Paulding Middle School was originally the first high school built in the area in 1906. Decades later, the school became the lower school that fed into the new high school. Currently, the school is one of three middle schools in the Lucia Mar Unified School District teaching about 550 students in grades 7 and 8.
Serving 544 students in grades 7-8, Paulding Middle School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 544 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 50%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paulding Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Paulding Middle School's student population of 544 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
Total Students
544 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
1967
Colors
Red and White
School Calendar
School Rankings
Paulding Middle School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paulding Middle School is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2437 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
39%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
50%
20%
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Patriot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paulding Middle School's ranking?
Paulding Middle School is ranked #2437 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Paulding Middle School often compared to?
Paulding Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Judkins Middle School, Mesa Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Paulding Middle School?
544 students attend Paulding Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Paulding Middle School students are White, 39% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paulding Middle School?
Paulding Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Paulding Middle School offer ?
Paulding Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8
What school district is Paulding Middle School part of?
Paulding Middle School is part of Lucia Mar Unified School District.
School Reviews
Review Paulding Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
