Summary:
This analysis examines two middle schools serving grades 6-8 in the 92553 zip code of Moreno Valley, California, both part of the Moreno Valley Unified district, which faces significant academic challenges ranking in the bottom 20% of the state.
Comparing the two schools, Badger Springs Middle consistently outperforms Sunnymead Middle in core subjects like English and Math, has a lower rate of chronic student absenteeism, and holds a higher state ranking. Both schools have nearly identical and very high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, yet Badger Springs achieves better academic results, suggesting factors beyond economics are at play. Sunnymead shows a relative strength in 8th-grade Spanish reading proficiency compared to Badger Springs.
Key concerns for parents to note include that both schools perform well below California state averages in all subjects, and both struggle with chronic absenteeism, with rates exceeding the state average. Despite per-student spending above the national average, academic outcomes in the district remain low. Both schools have also seen their statewide rankings decline over the past three years, indicating they are losing ground compared to other California schools.
Thank you for your feedback!