Middle School of Innovation

Middle School of Innovation serves 690 students in grades 6-8 in Dover, Delaware, as part of the Capital School District.

This school faces significant challenges that parents should be aware of. Most notably, chronic absenteeism affects nearly 3 in 10 students (29.3%), which is almost double the state average of 17.1%. While this is a major improvement from the previous year's 40.1%, it remains a serious concern that likely impacts learning. Academically, test scores across all subjects run 15-20 percentage points below state averages. For example, only about 1 in 5 students meet proficiency in English Language Arts, and math proficiency hovers around 15%. Science proficiency is particularly concerning, with just 6.4% of 8th graders meeting standards compared to 16.4% statewide. The school ranks in the bottom quartile of Delaware middle schools, earning a 1-star rating for two consecutive years. Class sizes are also on the larger side with a 22.2:1 student-teacher ratio, higher than nearby Chipman (W.T.) Middle School (18.8:1) and Smyrna Middle School (16.8:1).

There are some bright spots worth noting. The school shares a building with its "twin," Middle School of Excellence, and actually outperforms it in 7th grade ELA and 8th grade math. Social studies is a relative strength, with 6th graders scoring closest to the state average. Math proficiency has more than doubled across all grades since 2023-2024, and the school's state ranking improved from 50th to 46th. However, the contrast with Dover Air Force Base Middle School, just 4.9 miles away and ranked 5th in the state, highlights significant educational disparities in the region. For parents considering this school, the most critical factor to address is attendance—improving chronic absenteeism may be the single most important lever for boosting academic outcomes.