Donald J Hobbs Middle School

Donald J Hobbs Middle School serves 391 students in grades 7 and 8 in Shelley, Idaho, as part of the Shelley Joint District, and stands out most dramatically for its exceptional attendance record. Only 3.0% of students are chronically absent—far below the district's 7.3% and the state's 13.8%, and the lowest rate among all nearby middle schools. This stability has held for five years, meaning students are consistently in class and ready to learn. That advantage shows up in reading: 56.6% of Hobbs students are proficient in English Language Arts, above both the state average (54.0%) and most nearby schools, including Mountain View Middle School and Eagle Rock Middle School. Literacy scores have climbed steadily from 45.9% three years ago, suggesting real progress in reading instruction.

However, math and science remain clear challenges. Math proficiency sits at 35.7%, about 7 points below the state average of 43.1% and below the district's own rate of 43.9%. Science is even more fragile, with only 33% of 8th graders proficient compared to the state's 42.9%. Notably, nearby Firth Middle School—just 6.2 miles away, serving a similar population with similar spending—outperforms Hobbs in every subject, particularly science (50.8% vs. 33%). This comparison suggests room for improvement without necessarily requiring more funding, especially since Hobbs spends less per student ($6,737) than most peers like Taylorview Middle School ($7,573) and Mountain View Middle School ($8,082).

The student-teacher ratio of 17.2 is moderate, offering middle-of-the-pack class sizes. One concern the data hints at is an equity gap: students from lower-income households (about 38% of the school) historically perform well below their peers, so supporting these students in math and science could be a key lever for raising the school's 2-star state rating. Overall, Hobbs is a school with strong attendance, solid reading, and a clear opportunity to translate its engagement advantage into stronger STEM outcomes.