28.4%
2019	51.65	44^th	120	63.3%
2021	40.38	59^th	102	42.2%
2022	55.81	34^th	130	73.8%
2023	48.56	47^th	133	64.7%
2024	58.65	34^th	158	78.5%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	24.84	213^th	253	15.8%
2019	49.41	145^th	282	48.6%
2021	52.04	106^th	260	59.2%
2022	42.36	168^th	288	41.7%
2023	35.38	197^th	298	33.9%
2024	36.11	207^th	307	32.6%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

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

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	41.29	268^th	401	33.2%
2019	48.13	218^th	415	47.5%
2021	43.09	226^th	399	43.4%
2022	55.65	156^th	404	61.4%
2023	51.76	201^st	459	56.2%
2024	48.80	231^st	473	51.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	41.75	283^rd	436	35.1%
2019	42.31	290^th	439	33.9%
2021	43.69	255^th	443	42.4%
2022	48.79	236^th	467	49.5%
2023	52.42	211^th	455	53.6%
2024	47.65	248^th	474	47.7%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	57.58	1^st	2	50.0%
2022	84.13	1^st	2	50.0%
2023	53.03	1^st	1	0.0%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	47.20	258^th	438	41.1%
2019	53.32	222^nd	454	51.1%
2021	45.21	243^rd	437	44.4%
2022	51.72	218^th	476	54.2%
2023	52.32	215^th	464	53.7%
2024	42.20	280^th	479	41.5%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	12.41	99^th	112	11.6%
2022	55.44	40^th	110	63.6%
2023	53.73	50^th	116	56.9%
2024	39.62	63^rd	111	43.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	24.11	106^th	137	22.6%
2019	29.40	107^th	148	27.7%
2021	41.66	88^th	141	37.6%
2022	62.93	47^th	162	71.0%
2023	54.58	65^th	164	60.4%
2024	61.94	48^th	179	73.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	58.99	51^st	163	68.7%
2019	61.16	47^th	171	72.5%
2021	52.42	61^st	156	60.9%
2022	51.13	79^th	188	58.0%
2023	49.32	74^th	178	58.4%
2024	53.10	74^th	186	60.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Willmar Middle School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	78.45	52^nd	428	87.9%
2019	74.48	74^th	428	82.7%
2021	70.60	93^rd	422	78.0%
2022	75.78	59^th	438	86.5%
2023	80.86	44^th	436	89.9%
2024	70.06	90^th	440	79.5%

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.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Great school! Staff are wonderful to work with and care about my child! Many extra curricular activities and the school musical is awesome each year! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Willmar Middle School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1988	843	4	9	36	2	n/a	n/a	894
1989	850	0	14	44	5	n/a	n/a	913
1990	895	0	9	70	9	n/a	n/a	983
1991	970	2	9	90	9	n/a	n/a	1080
1992	972	0	0	95	0	n/a	n/a	1067
1993	977	2	5	120	12	n/a	n/a	1116
1994	979	10	8	116	8	n/a	n/a	1121
1995	622	7	6	132	5	n/a	n/a	772
1996	622	7	6	132	5	n/a	n/a	772
1997	595	9	6	109	4	n/a	n/a	723
1998	611	4	3	118	3	n/a	n/a	739
1999	614	10	6	117	1	n/a	n/a	748
2000	544	11	5	114	4	n/a	n/a	678
2001	555	8	3	119	7	n/a	n/a	692
2002	499	14	3	141	3	n/a	n/a	660
2003	499	14	3	141	3	n/a	n/a	660
2004	470	10	5	158	2	n/a	n/a	645
2005	459	13	3	169	0	n/a	n/a	644
2006	478	12	4	161	1	n/a	n/a	656
2007	434	17	5	166	3	n/a	n/a	625
2008	380	21	2	163	2	n/a	n/a	568
2009	356	33	3	167	2	n/a	n/a	561
2010	549	56	6	276	6	n/a	n/a	893
2011	536	60	3	263	5	1	7	875
2012	508	67	4	253	5	1	6	844
2013	515	88	11	258	2	2	5	881
2014	497	99	15	266	2	1	9	889
2015	475	119	19	268	3	2	10	896
2016	434	146	23	282	6	0	7	898
2017	450	161	25	328	6	0	9	979
2018	413	176	19	336	5	3	12	964
2019	399	159	24	349	5	3	16	955
2020	364	149	21	346	1	4	18	903
2021	364	141	27	346	5	5	16	904
2022	318	140	28	368	3	1	21	879
2023	331	111	32	380	2	0	18	874
2024	279	117	34	392	0	1	19	842

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 Willmar Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	894	50.5	17.7	16.1
1989	913	54.2	16.8	20.4
1990	983	59.7	16.4	19.3
1991	1080	64.7	16.6	18.5
1992	1067	69.1	15.4	27
1993	1116	67.9	16.4	23.6
1994	1121	74.2	15.1	23.7
1995	772	47.5	16.3	30.6
1996	772	47.5	16.3	30.6
1997	723	52.0	13.9	24.6
1998	739	n/a	0.0	23.4
1999	748	60.8	12.3	20.7
2000	678	52.7	12.9	32.2
2001	692	54.3	12.7	33.2
2002	660	39.2	16.8	39.8
2003	660	39.2	16.8	39.8
2004	645	38.5	16.8	40.5
2005	644	41.9	15.4	43.5
2006	656	39.8	16.5	42.4
2007	625	38.0	16.4	44.3
2008	568	38.7	14.7	43
2009	561	35.2	15.9	44.9
2010	893	50.2	17.7	48.7
2011	875	51.5	16.9	51.5
2012	844	52.4	16.1	52.6
2013	881	51.9	16.9	52.7
2014	889	54.0	16.4	53.9
2015	896	58.0	15.4	55.6
2016	898	59.0	15.2	58.6
2017	979	55.6	17.6	60.9
2018	964	54.6	17.6	61.7
2019	955	60.1	15.8	63
2020	903	63.0	14.3	62.1
2021	904	46.3	19.5	53.5
2022	879	60.9	14.4	58.5
2023	874	64.2	13.6	68.9
2024	842	60.2	13.9	68.9

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 Willmar Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	894	50.5	17.7	16.1
1989	913	54.2	16.8	20.4
1990	983	59.7	16.4	19.3
1991	1080	64.7	16.6	18.5
1992	1067	69.1	15.4	27
1993	1116	67.9	16.4	23.6
1994	1121	74.2	15.1	23.7
1995	772	47.5	16.3	30.6
1996	772	47.5	16.3	30.6
1997	723	52.0	13.9	24.6
1998	739	n/a	0.0	23.4
1999	748	60.8	12.3	20.7
2000	678	52.7	12.9	32.2
2001	692	54.3	12.7	33.2
2002	660	39.2	16.8	39.8
2003	660	39.2	16.8	39.8
2004	645	38.5	16.8	40.5
2005	644	41.9	15.4	43.5
2006	656	39.8	16.5	42.4
2007	625	38.0	16.4	44.3
2008	568	38.7	14.7	43
2009	561	35.2	15.9	44.9
2010	893	50.2	17.7	48.7
2011	875	51.5	16.9	51.5
2012	844	52.4	16.1	52.6
2013	881	51.9	16.9	52.7
2014	889	54.0	16.4	53.9
2015	896	58.0	15.4	55.6
2016	898	59.0	15.2	58.6
2017	979	55.6	17.6	60.9
2018	964	54.6	17.6	61.7
2019	955	60.1	15.8	63
2020	903	63.0	14.3	62.1
2021	904	46.3	19.5	53.5
2022	879	60.9	14.4	58.5
2023	874	64.2	13.6	68.9
2024	842	60.2	13.9	68.9

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 Willmar Middle School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$11,802

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Willmar 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 279^th of 533 Middle schools	Ranks 226^th of 529 Middle schools	9.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade Math (Willmar Middle School)	50.5	43.4	7.1%
6th Grade Math (Willmar Public School District)	50.5	43.4	7.1%
6th Grade Math (Minnesota)	50.5	39.7	10.8%
6th Grade Reading (Willmar Middle School)	49.5	39.4	10.1%
6th Grade Reading (Willmar Public School District)	49.5	39.4	10.1%
6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	62.8	53.4	9.4%
7th Grade Math (Willmar Middle School)	54.8	37.8	17%
7th Grade Math (Willmar Public School District)	54.8	37.8	17%
7th Grade Math (Minnesota)	52.1	39.7	12.4%
7th Grade Reading (Willmar Middle School)	52.4	34.6	17.9%
7th Grade Reading (Willmar Public School District)	52.4	34.6	17.9%
7th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	57.5	45.2	12.3%
8th Grade Math (Willmar Middle School)	58.5	45.9	12.6%
8th Grade Math (Willmar Public School District)	57.6	45.9	11.7%
8th Grade Math (Minnesota)	55.2	40.3	14.9%
8th Grade Reading (Willmar Middle School)	48.9	43.9	5%
8th Grade Reading (Willmar Public School District)	48.5	43.9	4.6%
8th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	57.7	44.8	12.9%
8th Grade Science (Willmar Middle School)	31.4	26.6	4.8%
8th Grade Science (Willmar Public School District)	30.9	26.6	4.3%
8th Grade Science (Minnesota)	43	27.6	15.4%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	955	874	8.5%
African American	159	111	30.2%
American Indian	5	2	60%
Asian	24	32	33.3%
Hispanic	349	380	8.9%
Pacific Islander	3	0	100%
White	399	331	17%
Two or More Races	16	18	12.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	63%	68.9%	5.8%

Schools Near Willmar Middle School

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)					MCA-III Reading (2024)					MCA-III Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
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	MCA-III Math 5th Grade	MCA-III Math 6th Grade	MCA-III Math 7th Grade	MCA-III Math 8th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 5th Grade	MCA-III Reading 6th Grade	MCA-III Reading 7th Grade	MCA-III Reading 8th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 5th Grade	MCA-III Science 8th Grade	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
Willmar Middle School	Public	6-8	209 Willmar Ave SE	Willmar	56201	Kandiyohi County	Willmar Public School District	No	No	No	No	(320) 214-6000	842	60	13.9	68.9%	279 (33.1%)	117 (13.9%)	392 (46.6%)	34 (4.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	19 (2.3%)	47.9	284^th of 545 public middle schools	47.9%		55.1	226^th of 529 public middle schools	57.3%	58		43.1	39.7	47.0	43.3		43.5	28.8	29.4	33.9		24.6	24.6	$11,802
Middle School Alternative Learning Center	Public	6-8	209 Willmar Ave SE	Willmar	56201	Kandiyohi County	Willmar Public School District	No	No	No	No	(320) 214-6692	28	0		85.7%	6 (21.4%)	2 (7.1%)	17 (60.7%)	2 (7.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (3.6%)								(n/a)														$100,187
New London-Spicer Middle	Public	5-8	101 4th Ave SW	New London	56273	Kandiyohi County	New London-Spicer School District	No	No	No	No	(320) 354-2252	462	34	13.4	25.8%	415 (89.8%)	1 (0.2%)	32 (6.9%)	3 (0.6%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (1.9%)	78.4	85^th of 545 public middle schools	84.4%		84.9	46^th of 529 public middle schools	91.3%	39	42.6	48.5	50.8	47.8	47.5	69.4	69.2	48.4	53.9	59.7	64.8	39.5	51.8	$10,548
Acgc Elementary Grades 5 And 6	Public	5-6	27250 Minnesota Hwy 4	Grove City	56243	Meeker County	A.C.G.C. Public School District	No	No	No	Yes	(320) 244-4677	130	12	10.8	56.9%	110 (84.6%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (9.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (5.4%)								(n/a)	60.0	41.4			50.4	60.0	52.9			56.3	63.1		63.1	$9,121

Willmar Middle School

Willmar Middle School:

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Willmar Public School District:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for Willmar Middle School

Rank History for all students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for Special Education students at Willmar Middle School

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

Rank History for Female students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for Military Connected students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for Male students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for Asian students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for African American students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for Hispanic students at Willmar Middle School

Rank History for White students at Willmar Middle School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Willmar Middle School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Willmar Middle School

Student/Teacher Ratio Willmar Middle School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Willmar Middle School

Impact of COVID-19 on Willmar Middle School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Willmar Middle School

Frequently Asked Questions about Willmar Middle School

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