Summary:
Zip code 83201 in Pocatello, Idaho, is served by three middle schools—Franklin Middle School, Hawthorne Middle School, and Alameda Middle School—all part of the Pocatello District and all serving grades 6–8, with a combined enrollment of 1,902 students.
Franklin Middle School is the clear standout in this area. It ranks in the 82nd percentile statewide (4 stars), with the highest math, ELA, and science proficiency among the three schools. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (12.9%, below the state average) and the lowest share of economically disadvantaged students (33.7% free/reduced lunch). By contrast, Hawthorne Middle School is the most challenged: ranked in the 43rd percentile (2 stars), it trails both district and state averages in every subject, has the highest poverty rate (56.1%), the lowest per-student spending ($6,204), and the weakest math scores, especially in 7th grade. Alameda Middle School sits in the middle—3 stars, above district/state in ELA and science—but its chronic absenteeism rate of 24.5% is nearly double Franklin’s and the highest in the zip code.
Academic performance here tracks economic need closely: as free/reduced lunch rates rise from Franklin (33.7%) to Alameda (46.2%) to Hawthorne (56.1%), proficiency drops in nearly every subject. Higher spending doesn’t guarantee better results—Alameda spends the most per student ($7,136) but underperforms Franklin, while Hawthorne spends the least despite serving the highest-need students. Attendance is a clear lever for improvement: Alameda’s strong ELA growth through 8th grade suggests reducing its 24.5% absenteeism could lift its scores further. Meanwhile, Hawthorne’s low science proficiency (36.3%) and flat math scores indicate a need for targeted academic support. For parents, Franklin is the top choice academically, Alameda offers solid mid-level performance with an attendance concern, and Hawthorne may require additional attention and resources to close the gap.
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