The top reported proficiency rate is 81% in Math. The lowest is 68% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on John Long Middle
John Long Middle School serves the Grafton School District’s sixth through eighth graders, and it functions as the single middle school for a community that has seen steady suburban growth north of Milwaukee. The school sits within a village that blends a historic downtown along the Milwaukee River with newer big-box retail near the Interstate 43 interchange, and the local economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and retail employers. Grafton’s population has been growing, and the village is currently updating its comprehensive plan to guide future development. For families living in Grafton, the school is one of four campuses in the district, with elementary schools feeding into John Long and then onward to Grafton High School.
On state assessments, John Long Middle posts solid numbers. Across math, English language arts, science, and social studies, proficiency rates sit consistently above the midpoint when compared with other districts in Ozaukee County. In math, each grade level shows strong results, with seventh and eighth grade particularly high. English language arts follows a similar pattern, with proficiency improving as students move from sixth to eighth grade. Science, tested only in eighth grade, and social studies also post respectable marks. A parent looking at these results will see a school where the majority of students are meeting state benchmarks across the board, and the participation rates on the tests are nearly universal, so the data reflects nearly the entire student body.
The school’s enrollment is mid-sized for a grades 6-8 building. The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students, and very small numbers of Black students. About a fifth of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a share that is on the lower side and points to a relatively advantaged peer environment. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a parent with a child in those groups would want to ask the school directly about the supports and staffing in place.
The housing market in Grafton is expensive. Home values and rents are notably higher than the national median, which means the school serves a community where housing costs are a significant factor for families considering a move. The gap between typical rents and mortgage costs suggests that buying may be more costly than renting in the near term, a dynamic families should factor into their budget planning.
A major district-level event in recent years was a facilities referendum approved by voters in 2022, which authorized funding for renovations and improvements across all four district schools, including John Long Middle. This means families sending a child to the school now will benefit from upgraded learning spaces, though the improvements also carry implications for the local property tax levy. The exact scope of the work at John Long Middle was not detailed in the available information, so a parent may want to check with the district about what has been completed or is still planned.
The school environment data, including discipline rates, course offerings, and staffing ratios, was not available in the source material. Similarly, there is no information on programs such as advanced coursework or electives at the middle school level. A family looking for details on the curriculum, arts, athletics, or support services should reach out to the school or visit its website to get a fuller picture of day-to-day life for students.
Overall, John Long Middle presents as a solidly performing school in a growing suburban village with a high cost of entry. The academic results are consistently strong across tested subjects, and the student body is relatively homogeneous in terms of both race and income. The district has invested in facilities through a recent referendum, signaling a commitment to its physical plant. For families who can manage the area’s housing market, this school offers a dependable middle school experience with few academic red flags, though the gaps in program and environment data mean some homework is needed to confirm the fit for a particular child.
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