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Northridge Middle School

Q: Is Northridge Middle School a good school?

Northridge Middle School ranks 84 th of 327 Arkansas middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

84^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 327 Arkansas Middle Schools

Better than 74% of Arkansas middle schools

Summary

Northridge Middle School in Van Buren, AR, serves 713 students in grades 6 through 8 and is part of the Van Buren School District, a district with a 3-star rating. This school stands out as a consistent high-performer, earning a 4-star rating every year for at least the past decade and ranking between the 72nd and 86th percentile statewide.

Northridge’s biggest strength is its exceptional Algebra program. In the 2025-2026 school year, 80.2% of tested students were proficient in Algebra—more than double the state average of 36.9% and far ahead of its in-district counterpart, Butterfield Trail Middle School, which has a 1-star rating. Northridge also outperforms state averages in English, reading, math, and science, showing broad academic strength. Interestingly, the school achieves these results while spending less per student ($9,820) than many nearby schools, such as Ramsey Middle School ($17,549) in the Fort Smith School District. This efficiency makes Northridge a model of effective resource use.

Compared to the regional leader, Greenwood Junior High School (5-star), Northridge serves a more economically diverse student body—about 51% of its students qualify for free or reduced lunch, versus 31% at Greenwood. Despite this, Northridge still posts strong scores, outperforming schools with similar demographics like L. A. Chaffin Middle School and Alma Middle School. One interesting note: Northridge’s 8th graders score lower in general math (29% proficient) but very high in Algebra (79.2%), suggesting top math students are placed in advanced courses. This strategy highlights the school’s focus on challenging its strongest learners while maintaining overall academic excellence.

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: Holding steady — 73rd percentile in 2016 → 74th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Arkansas average (48% vs 41% meeting standards)

✓Above the Arkansas median (74th percentile)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school48%

District avg41%

Arkansas avg41%

84^th of 327

Arkansas public middle schools ?

Top 26%▲ up 1 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Arkansas Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

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

123^rd of 251Van 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
2026	70.1	84 of 327	74.3%	★★★★☆
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 (2025-2026) ?

Algebra80%+43 vs state

Mathematics50%+6 vs state

English Language Arts47%+7 vs state

Reading46%+6 vs state

Science46%~ state avg

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

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				ATLAS English Language Arts (2026)					ATLAS Reading (2026)					ATLAS Mathematics (2026)					ATLAS Algebra (2026)		ATLAS Science (2026)					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 (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	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%)	70.1	84^th of 327 public middle schools	74.3%		78.3	44^th of 324 public middle schools	86.4%	40		45.3	49.2	46.1	46.8		45.3	49.6	44.3	46.4		58.4	51.1	29.0	49.6	79.2	80.2		42.7	52.5	42.8	46.0	$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%)	31.5	240^th of 327 public middle schools	26.6%		31.3	236^th of 324 public middle schools	27.2%	4		35.1	26.5	26.9	29.3		35.1	26.9	29.1	30.2		44.0	27.6	16.9	30.4	45.1	46.1		41.7	29.0	32.4	34.1	$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%)	22.4	269^th of 327 public middle schools	17.7%		20.4	268^th of 324 public middle schools	17.3%	1		23.5	23.1	26.3	24.3		24.7	24.6	29.7	26.3		21.9	35.0	26.0	27.4	70.8	70.8		21.9	29.5	28.8	26.6	$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%)	48.9	178^th of 327 public middle schools	45.6%		50.3	157^th of 324 public middle schools	51.5%	21	37.5	30.4	48.0	20.4	34.2	45.4	33.9	44.0	24.5	37.4	51.6	46.4	46.0	37.2	46.0			45.3	43.7	58.0	26.6	43.6	$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%)	38.8	213^th of 327 public middle schools	34.9%		38.3	217^th of 324 public middle schools	33.0%	4		35.2	33.2	33.3	33.9		37.5	35.4	34.8	35.9		37.6	35.7	17.5	31.9	68.8	68.8		31.7	29.4	37.0	32.7	$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%)	73.2	71^st of 327 public middle schools	78.3%		74.1	59^th of 324 public middle schools	81.8%	12		44.8	37.8	48.9	44.0		45.1	40.5	52.4	46.1		46.4	58.4	57.2	53.3	91.0	91.0		49.0	50.0	60.5	53.1	$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%)	82.6	33^rd of 327 public middle schools	89.9%		84.3	32^nd of 324 public middle schools	90.1%	1		47.9	55.3	50.7	51.3		48.1	56.0	49.8	51.3		54.2	66.8	46.6	57.5	92.1	92.1		46.8	64.2	58.7	56.6	$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%)	43.2	199^th of 327 public middle schools	39.1%		52.9	148^th of 324 public middle schools	54.3%	51		36.1	25.4	37.0	32.6		38.8	28.5	39.6	35.5		39.7	31.4	36.4	35.7	72.2	72.2		38.4	35.7	43.5	39.1	$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%)	74	65^th of 327 public middle schools	80.1%		54.1	141^st of 324 public middle schools	56.5%	76	51.9	47.7	54.7	42.0	49.1	48.2	50.8	58.5	40.0	49.5	46.3	41.5	58.5	40.6	47.0	77.8	77.8	53.7	47.7	62.3	50.0	53.1	$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%)	33.4	234^th of 327 public middle schools	28.4%		41.7	204^th of 324 public middle schools	37.0%	30		17.9	42.4	25.6	27.9		23.1	39.4	30.3	30.4		28.2	48.4	25.6	33.3				18.0	42.4	33.3	30.7	$11,682	$870	$10,812

Frequently Asked Questions about 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

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.

What district is Northridge Middle School in?

Van Buren School District

How many students attend Northridge Middle School?

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

Is Northridge Middle School a good school?

Northridge Middle School ranks 84^th of 327 Arkansas middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Rate Northridge Middle School!

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Latest Arkansas data All new data »

2025–26 ATLAS test scoresJul 13, 2026

2024–25 graduation ratesMar 5, 2026

2019–20 through 2023–24 school spending dataJan 6, 2026

2017–18 through 2024–25 dropout ratesJan 6, 2026

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.