Thoreau Middle

Summary:

Thoreau Middle is a high-performing public middle school located in Vienna, Virginia, serving grades 7-8 with a total enrollment of 1,194 students. It is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools district, which is ranked 41 out of 130 school districts in Virginia and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Thoreau Middle consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Virginia, with a statewide ranking between 16-54 over the past 10 years and a 4-5 star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's performance on SOL (Standards of Learning) tests is exceptional, with high proficiency rates across various subjects, often exceeding the district and state averages. Additionally, Thoreau Middle has a relatively diverse student population, with a racial makeup of 52.01% White, 15.75% Hispanic, 19.6% Asian, and smaller percentages of other racial groups. This diversity is higher than some of the nearby schools in the Fairfax County district. The school also performs well across various student subgroups, with high rankings for female students, Asian students, White students, multi-racial students, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities.

When compared to other middle schools in the Fairfax County district and the nearby Arlington County district, Thoreau Middle generally outperforms its peers on academic measures, such as SOL test proficiency rates. This suggests that Thoreau Middle is a high-performing school within the broader regional context. Additionally, the school has a relatively low percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (17.67% in 2022-2023), which may indicate that it serves a more affluent student population.


Detail:

Public 7-8

 2505 Cedar Ln
       Vienna, VA  22180


(703) 846-8000

District: Fairfax County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
51st of 417 Virginia Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,823 Help


Students who attend Thoreau Middle usually attend:

High:    Madison High

Feeder schools for Thoreau Middle:

Elementary:    Archer Elementary
    Cunningham Park Elementary
    Flint Hill Elementary
    Marshall Road Elementary
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  15.2 Help
Number of students:  1,194

Racial breakdown:

White:
52.0%
Asian:
19.6%
Hispanic:
15.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  17.7% Help


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 Compare Thoreau Middle to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Thoreau Middle ranks better than 87.8% of middle schools in Virginia. It also ranks 6th among 23 ranked middle schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 80.86. (See more...)
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 Thoreau Middle has the largest middle school student body size in the Fairfax County Public Schools District.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Thoreau Middle is $9,823. 17 middle schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Thoreau Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Thoreau Middle 51st of 417 Virginia public middle schools. (See Thoreau Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Fairfax County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Fairfax County Public Schools 41st of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Thoreau Middle

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Rank History for all students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 87.81 9th 340 97.4%
2006 88.99 7th 383 98.2%
2007 86.95 3rd 387 99.2%
2008 86.62 5th 391 98.7%
2009 86.26 5th 390 98.7%
2010 88.12 5th 408 98.8%
2011 89.16 2nd 413 99.5%
2012 87.99 3rd 413 99.3%
2013 90.01 7th 416 98.3%
2014 87.45 16th 416 96.2%
2015 85.22 18th 412 95.6%
2016 83.00 23rd 409 94.4%
2017 81.29 33rd 415 92.0%
2018 81.81 23rd 413 94.4%
2019 76.13 54th 424 87.3%
2021 83.37 22nd 419 94.7%
2022 78.95 47th 415 88.7%
2023 80.05 54th 422 87.2%
2024 80.86 51st 417 87.8%
See the entire list of Virginia Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 85.51 15th 231 93.5%
2024 82.52 19th 237 92.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 69.44 16th 100 84.0%
2024 72.33 20th 122 83.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 46.21 223rd 402 44.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 80.41 46th 411 88.8%
2024 81.01 41st 407 89.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 89.23 18th 278 93.5%
2024 84.79 24th 281 91.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 66.25 30th 114 73.7%
2024 70.41 20th 123 83.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 78.79 65th 409 84.1%
2024 80.33 51st 407 87.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 61.43 55th 132 58.3%
2024 70.53 22nd 128 82.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 76.06 54th 298 81.9%
2024 60.47 116th 299 61.2%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 56.69 106th 275 61.5%
2024 57.85 104th 272 61.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Thoreau Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 78.07 46th 402 88.6%
2024 81.78 25th 396 93.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia 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.

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




Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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0%

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Reviews:
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Enrollment information for Thoreau Middle

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 641 641
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 604 604
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 630 630
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 646 646
1993 604 35 80 36 3 n/a n/a 0 758
1994 583 37 77 30 4 n/a n/a 0 731
1995 571 29 82 49 1 n/a n/a 0 732
1996 571 29 82 49 1 n/a n/a 0 732
1997 545 35 91 43 1 n/a n/a 0 715
1998 559 38 70 42 1 n/a n/a 0 710
1999 583 46 49 25 1 n/a n/a 0 704
2000 574 42 73 36 2 n/a n/a -4 723
2001 577 38 83 47 2 n/a n/a 0 747
2002 624 38 89 51 1 n/a n/a 20 823
2003 624 38 89 51 1 n/a n/a 20 823
2004 576 36 82 43 2 n/a n/a 27 766
2005 519 37 83 39 3 n/a n/a 33 714
2006 538 31 75 46 6 n/a n/a 33 729
2007 554 23 78 51 7 n/a n/a 43 756
2008 547 17 101 48 6 n/a n/a 58 777
2009 556 21 119 53 2 n/a n/a 55 806
2010 594 14 100 50 1 n/a n/a 50 809
2011 558 11 89 68 0 2 50 0 778
2012 545 11 82 85 1 2 54 0 780
2013 583 10 79 93 1 1 64 0 831
2014 557 13 111 95 1 1 67 0 845
2015 544 17 112 101 0 1 53 0 828
2016 582 16 108 101 0 0 51 0 858
2017 611 20 107 99 1 0 66 0 904
2018 625 19 109 112 1 1 78 0 945
2019 703 48 193 177 0 1 88 0 1210
2020 708 57 244 230 3 1 78 0 1321
2021 638 55 239 222 6 0 70 0 1230
2022 601 62 205 211 5 1 84 0 1169
2023 621 52 234 188 3 1 95 0 1194

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 Thoreau Middle

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 641 36.2 17.7 n/a
1990 604 36.0 16.7 n/a
1991 630 37.7 16.7 n/a
1992 646 38.4 16.8 n/a
1993 758 58.8 12.9 n/a
1994 731 43.9 n/a 7.8
1995 732 n/a 0.0 7
1996 732 n/a 0.0 7
1997 715 n/a 0.0 6.9
1998 710 n/a 0.0 4.8
1999 704 55.0 12.8 9.8
2000 723 n/a 0.0 6.7
2001 747 61.0 12.2 7.2
2002 823 66.0 12.5 8.5
2003 823 66.0 12.5 8.5
2004 766 61.0 12.6 7.7
2005 714 60.0 11.9 6.6
2006 729 54.0 13.5 7.3
2007 756 65.2 11.6 7.4
2008 777 41.0 19.0 5.6
2009 806 37.6 21.4 6.4
2010 809 37.7 21.4 8.2
2011 778 38.9 19.9 8.2
2012 780 62.6 12.4 9
2013 831 63.6 13.0 9.5
2014 845 62.4 13.5 11
2015 828 59.0 14.0 10.9
2016 858 59.0 14.5 10.4
2017 904 63.0 14.3 9.6
2018 945 68.1 13.8 9
2019 1210 82.6 14.6 13.3
2020 1321 94.4 13.9 15.4
2021 1230 93.1 13.2 n/a
2022 1169 93.7 12.4 17.5
2023 1194 78.2 15.2 17.7

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 Thoreau Middle

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 641 36.2 17.7 n/a
1990 604 36.0 16.7 n/a
1991 630 37.7 16.7 n/a
1992 646 38.4 16.8 n/a
1993 758 58.8 12.9 n/a
1994 731 43.9 n/a 7.8
1995 732 n/a 0.0 7
1996 732 n/a 0.0 7
1997 715 n/a 0.0 6.9
1998 710 n/a 0.0 4.8
1999 704 55.0 12.8 9.8
2000 723 n/a 0.0 6.7
2001 747 61.0 12.2 7.2
2002 823 66.0 12.5 8.5
2003 823 66.0 12.5 8.5
2004 766 61.0 12.6 7.7
2005 714 60.0 11.9 6.6
2006 729 54.0 13.5 7.3
2007 756 65.2 11.6 7.4
2008 777 41.0 19.0 5.6
2009 806 37.6 21.4 6.4
2010 809 37.7 21.4 8.2
2011 778 38.9 19.9 8.2
2012 780 62.6 12.4 9
2013 831 63.6 13.0 9.5
2014 845 62.4 13.5 11
2015 828 59.0 14.0 10.9
2016 858 59.0 14.5 10.4
2017 904 63.0 14.3 9.6
2018 945 68.1 13.8 9
2019 1210 82.6 14.6 13.3
2020 1321 94.4 13.9 15.4
2021 1230 93.1 13.2 n/a
2022 1169 93.7 12.4 17.5
2023 1194 78.2 15.2 17.7

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 Thoreau Middle

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $140 (1.7%) $8,210 (98.3%) $8,349
2020 $102 (1.1%) $9,209 (98.9%) $9,311
2021 $141 (1.4%) $9,681 (98.6%) $9,823

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Thoreau Middle

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 54th of 424 Middle schoolsRanks 54th of 422 Middle schools
 0.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
7th Grade Mathematics (Thoreau Middle)8376.3
 6.7%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8654.7
 31.3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7851.4
 26.6%
7th Grade English Reading (Thoreau Middle)8989.4
 0.4%
   7th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8478.7
 5.3%
   7th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7970.3
 8.7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Thoreau Middle)9059.3
 30.7%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8339.8
 43.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7748.4
 28.6%
8th Grade Science (Thoreau Middle)8980.1
 8.9%
   8th Grade Science (Fairfax County Public Schools)8370.4
 12.6%
   8th Grade Science (Virginia)7860.7
 17.3%
8th Grade English Reading (Thoreau Middle)8583.2
 1.8%
   8th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8277.4
 4.7%
   8th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7670.7
 5.3%
End of Course Geometry (Thoreau Middle)10097
 3%
   End of Course Geometry (Fairfax County Public Schools)8690
 4%
   End of Course Geometry (Virginia)8380
 3%
End of Course Algebra I (Thoreau Middle)9797
   End of Course Algebra I (Fairfax County Public Schools)8986
 3%
   End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)8680
 6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students12101194
 1.3%
African American4852
 8.3%
American Indian03
Asian193234
 21.2%
Hispanic177188
 6.2%
Pacific Islander11
White703621
 11.7%
Two or More Races8895
 8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients13.3%17.7%
 4.4%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Thoreau Middle

Students at Thoreau Middle are 52% White, 20% Asian, 16% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 4% African American.

Thoreau Middle ranks 51st of 417 Virginia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,194 students attended Thoreau Middle.

Students who attend Thoreau Middle usually go on to attend Madison High


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