The top reported proficiency rate is 40% in English language arts. The lowest is 29% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lowell School
Lowell School serves grades six through eight in Bisbee, a one-time copper mining hub that has reinvented itself as an artist community and county seat. The middle school sits within the Bisbee Unified District and enrolls a modest student body with a clear demographic composition: roughly two-thirds of students are Hispanic, about a quarter are white, and small shares are Asian or multiracial. Data on free or reduced-price meal eligibility, special education identification, and English learner status were not reported, so a parent would want to ask the school directly about the supports in place for students who need them.
Academically, Lowell School posts proficiency rates that land above the midpoint among school districts in Cochise County when averaged across tested subjects and grades. That comparison offers a useful anchor, but the numbers themselves are mixed. In math, the only grade with a reported result—sixth grade—showed fewer than three in ten students at the proficient level; results for seventh and eighth grade math were suppressed due to small group sizes, so the full picture is incomplete. English language arts proficiency was higher but still below half: roughly one-third of sixth graders, just under half of seventh graders, and about two-fifths of eighth graders met the bar. Science, tested in eighth grade, had about two-fifths of students proficient. These figures suggest that while the school outperforms some of its county peers overall, a majority of students in most tested subjects are not yet reaching proficiency, and families may want to explore what academic interventions or enrichment are available.
Because Lowell is a middle school only, there is no graduation rate to report, and no data on chronic absenteeism or discipline were available. The school is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet. No information on course offerings, staffing ratios, or extracurricular programs was provided, so a parent would need to contact the school for specifics on what academic pathways—such as advanced coursework or electives—are open to students.
The community context shapes the school experience. Bisbee is a small, historic town built on steep canyon slopes, with a compact and walkable old core that draws tourists and artists. The economy relies on heritage tourism, the arts, and county government rather than large private employers. Population has been declining over the long term, and the housing market reflects that: home values are slightly below the state average and have edged downward recently. That affordability, combined with the town’s distinctive character, attracts a mix of retirees, artists, and families who value the setting. The district itself appears stable; a search for recent changes found little of lasting impact to report.
For a family considering Lowell School, the key facts are these. The school is small, with about one hundred students across three grades, and serves a predominantly Hispanic population in a town with a modest economic base and no growth pressure. Academic proficiency is moderate compared to other districts in the county, but in absolute terms most students score below the proficient mark in core subjects, especially math. Missing data on student support programs and course access are notable gaps that would require direct inquiry. Families who prioritize a close-knit, small-school environment in a historic and walkable community may find a fit here, while those looking for high measured academic performance or a wide array of program offerings would want to investigate further.
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