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C. W. Ruckel Middle School

Q: Is C. W. Ruckel Middle School a good school?

C. W. Ruckel Middle School ranks 148 th of 1216 Florida middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

148^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,216 Florida Middle Schools

Better than 88% of Florida middle schools

Summary

C. W. Ruckel Middle School in Niceville, FL, is a high-performing public school serving 1,061 students in grades 6-8 within the Okaloosa district, a top-ranked district in Florida. This school stands out for its exceptional academic consistency, having earned a 4 or 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past decade and consistently ranking in the top 10-12% of all Florida middle schools. Its math proficiency is particularly impressive, with 87% of 7th graders and 88% of 8th graders proficient, far exceeding district and state averages, and advanced math courses see 93-98% proficiency. The school also boasts a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 9.6%, which is less than half the district average and one-third the state average, indicating a highly engaged student body.

Compared to nearby traditional middle schools, Ruckel is a clear standout. While Davidson Middle School and Shoal River Middle School rank in the 70th percentile, and Max Bruner Junior Middle School and W. C. Pryor Middle School rank in the 40th-50th percentile, Ruckel has never fallen below the 88th percentile. Its math scores are significantly higher than all comparable traditional schools in the area, including Destin Middle School. Interestingly, the Okaloosa Stemm Center, a magnet school just 1.71 miles away, is ranked #1 in the state, yet Ruckel still maintains elite performance despite potentially losing some top students to that program.

Ruckel’s success is not driven by high spending—it spends $8,101 per student, the lowest among nearby schools, compared to $11,428 at Max Bruner and $10,031 at W. C. Pryor. Instead, its performance correlates with a low rate of economic disadvantage (24.7% on free/reduced lunch) and strong community support in the Niceville area. Science is a relative weakness, with 80% proficiency in 8th grade, though still well above district (66%) and state (52%) averages. For parents, Ruckel offers a stable, high-achieving environment with a strong attendance culture, making it a top choice in the region.

1,061

Students ?

20.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$8,101

Per pupil spending ?

24.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

201 Partin Dr N
Niceville, FL 32578

(850) 833-4142

District: Okaloosa

Students who attend C. W. Ruckel Middle School usually attend:

High:

Niceville Senior High School

Feeder schools for C. W. Ruckel Middle School:

Elementary:	Bluewater Elementary School
	James E Plew Elementary School
	Lula J. Edge Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

White:

77.7%

Hispanic:

11.1%

Two or more races:

7.5%

See top rated Florida middle schools

Compare C. W. Ruckel Middle School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 95th percentile in 2016 → 88th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Florida average (82% vs 61% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 12% of Florida middle schools

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 7 percentile points since 2016

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school82%

District avg70%

Florida avg61%

148^th of 1,216

Florida public middle schools ?

Top 12%▼ down 7 pts since 2016

From top 5% (2016) to top 12% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

3^rd of 9Middle Schools in the Okaloosa

12^th of 70Okaloosa among Florida 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	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	83.4	148 of 1216	87.8%	★★★★☆
2025	85.9	139 of 1205	88.5%	★★★★☆
2024	88.5	100 of 1196	91.6%	★★★★★
2023	88.7	99 of 1177	91.6%	★★★★★
2022	86.4	120 of 1148	89.5%	★★★★☆
2021	89.1	89 of 1136	92.2%	★★★★★
2019	88.6	98 of 1099	91.1%	★★★★★
2018	90.9	77 of 1035	92.6%	★★★★★
2017	93.6	50 of 1031	95.2%	★★★★★
2016	92.9	48 of 997	95.2%	★★★★★
2014	93.5	33 of 999	96.7%	★★★★★
2013	94.5	23 of 956	97.6%	★★★★★
2012	94.5	24 of 897	97.3%	★★★★★
2011	94.0	17 of 891	98.1%	★★★★★
2010	93.0	24 of 839	97.1%	★★★★★
2009	93.4	23 of 780	97.1%	★★★★★
2008	93.2	23 of 740	96.9%	★★★★★
2007	93.1	31 of 736	95.8%	★★★★★
2006	92.8	30 of 675	95.6%	★★★★★
2005	96.3	10 of 602	98.3%	★★★★★
2004	92.9	25 of 593	95.8%	★★★★★

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Geometry98%+42 vs state

Civics96%+19 vs state

Algebra 193%+30 vs state

Math84%+25 vs state

Science80%+28 vs state

English Language Arts76%+15 vs state

5.0

1 rating

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Schools Near C. W. Ruckel 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)				FAST English Language Arts (2026)						FAST Math (2026)						Statewide Science Science (2026)		EOC Algebra 1 (2026)	EOC Geometry (2026)	EOC Civics (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
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	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
C. W. Ruckel Middle School	Public	6-8	201 Partin Dr N	Niceville	32578	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	No	(850) 833-4142	1,061	53	20.0	24.7%	824 (77.7%)	25 (2.4%)	118 (11.1%)	11 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.3%)	80 (7.5%)	83.4	148^th of 1216 public middle schools	87.8%		85.9	139^th of 1205 public middle schools	88.5%	9				75.0	77.0	77.0				77.0	87.0	88.0		80.0	93.0	98.0	96.0	$8,101	$149	$7,952
Okaloosa Stemm Center	Public, Magnet	6-8	379 Edge Ave	Valparaiso	32580	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	Yes	No	No	(850) 833-4120	366	21	17.4	27.9%	264 (72.1%)	13 (3.6%)	43 (11.7%)	6 (1.6%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	39 (10.7%)	98	1^st of 1216 public middle schools	99.9%		98.4	1^st of 1205 public middle schools	99.9%					100.0	99.0	99.0						100.0		100.0	98.0	100.0	100.0	$11,157	$315	$10,843
Clifford Meigs Middle School	Public	6-8	150 Richbourg Ave	Shalimar	32579	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	No	(850) 833-4301	612	33	18.5	57.8%	392 (64.1%)	72 (11.8%)	75 (12.3%)	13 (2.1%)	2 (0.3%)	5 (0.8%)	53 (8.7%)	66.6	369^th of 1216 public middle schools	69.7%		60	460^th of 1205 public middle schools	61.8%	91				64.0	62.0	68.0				67.0	73.0	74.0		69.0	94.0	100.0	90.0	$10,350	$370	$9,980
Destin Middle School	Public	5-8	4608 Legendary Marina Dr	Destin	32541	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	No	(850) 833-7655	799	41	19.4	43.8%	529 (66.2%)	33 (4.1%)	152 (19.0%)	33 (4.1%)	3 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	48 (6.0%)	80	200^th of 1216 public middle schools	83.6%		79.1	218^th of 1205 public middle schools	81.9%	18			69.0	78.0	78.0	73.0			70.0	75.0	72.0	78.0	70.0	72.0	93.0	100.0	86.0	$9,372	$187	$9,186
W. C. Pryor Middle School	Public	6-8	201 Racetrack Rd NW	Fort Walton Beach	32547	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	Yes	(850) 833-3613	721	36	20.0	71.3%	197 (27.3%)	105 (14.6%)	337 (46.7%)	14 (1.9%)	2 (0.3%)	3 (0.4%)	63 (8.7%)	40.8	760^th of 1216 public middle schools	37.5%		40.4	742^nd of 1205 public middle schools	38.4%	18				55.0	54.0	48.0				44.0	62.0	60.0		43.0	90.0	82.0	76.0	$10,031	$984	$9,047
Northwest Florida Ballet Academie	Public	3-8	310 Perry Ave SE	Fort Walton Beach	32548	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	No	(850) 664-7787	134	8	17.6	33.6%	92 (68.7%)	8 (6.0%)	13 (9.7%)	4 (3.0%)	3 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (10.4%)	92.4	40^th of 1216 public middle schools	96.7%		96.7	10^th of 1205 public middle schools	99.2%	30	92.0	87.0	100.0	76.0	92.0	100.0	89.0	93.0	100.0	100.0		100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0			$11,048	$58	$10,990
Max Bruner Junior Middle School	Public	6-8	322 Holmes Blvd NW	Fort Walton Beach	32548	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	Yes	(850) 833-3266	677	37	18.2	66.3%	255 (37.7%)	126 (18.6%)	196 (29.0%)	18 (2.7%)	2 (0.3%)	3 (0.4%)	77 (11.4%)	46.3	674^th of 1216 public middle schools	44.6%		53.7	539^th of 1205 public middle schools	55.3%	135				56.0	56.0	52.0				56.0	57.0	61.0		54.0	87.0		82.0	$11,428	$929	$10,499
Shoal River Middle School	Public	6-8	3200 E Redstone Ave	Crestview	32539	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	No	(850) 689-7229	923	48	19.2	57.7%	458 (49.6%)	169 (18.3%)	138 (15.0%)	21 (2.3%)	1 (0.1%)	3 (0.3%)	133 (14.4%)	72.2	303^rd of 1216 public middle schools	75.1%		70	331^st of 1205 public middle schools	72.5%	28				68.0	76.0	69.0				70.0	66.0	78.0		64.0	98.0	89.0	82.0	$9,489	$257	$9,232
Freeport Middle School	Public	5-8	160 Victory Blvd	Freeport	32439	Walton County	Walton	No	No	No	No	(850) 892-1220	790	46	17.1	45.8%	519 (65.7%)	27 (3.4%)	188 (23.8%)	16 (2.0%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	37 (4.7%)	77.4	220^th of 1216 public middle schools	81.9%		75	274^th of 1205 public middle schools	77.3%	54			69.0	73.0	68.0	74.0			65.0	85.0	68.0	86.0	53.0	67.0	88.0	83.0	84.0	$12,145	$360	$11,786
Davidson Middle School	Public	6-8	6261 Old Bethel Rd	Crestview	32536	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	No	No	No	No	(850) 683-7500	1,111	55	20.2	56.0%	743 (66.9%)	117 (10.5%)	132 (11.9%)	9 (0.8%)	4 (0.4%)	12 (1.1%)	94 (8.5%)	71.2	314^th of 1216 public middle schools	74.2%		65.8	377^th of 1205 public middle schools	68.7%	63				73.0	65.0	65.0				78.0	69.0	71.0		67.0	92.0	100.0	90.0	$8,827	$342	$8,487

Frequently Asked Questions about C. W. Ruckel Middle School

What district is C. W. Ruckel Middle School in?

Okaloosa

How many students attend C. W. Ruckel Middle School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,061 students attended C. W. Ruckel Middle School.

What high school do graduates of C. W. Ruckel Middle School attend?

Students who attend C. W. Ruckel Middle School usually go on to attend Niceville Senior High School

What is the racial makeup of C. W. Ruckel Middle School?

Students at C. W. Ruckel Middle School are 78% White, 11% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 2% African American, 1% Asian.

Is C. W. Ruckel Middle School a good school?

C. W. Ruckel Middle School ranks 148^th of 1216 Florida middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Rate C. W. Ruckel Middle School!

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Latest Florida data All new data »

2024–25 attendance dataNewAug 18, 2026

2025–26 EOC, FAST & Statewide Science test scoresJun 26, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataMar 20, 2026

2024–25 graduation ratesJan 13, 2026

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