The top reported proficiency rate is 70% in Social studies. The lowest is 52% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Benjamin Franklin Junior High
Benjamin Franklin Junior High sits as a transitional school for grades seven through nine in Stevens Point, part of the Stevens Point Area Public School District. It is one of two junior highs in the district, the other being P.J. Jacobs, and feeds into Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH). As a regular public school, it serves an enrollment that is large for a middle-level school and draws from across the city.
Academically, the school posts results that place it among the stronger performers when measured against other districts in Portage County. In math, a substantial majority of seventh and eighth graders meet state proficiency standards, and the eighth-grade social studies results are notably high. English language arts results are more mixed: seventh graders post a modest majority proficient, while eighth graders fall just short of a majority. Science results for eighth graders are about even with the state midpoint. The overall proficiency index across tested subjects and grades ranks in the top quartile among Portage County districts, which suggests consistent academic strength relative to peers in the same county. Because Benjamin Franklin serves only grades seven through nine, no graduation rate is reported, and that gap reflects the grade band rather than any missing outcome.
The student body is majority white, with the largest minority groups being Hispanic and Asian students, and smaller shares of students who identify as Black, two or more races, or American Indian. Slightly more than a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a level that indicates moderate economic diversity. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about special education and language support services.
Stevens Point itself shapes the context families would find. The city blends a college-town atmosphere with a strong corporate employer base including Sentry Insurance, Skyward software, and Delta Dental, all with headquarters there. The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College bring a young adult presence and cultural amenities such as the downtown Public Square, a farmers' market, the Green Circle Trail, and Schmeeckle Reserve. Housing in the area sits below the state median home value, making it relatively affordable compared to much of Wisconsin. Rents are also moderate. The city has walkable parks, a public library, and public transit, though it is still a car-oriented mid-sized city.
For families, one major factor is the district's recent capital referendum approved by voters in 2024. The measure funds safety and security upgrades, HVAC improvements, additions and renovations at SPASH and P.J. Jacobs Junior High, and districtwide accessibility work. A companion measure allows the district to exceed its revenue limit for ongoing maintenance and operations over several years. These investments will affect Benjamin Franklin indirectly through districtwide improvements and directly through the broader facility condition of feeder schools.
Benjamin Franklin Junior High fits families who want a junior high that delivers solid math and social studies outcomes in a stable, college-town setting. The school's academic profile is above average for the county, and the district is investing in its facilities. The peer environment reflects the broader community's demographics, with moderate economic diversity. A parent should look into the availability of special education and English learner services, since those data were not reported. Otherwise, this is a straightforward option for families seeking a conventional public junior high in a city with a lively downtown and a range of local employers.
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