Summary:
ZIP code 98037, in Lynnwood, has two middle schools serving grades 7–8: Meadowdale Middle School and Alderwood Middle School. Both are part of the Edmonds School District and together enroll 1,419 students. The district ranks in the 72nd percentile statewide, providing a generally strong local school system for families comparing these two similarly sized schools.
Meadowdale Middle School is the stronger overall performer. It ranks 129th of 514 Washington middle schools, in the 75th percentile, compared with Alderwood Middle School at 236th and the 54th percentile. Meadowdale leads in every tested subject: 61.53% of students are proficient in English language arts, 46.91% in math, and 54.21% in science. Alderwood’s rates are 48.57%, 35.24%, and 49.35%, respectively. Meadowdale is above state averages in all three subjects, while Alderwood remains below state and district averages in most areas. The largest difference is in English language arts, while science is the closest match.
Alderwood Middle School is nevertheless the area’s most improved school. Its statewide ranking rose 69 places from the prior year, and its percentile increased from 43rd to 54th. Science proficiency improved by 7.33 percentage points, while math and English language arts also rose. Both schools show stronger eighth-grade than seventh-grade math results, although math remains the main academic challenge, particularly at Alderwood. Meadowdale has higher reported spending per student and achievement, while Alderwood has a lower student-teacher ratio and stronger recent momentum. Families prioritizing current results may favor Meadowdale; those watching for improvement may find Alderwood’s trajectory encouraging.
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