The top reported proficiency rate is 74% in Social studies. The lowest is 57% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Badger Middle
Badger Middle is a regular public school in West Bend, Wisconsin, serving only seventh and eighth grades. It is one of two middle schools in the West Bend School District. The enrollment is large enough to fill two grades with several hundred students, giving it the feel of a standalone upper-middle school rather than a combined K-8 or a tiny program. Because it covers just two years, students spend a short but focused span here before moving on to high school.
Academically, the school uses the Wisconsin Forward assessments, and participation rates are near universal, so the results reflect nearly every student. Proficiency in mathematics is solid: roughly two-thirds of seventh graders and a slightly smaller share of eighth graders meet the state’s proficient-or-above bar. In English language arts, the story is similar, with seventh graders performing a bit stronger than eighth graders. Science proficiency is more moderate, with just over half of eighth graders reaching that level. Social studies stands out as the strongest subject, with a clear majority of eighth graders scoring proficient or above. When all tested subjects and grades are averaged together into a single proficiency index, Badger Middle falls in the bottom quarter when compared with districts across Washington County. That is a soft spot relative to its county peers, and parents may want to ask the school about specific efforts to raise achievement in the subjects where fewer students are meeting the standard.
Student demographics show a predominantly white population, with smaller shares of Hispanic, Black, Asian, and multiracial students. About one in three students qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic diversity. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a family with a child in either category may want to inquire directly about supports and services.
The school’s setting is West Bend, a mid-sized city that serves as the Washington County seat. Its historic downtown sits along the Milwaukee River and hosts a large farmers’ market, the Museum of Wisconsin Art, and a mix of shops and restaurants. The economy has roots in manufacturing and financial services, with major employers including West Bend Mutual Insurance and several longstanding local companies. Many residents commute to nearby communities, but the city retains a strong local employment base. Housing values in the area are above the state median, consistent with a county that is largely suburban and exurban in character. Rents are moderate relative to incomes, so the market is not as stretched as in some metro areas, but home prices have been rising. The city has seen modest steady population growth, and its park system offers extensive green space, a riverwalk, and trail networks.
A significant district-level change will affect families at Badger Middle. In early 2026, the West Bend School Board voted to merge the district’s two high schools, West Bend East and West Bend West, into a single high school beginning in the 2027–28 school year. That consolidation ends a long-standing arrangement where students were assigned by birth date to one of two schools sharing a campus. For current seventh and eighth graders at Badger Middle, this means their high school experience will be in a unified school, with implications for athletics, course offerings, and school culture.
No information was available about specific programs, electives, clubs, or course access at Badger Middle. State data on discipline and chronic absenteeism were also not present in the source materials. A parent looking for details on academic pathways, advanced coursework, or student life would need to contact the school directly. The school’s website and district office are the best next steps.
See more original research from School Decision →