The top reported proficiency rate is 66% in Math. The lowest is 35% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Udall Middle School
Udall Middle School serves grades six through eight in the small rural community of Udall, Kansas. The school is part of the Udall district, which operates a single campus for all PreK-12 students, typical of a town where the school is woven into the fabric of daily life. The civic center is Main Street, with City Hall and municipal services nearby; agriculture and local industry shape the local economy. The population of Udall has grown modestly in recent years, and housing values and rents in the area are below the state median, making it a relatively affordable place to buy a home compared to many Kansas communities. The district itself reported no recent major changes that would affect a family’s decision, so the school’s profile rests primarily on what happens inside the building.
Academically, Udall Middle School shows a mixed picture that varies noticeably by grade level and subject. In sixth grade, students performed at a high level in math on the state’s KAP assessment, with a large majority meeting the proficiency benchmark. By seventh grade that share dropped to a moderate level, and by eighth grade it fell further, with fewer than half of students reaching the proficiency bar. The pattern in English language arts is similar: strong results in sixth grade, a substantial decline in seventh, and eighth-grade performance matching the lower end of the range. In eighth-grade science, proficiency was markedly lower. The overall proficiency composite across all tested grades and subjects places the school in the top quartile when compared to the other districts in Cowley County, a comparison that reflects the school’s strong sixth-grade scores lifting the average. A parent considering this school should note that the drop-off between grades is pronounced and may want to ask the school how it supports students as they move through the middle years.
The student body is small and predominantly white, with a smaller share of Hispanic students and a few students identified as two or more races. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a community with significant economic need. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not reported, so a family with a child in those categories would want to ask directly about available supports. The school’s Title I status was also not provided, and given the economic profile it is possible the school receives federal funding for disadvantaged students, but that detail would need to be confirmed with the district.
The peer environment is what one would expect in a small town: classes are small, and students likely know each other across grades. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to consider. No discipline data, attendance data, or staffing ratios were available, and course access information—such as whether the school offers any advanced or elective options for middle schoolers—was also missing. A parent interested in those specifics would need to contact the school directly.
The housing context in Udall reflects the broader affordability of the area. Home values are lower than the Kansas median, and the estimated monthly mortgage payment is modest relative to typical household incomes. Rent is also below the national benchmark. For a family moving into the area, the cost of housing is a practical advantage.
In sum, Udall Middle School offers a small, close-knit setting where sixth graders enter with strong academic footing, but the school’s proficiency rates decline substantially in the later middle grades. The composite performance is favorable compared with other districts in the county, but the grade-level detail suggests that the transition from sixth to seventh and eighth may be a point of concern. A family considering this school should explore how the school addresses that trend and what programs or interventions are in place for older middle school students.
See more original research from School Decision →