Summary:
Nebo District has 10 middle schools serving grades 6–8 or 7–9 and about 10,865 students across the area, with wide differences in academic performance, attendance, and student needs. Five schools serve grades 6–8, while five junior highs serve grades 7–9, so test results should be compared by grade and assessment type. Overall, the district ranks near the middle of Utah districts, but individual schools range from the 70th to the 14th percentile statewide.
Maple Grove Middle is the strongest overall school, ranking 65th of 217 and earning four stars. It also has the highest average reported proficiency, with especially impressive grade 6 science results. Mapleton Junior High ranks almost as highly and combines strong results with the district’s lowest chronic absenteeism rate. Spring Canyon Middle and Valley View Middle also perform well, particularly in grade 7 mathematics and science. Springville Junior High is notable for strong grade 9 mathematics and science, while Salem Junior High has several solid grade 8 results despite a more average overall ranking.
The schools needing the most attention are Payson Junior High, Mt. Nebo Middle, and Spanish Fork Junior High. Payson ranks last in the group, has the lowest average proficiency, and falls below district and state comparisons in every reported subject. Mt. Nebo and Spanish Fork also combine low rankings with high chronic absenteeism. Across the district, science is generally the strongest subject, while mathematics—especially grade 6 and grade 8 math—is the most common weakness. Chronic absenteeism averages about 33%, substantially above state and district comparison rates, making attendance support an important consideration for families.
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