Discovery Middle School

Summary:

Discovery Middle School is a public middle school located in Fargo, North Dakota, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 975 students. The school is part of the Fargo 1 School District, which is ranked 10th out of 20 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Discovery Middle School consistently ranks among the top middle schools in North Dakota, with rankings ranging from 1st to 5th in the state over the past several years. The school's students consistently outperform the state and district averages in proficiency rates for NDSA (North Dakota State Assessments) in Mathematics, Reading, and Science across all grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, Discovery Middle School had 48% of students proficient or better in Mathematics, compared to 42% for the Fargo 1 district and 41% for the state. Additionally, Discovery Middle School has a more diverse student population compared to the nearby schools, with a higher percentage of African American (18.15%) and Asian (3.59%) students, and a lower percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (26.36%) compared to the nearby schools.

When comparing Discovery Middle School to the nearby schools, such as Ben Franklin Middle School and Carl Ben Eielson Middle School, Discovery Middle School consistently outperforms them in terms of proficiency rates on NDSA assessments. This academic excellence, combined with the school's diverse student population and smaller class sizes, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, make Discovery Middle School an exceptional middle school in the Fargo area.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 1717 40th Ave S
       Fargo, ND  58104


(701) 446-3300

District: Fargo 1

SchoolDigger Rank:
3rd of 24 North Dakota Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,686 Help


Students who attend Discovery Middle School usually attend:

High:    Fargo Davies High School

Feeder schools for Discovery Middle School:

Elementary:    Bennett Elementary School
    Centennial Elementary School
    Eagles Elementary School
    Kennedy Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.0 Help
Number of students:  975

Racial breakdown:

White:
68.9%
African American:
18.2%
Hispanic:
3.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  26.4% Help


 See top rated North Dakota middle schools

 Compare Discovery Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Discovery Middle School ranks better than 87.5% of middle schools in North Dakota. It also ranks first among 3 ranked middle schools in the Fargo 1 School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 78.76. (See more...)
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Discovery Middle School has the largest middle school student body size in the Fargo 1 School District. Racial makeup is: White (68.9%), African American (18.2%), Hispanic (3.9%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 26.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Fargo 1 School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Discovery Middle School is 12. 1 middle schools in the Fargo 1 School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Discovery Middle School employs 81.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Discovery Middle School is $13,686, which is the lowest among 3 middle schools in the Fargo 1 School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Discovery Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Discovery Middle School 3rd of 24 North Dakota public middle schools. (See Discovery Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Fargo 1:

SchoolDigger ranks Fargo 1 10th of 20 North Dakota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Discovery Middle School?

Rank History for Discovery Middle School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2012 56.97 59th 124 52.4%
2013 58.10 61st 135 54.8%
2014 57.75 70th 136 48.5%
2015 75.10 11th 109 89.9%
2016 80.25 11th 116 90.5%
2017 86.77 1st 32 96.9%
2018 85.50 1st 21 95.2%
2019 79.87 2nd 23 91.3%
2021 88.66 1st 24 95.8%
2022 78.83 3rd 28 89.3%
2023 76.51 5th 27 81.5%
2024 78.76 3rd 24 87.5%
See the entire list of North Dakota Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 60.35 5th 13 61.5%
2019 57.87 6th 12 50.0%
2023 85.02 3rd 12 75.0%
2024 82.55 2nd 11 81.8%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.49 2nd 17 88.2%
2019 89.14 3rd 17 82.4%
2021 88.11 1st 17 94.1%
2022 84.60 5th 19 73.7%
2023 83.67 4th 20 80.0%
2024 83.03 3rd 19 84.2%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 94.06 1st 17 94.1%
2019 90.94 1st 18 94.4%
2021 94.65 1st 18 94.4%
2022 91.25 1st 20 95.0%
2023 89.90 1st 20 95.0%
2024 86.75 2nd 19 89.5%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Discovery Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 83.65 1st 18 94.4%
2019 80.63 1st 21 95.2%
2021 91.63 1st 22 95.5%
2022 81.62 2nd 25 92.0%
2023 82.98 2nd 25 92.0%
2024 85.40 2nd 23 91.3%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Discovery Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
0%

0%

100%

0%

0%

  

by a parent
Sunday, February 4, 2024

Open Quote Good Close Quote



Enrollment information for Discovery Middle School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1995 1014 6 12 8 48 n/a n/a 0 1088
1996 1014 6 12 8 48 n/a n/a 0 1088
1997 1040 13 15 17 58 n/a n/a 0 1143
1998 1045 16 17 8 47 n/a n/a 0 1133
1999 1088 14 13 8 30 n/a n/a 0 1153
2000 1107 17 13 8 26 n/a n/a 0 1171
2001 1039 30 19 18 29 n/a n/a 0 1135
2002 1006 17 28 11 26 n/a n/a 0 1088
2003 1006 17 28 11 26 n/a n/a 0 1088
2004 1048 28 14 10 32 n/a n/a 0 1132
2005 1002 32 24 11 33 n/a n/a 0 1102
2006 952 33 29 16 31 n/a n/a 0 1061
2007 738 35 21 9 10 n/a n/a 0 813
2008 750 47 24 10 5 n/a n/a 0 836
2009 720 47 29 10 9 n/a n/a 0 815
2010 745 56 30 11 5 n/a n/a 0 847
2011 730 54 29 0 11 0 12 0 836
2012 780 62 30 16 13 0 2 0 903
2013 771 74 29 19 10 1 11 0 915
2014 778 90 32 13 6 3 9 0 931
2015 773 99 40 19 8 3 9 0 951
2016 773 127 44 21 9 6 11 0 991
2017 748 145 27 24 10 6 9 0 969
2018 742 165 32 19 9 4 16 0 987
2019 782 177 33 16 16 3 17 0 1044
2020 813 185 45 17 14 0 23 0 1097
2021 788 203 42 26 14 0 26 0 1099
2022 723 177 47 31 21 0 25 0 1024
2023 672 177 35 38 18 0 35 0 975

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Discovery Middle School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1995 1088 65.2 16.7 11.5
1996 1088 65.2 16.7 11.5
1997 1143 66.2 17.3 9.3
1998 1133 67.2 16.9 13.5
1999 1153 68.0 17.0 10.5
2000 1171 70.0 16.7 15.8
2001 1135 68.1 16.7 15.7
2002 1088 64.4 16.9 14.2
2003 1088 64.4 16.9 14.2
2004 1132 66.3 17.1 15.7
2005 1102 65.5 16.8 15.3
2006 1061 66.3 16.0 18.6
2007 813 55.0 14.8 13.5
2008 836 62.7 13.3 13.4
2009 815 64.0 12.7 18.3
2010 847 63.5 13.3 22.9
2011 836 63.6 13.1 22
2012 903 63.3 14.2 20.4
2013 915 66.1 13.8 18.9
2014 931 69.3 13.4 18.6
2015 951 67.0 14.1 17.7
2016 991 70.0 14.1 19.3
2017 969 70.5 13.7 22.1
2018 987 69.8 14.1 22.7
2019 1044 69.8 14.9 23.8
2020 1097 75.7 14.4 25.1
2021 1099 77.7 14.1 19.5
2022 1024 81.7 12.5 17.1
2023 975 81.2 12.0 26.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Discovery Middle School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1995 1088 65.2 16.7 11.5
1996 1088 65.2 16.7 11.5
1997 1143 66.2 17.3 9.3
1998 1133 67.2 16.9 13.5
1999 1153 68.0 17.0 10.5
2000 1171 70.0 16.7 15.8
2001 1135 68.1 16.7 15.7
2002 1088 64.4 16.9 14.2
2003 1088 64.4 16.9 14.2
2004 1132 66.3 17.1 15.7
2005 1102 65.5 16.8 15.3
2006 1061 66.3 16.0 18.6
2007 813 55.0 14.8 13.5
2008 836 62.7 13.3 13.4
2009 815 64.0 12.7 18.3
2010 847 63.5 13.3 22.9
2011 836 63.6 13.1 22
2012 903 63.3 14.2 20.4
2013 915 66.1 13.8 18.9
2014 931 69.3 13.4 18.6
2015 951 67.0 14.1 17.7
2016 991 70.0 14.1 19.3
2017 969 70.5 13.7 22.1
2018 987 69.8 14.1 22.7
2019 1044 69.8 14.9 23.8
2020 1097 75.7 14.4 25.1
2021 1099 77.7 14.1 19.5
2022 1024 81.7 12.5 17.1
2023 975 81.2 12.0 26.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Discovery Middle School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $394 (3.5%) $10,760 (96.5%) $11,154
2020 $439 (3.8%) $11,121 (96.2%) $11,560
2021 $1,267 (9.7%) $11,729 (90.3%) $12,996
2022 $1,539 (11.2%) $12,147 (88.8%) $13,686

Data source: North Dakota Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Discovery Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 2nd of 23 Middle schoolsRanks 5th of 27 Middle schools
 9.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Discovery Middle School)4838
 10%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Fargo 1)4440
 4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (North Dakota)4741
 6%
6th Grade Reading (Discovery Middle School)5854
 4%
   6th Grade Reading (Fargo 1)5451
 3%
   6th Grade Reading (North Dakota)4950
 1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Discovery Middle School)5649
 7%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Fargo 1)4542
 3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (North Dakota)4038
 2%
7th Grade Reading (Discovery Middle School)6344
 19%
   7th Grade Reading (Fargo 1)5643
 13%
   7th Grade Reading (North Dakota)4642
 4%
8th Grade Mathematics (Discovery Middle School)6348
 15%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Fargo 1)6041
 19%
   8th Grade Mathematics (North Dakota)4735
 12%
8th Grade Reading (Discovery Middle School)6663
 3%
   8th Grade Reading (Fargo 1)6154
 7%
   8th Grade Reading (North Dakota)5148
 3%
8th Grade Science (Discovery Middle School)6555
 10%
   8th Grade Science (Fargo 1)6449
 15%
   8th Grade Science (North Dakota)6348
 15%
All Grades Mathematics (Discovery Middle School)5545
 10%
   All Grades Mathematics (Fargo 1)5041
 9%
   All Grades Mathematics (North Dakota)4539
 6%
All Grades Reading (Discovery Middle School)6254
 8%
   All Grades Reading (Fargo 1)5245
 7%
   All Grades Reading (North Dakota)4744
 3%
All Grades Science (Discovery Middle School)6555
 10%
   All Grades Science (Fargo 1)6349
 14%
   All Grades Science (North Dakota)6245
 17%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students1044975
 6.6%
African American177177
American Indian1618
 12.5%
Asian3335
 6.1%
Hispanic1638
 137.5%
Pacific Islander30
 100%
White782672
 14.1%
Two or More Races1735
 105.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients23.8%26.4%
 2.6%


Schools Near Discovery Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Discovery Middle School

Discovery Middle School ranks 3rd of 24 North Dakota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 5 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Discovery Middle School usually go on to attend Fargo Davies High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 975 students attended Discovery Middle School.

Students at Discovery Middle School are 69% White, 18% African American, 4% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 4% Two or more races, 2% American Indian.


Rate Discovery Middle School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Discovery Middle School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

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.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 14 milliseconds.