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Northridge Middle School

Q: Is Northridge Middle School a good school?

Northridge Middle School ranks 44 th of 324 Arkansas middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

44^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 324 Arkansas Middle Schools

Better than 86% of Arkansas middle schools

Summary

Northridge Middle School, a public school serving grades 6-8 in Van Buren, Arkansas, stands out as a top performer in the Van Buren School District. With a total enrollment of 739 students, Northridge has consistently ranked in the top 20% of Arkansas middle schools over the past decade, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger in the 2024-2025 school year.

Northridge Middle School's academic excellence is evident across all subjects and grade levels. In the 2024-2025 school year, the school outperformed the district and state averages, with 47.6% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 37.2% for the district and 34.7% for the state. In mathematics, Northridge had 52.2% of students proficient or better, significantly higher than the district (42.1%) and state (38.7%) averages. The school's performance in Algebra is particularly noteworthy, with 70% of students proficient or better, far surpassing the district (35.3%) and state (30.9%) averages. Northridge's relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 15.2 to 17.2 over the past few years, likely contributes to its academic success.

Northridge Middle School's strong performance is even more impressive considering the increasing percentage of economically disadvantaged students, with free and reduced-price lunch rates rising from 42.57% in 2021-2022 to 49.93% in 2023-2024. The school's ability to maintain its high academic standards while serving a growing population of economically disadvantaged students is a testament to its effective teaching practices, strong leadership, and supportive school community. Northridge's success can serve as a model for other middle schools in the state, highlighting the importance of providing high-quality education to students from all backgrounds.

713

Students ?

16.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$9,820

Per pupil spending ?

51.3%

Free/discounted lunch ?

120 Northridge Drive
Van Buren, AR 72956

(479) 471-3126

District: Van Buren School District

Students who attend Northridge Middle School usually attend:

High:

Van Buren High School

Feeder schools for Northridge Middle School:

Elementary:	Oliver Springs Elementary School
	Parkview Elementary School
	Rena Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

White:

70.3%

Hispanic:

16.1%

Two or more races:

8.1%

See top rated Arkansas middle schools

Compare Northridge Middle School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 52nd percentile in 2015 → 86th in 2025

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Arkansas average (48% vs 36% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 14% of Arkansas middle schools

✓Ranking is trending up — up 34 percentile points since 2015

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school48%

District avg38%

Arkansas avg36%

44^th of 324

Arkansas public middle schools ?

Top 14%▲ up 34 pts since 2015

From top 48% (2015) to top 14% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Arkansas Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

1^st of 2Middle Schools in the Van Buren School District

102^nd of 250Van Buren School District among Arkansas districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Arkansas percentile	Rating
2025	78.3	44 of 324	86.4%	★★★★☆
2024	75.7	55 of 335	83.6%	★★★★☆
2023	76.1	62 of 330	81.2%	★★★★☆
2022	77.3	48 of 318	84.9%	★★★★☆
2021	73.3	62 of 330	81.2%	★★★★☆
2019	69.3	85 of 319	73.4%	★★★★☆
2018	68.5	89 of 318	72.0%	★★★★☆
2017	68.9	80 of 315	74.6%	★★★★☆
2016	68.1	83 of 312	73.4%	★★★★☆
2015	48.3	131 of 275	52.4%	★★★☆☆
2014	61.5	109 of 280	61.1%	★★★☆☆
2013	62.8	107 of 278	61.5%	★★★☆☆

By subject vs Arkansas (2024-2025) ?

Algebra70%+39 vs state

Mathematics52%+14 vs state

English Language Arts48%+13 vs state

Science45%+7 vs state

Reading45%+9 vs state

1.0

1 rating · 1 written review

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What people are saying

by a parent on FaceBook
Friday, April 30, 2010

If you have a child that is different from a middle to high class white child, your child will not fit in to this school and they will tell you that as well. Our child had never been trouble, had okay to decent grades, and generally got along with everyone; until he went to Northridge. Our child has gone to the school 8 months this school year, and we have yet to meet any of his teachers. The personnel I have met at the school: the principal, asst. principal and a few secretaries, are completely snobby and trust you as if you are beneath them. They will agree with what ever you have to say to your face but never follow through with anything. If you have a choice, DO NOT put your child in this school!!! Close Quote

Schools Near Northridge Middle School

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				ATLAS English Language Arts (2025)					ATLAS Reading (2025)					ATLAS Mathematics (2025)					ATLAS Algebra (2025)		ATLAS Science (2025)					Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
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 (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ATLAS English Language Arts 5th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 6th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 7th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts 8th Grade	ATLAS English Language Arts All Grades	ATLAS Reading 5th Grade	ATLAS Reading 6th Grade	ATLAS Reading 7th Grade	ATLAS Reading 8th Grade	ATLAS Reading All Grades	ATLAS Mathematics 5th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 6th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 7th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics 8th Grade	ATLAS Mathematics All Grades	ATLAS Algebra 8th Grade	ATLAS Algebra All Grades	ATLAS Science 5th Grade	ATLAS Science 6th Grade	ATLAS Science 7th Grade	ATLAS Science 8th Grade	ATLAS Science All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Northridge Middle School	Public	6-8	120 Northridge Drive	Van Buren	72956	Crawford County	Van Buren School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 471-3126	713	44	16.0	51.3%	501 (70.3%)	13 (1.8%)	115 (16.1%)	18 (2.5%)	7 (1.0%)	1 (0.1%)	58 (8.1%)	78.3	44^th of 324 public middle schools	86.4%		75.7	55^th of 335 public middle schools	83.6%	11		51.4	46.2	45.0	47.6		48.9	43.0	41.6	44.6		62.3	55.7	27.5	52.2	69.4	70.0		49.8	42.6	42.0	44.9	$9,820	$811	$9,008
Butterfield Trail Middle School	Public	6-8	310 North 11 St	Van Buren	72956	Crawford County	Van Buren School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 474-6838	557	40	14.0	80.6%	309 (55.5%)	16 (2.9%)	174 (31.2%)	12 (2.2%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	44 (7.9%)	31.3	236^th of 324 public middle schools	27.2%		28.8	259^th of 335 public middle schools	22.7%	23		29.2	20.6	19.5	23.2		30.7	22.9	21.8	25.2		35.4	26.8	20.8	28.3	51.3	52.5		28.6	27.8	28.5	28.2	$11,730	$858	$10,872
Dora Kimmons Middle School	Public	6-8	2201 N 50th St	Fort Smith	72904	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 785-2451	753	52	14.5	93.5%	88 (11.7%)	112 (14.9%)	466 (61.9%)	40 (5.3%)	4 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	43 (5.7%)	20.4	268^th of 324 public middle schools	17.3%		23.9	278^th of 335 public middle schools	17.0%	10		16.7	18.0	20.3	18.5		17.6	18.1	22.5	19.6		15.0	28.2	29.0	24.0	55.9	55.9		15.4	19.3	23.0	19.4	$13,279	$1,751	$11,529
Cedarville Middle School	Public	5-8	9614 Pirates Point	Cedarville	72932	Crawford County	Cedarville School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 474-5847	207	18	11.2	98.6%	162 (78.3%)	3 (1.4%)	9 (4.3%)	1 (0.5%)	5 (2.4%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (13.0%)	50.3	157^th of 324 public middle schools	51.5%		48.1	167^th of 335 public middle schools	50.1%	10	29.8	34.8	13.1	42.0	30.1	35.1	37.0	15.2	38.0	31.6	38.6	50.0	26.1	39.5	38.5			33.4	34.8	34.7	40.0	35.7	$13,652	$1,947	$11,704
William O. Darby Middle School	Public	6-8	616 N 14th St	Fort Smith	72901	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 783-4159	711	57	12.4	82.8%	212 (29.8%)	63 (8.9%)	353 (49.6%)	9 (1.3%)	5 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	69 (9.7%)	38.3	217^th of 324 public middle schools	33.0%		31.1	242^nd of 335 public middle schools	27.8%	25		32.0	25.7	30.7	29.4		31.2	28.9	31.1	30.3		29.8	31.3	22.0	28.5	31.1	31.1		28.5	29.7	30.7	29.6	$14,326	$1,352	$12,974
Alma Middle School	Public	6-8	706 Hwy. 64 East	Alma	72921	Crawford County	Alma School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 632-2168	722	63	11.5	48.1%	595 (82.4%)	11 (1.5%)	38 (5.3%)	3 (0.4%)	17 (2.4%)	0 (0.0%)	58 (8.0%)	74.1	59^th of 324 public middle schools	81.8%		69.1	78^th of 335 public middle schools	76.7%	19		37.5	39.9	42.7	40.0		38.4	39.5	44.9	41.0		49.3	46.7	60.4	51.7	100.0	100.0		39.3	46.0	52.2	46.1	$11,022	$1,294	$9,727
L. A. Chaffin Middle School	Public	6-8	3025 Massard Rd	Fort Smith	72903	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 452-2226	753	54	13.9	55.4%	415 (55.1%)	40 (5.3%)	126 (16.7%)	54 (7.2%)	4 (0.5%)	2 (0.3%)	112 (14.9%)	84.3	32^nd of 324 public middle schools	90.1%		91	17^th of 335 public middle schools	94.9%	15		46.5	44.0	53.3	47.8		44.4	42.3	50.6	45.7		60.2	55.1	45.9	55.2	89.2	89.2		48.9	48.7	62.1	52.9	$14,020	$1,421	$12,599
Ramsey Middle School	Public	6-8	3201 Jenny Lind Rd	Fort Smith	72901	Sebastian County	Fort Smith School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 783-5115	801	57	13.9	68.0%	396 (49.4%)	81 (10.1%)	151 (18.9%)	40 (5.0%)	10 (1.2%)	1 (0.1%)	122 (15.2%)	52.9	148^th of 324 public middle schools	54.3%		59.6	107^th of 335 public middle schools	68.1%	41		33.4	31.6	37.1	34.1		34.2	31.2	37.5	34.3		35.6	35.0	35.6	35.4	63.1	63.1		29.6	38.9	41.4	36.6	$17,549	$1,158	$16,391
Lavaca Middle School	Public	5-8	603 S Division St	Lavaca	72941	Sebastian County	Lavaca School District	No	No	No	Yes	(479) 377-1234	234	19	12.5	53.8%	195 (83.3%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (5.6%)	2 (0.9%)	4 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (8.5%)	54.1	141^st of 324 public middle schools	56.5%		51.8	144^th of 335 public middle schools	57.0%	3	23.5	41.4	26.8	25.0	29.2	23.5	46.6	25.0	25.0	30.1	35.3	55.1	33.9	42.8	41.4	68.8	68.8	27.9	53.5	21.4	34.1	34.1	$11,048	$701	$10,346
Mountainburg Middle School Brain Academy	Public, Charter	6-8	129 Hwy 71 SW	Mountainburg	72946	Crawford County	Mountainburg School District	Yes	No	No	Yes	(479) 369-4506	132	11	11.7	100.0%	126 (95.5%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (2.3%)	1 (0.8%)	2 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	41.7	204^th of 324 public middle schools	37.0%		39.5	211^th of 335 public middle schools	37.0%	7		33.3	18.2	40.8	31.0		27.8	20.4	42.8	31.0		41.7	20.5	16.7	27.5	16.2	16.2		27.7	25.0	51.0	35.7	$11,682	$870	$10,812

Frequently Asked Questions about Northridge Middle School

What district is Northridge Middle School in?

Van Buren School District

What is the racial makeup of Northridge Middle School?

Students at Northridge Middle School are 70% White, 16% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 2% African American.

How many students attend Northridge Middle School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 713 students attended Northridge Middle School.

What high school do graduates of Northridge Middle School attend?

Students who attend Northridge Middle School usually go on to attend Van Buren High School

Is Northridge Middle School a good school?

Northridge Middle School ranks 44^th of 324 Arkansas middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary 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.