Bear Valley Middle

Summary:

Bear Valley Middle is a public middle school located in Escondido, California, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 938 students. The school is part of the Escondido Union School District, which is ranked 994 out of 1,568 districts in California and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Bear Valley Middle's academic performance, as measured by Smarter Balanced Assessments and CAST, is generally below the Escondido Union district and the state of California averages across all grade levels and subject areas. For example, in 2023-2024, the percentage of students proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy ranged from 38.83% (6th grade) to 43.73% (7th grade), compared to the Escondido Union district's 34.7% to 38.44% and the state's 45.82% to 47.19%. The school has also experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 9.7% in 2017-2018 to 32.7% in 2022-2023, which may be impacting its academic performance. Additionally, 66.2% of Bear Valley Middle's students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

Compared to other middle schools in the Escondido Union district, Bear Valley Middle generally performs better than Mission Middle and Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences, but lags behind Rincon Middle and Quantum Academy. When compared to middle schools in the neighboring San Marcos Unified and Poway Unified districts, Bear Valley Middle's performance is significantly lower, particularly in the Poway Unified schools, which consistently outperform the state and district averages.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 3003 Bear Valley Pkwy.
       Escondido, CA  92025-7618


(760) 432-4060

District: Escondido Union

SchoolDigger Rank:
1379th of 2,777 California Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $7,667 Help


Students who attend Bear Valley Middle usually attend:

High:    San Pasqual High

Feeder schools for Bear Valley Middle:

Elementary:    Bernardo Elementary
    Juniper Elementary
    L. R. Green Elementary

Student/teacher ratio:  17.6 Help
Number of students:  945

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
65.1%
White:
24.3%
Two or more races:
6.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  67.7% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Bear Valley Middle ranks better than 50.3% of middle schools in California. It also ranks 2nd among 6 ranked middle schools in the Escondido Union School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 42.52. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Bear Valley Middle has the largest middle school student body size in the Escondido Union School District. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (65.1%), White (24.3%), two or more races (6%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 67.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Bear Valley Middle is 17.6, which is the 2nd best among 6 middle schools in the Escondido Union School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Bear Valley Middle employs 53.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Bear Valley Middle is $7,667. 4 middle schools in the Escondido Union School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Bear Valley Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Bear Valley Middle 1379th of 2777 California public middle schools. (See Bear Valley Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Escondido Union:

SchoolDigger ranks Escondido Union 994th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Bear Valley Middle

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Rank History for all students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2007 66.23 562nd 1999 71.9%
2008 75.63 367th 2005 81.7%
2009 64.42 642nd 2063 68.9%
2010 57.45 855th 2179 60.8%
2011 57.51 893rd 2236 60.1%
2012 40.60 1337th 2259 40.8%
2013 44.56 1303rd 2379 45.2%
2015 49.97 1095th 2477 55.8%
2016 45.74 1229th 2497 50.8%
2017 43.37 1298th 2508 48.2%
2018 51.66 1047th 2480 57.8%
2019 50.61 1136th 2715 58.2%
2022 53.60 1068th 2740 61.0%
2023 50.74 1142nd 2802 59.2%
2024 42.52 1379th 2777 50.3%
See the entire list of California Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 50.28 309th 554 44.2%
2022 57.92 278th 665 58.2%
2023 41.61 406th 678 40.1%
2024 37.90 438th 699 37.3%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.11 848th 1364 37.8%
2019 31.90 1021st 1442 29.2%
2022 38.78 808th 1540 47.5%
2023 36.46 914th 1529 40.2%
2024 31.76 1131st 1477 23.4%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 44.92 656th 1538 57.3%
2024 37.35 850th 1550 45.2%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 40.09 1255th 2230 43.7%
2019 37.51 1407th 2369 40.6%
2022 48.48 1067th 2458 56.6%
2023 44.66 1188th 2549 53.4%
2024 31.53 1706th 2575 33.7%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 62.42 89th 336 73.5%
2023 38.86 183rd 321 43.0%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.67 938th 2262 58.5%
2019 54.62 941st 2380 60.5%
2022 53.08 998th 2509 60.2%
2023 49.82 1063rd 2547 58.3%
2024 42.25 1281st 2546 49.7%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.87 522nd 1369 61.9%
2019 44.41 657th 1491 55.9%
2022 52.91 510th 1531 66.7%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.43 1040th 2273 54.2%
2019 44.93 1158th 2407 51.9%
2022 53.07 974th 2527 61.5%
2023 50.30 1057th 2558 58.7%
2024 41.48 1298th 2547 49.0%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 56.31 373rd 700 46.7%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.56 1280th 2072 38.2%
2019 35.19 1393rd 2213 37.1%
2022 41.98 1228th 2359 47.9%
2023 40.75 1251st 2391 47.7%
2024 30.75 1621st 2383 32.0%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Bear Valley Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.59 346th 1496 76.9%
2019 74.45 370th 1602 76.9%
2022 71.06 401st 1555 74.2%
2023 70.31 414th 1552 73.3%
2024 60.06 589th 1535 61.6%
See the entire list of Best California Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Bear Valley Middle Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2)
0%

0%

50%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Monday, July 14, 2014

Open Quote Don't put your child through the pain of going through this school. It's not worth it. The school can not provide a balanced and promising education for your child. Go into the Poway/Rancho Bernardo district; or anywhere else really. This school cannot provide a sustainable education. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, July 30, 2010

Open Quote Presumably understaffed, at least that's the reason given for the lack of follow-up in returning phone calls or getting information in a timely way from the office staff and Principal. It seems that their priorities these days are fundraisers since that's what the bulk of the recorded messages pertain to when I answer the phone and listen to the messages.

Spanish-speaking parents are given preferential time and treatment, which is very wrong, IMO. If they have kids in school here, they should at least make an attempt to assimilate and learn English so that they can understand directions and help their own kids, rather than have time taken away from those who do speak English. We don't need all these extra considerations - financial and otherwise - for those who thumb their noses at our language. If they insist on not learning it, they can go back to the country they came from and speak their own language all the time! It does NOT impress me that the Principal can speak Spanish - big deal. It would impress me if he would do something to help those who only speak Spanish - or claim to only speak Spanish. My kids don't get the attention they should get in the classrooms when we are teaching down to accommodate the second-language students whose parents can't/won't help them with homework and studying.

This is unfortunate all the way around. If the teachers and staff don't like their jobs and/or think they should be paid more money, then PLEASE have them step aside to allow an open position to be filled by someone who is out of work and truly cares about students, themselves and the school system, as well as BVMS. The apathy is pathetic over there. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Bear Valley Middle

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2005 715 35 63 392 6 n/a n/a 10 1221
2006 664 37 67 433 10 n/a n/a 6 1217
2007 620 47 69 484 10 n/a n/a 12 1242
2008 621 40 77 493 10 n/a n/a 0 1241
2009 565 32 65 518 7 6 19 0 1212
2010 511 24 56 491 8 6 54 0 1150
2011 437 19 53 531 5 4 97 0 1146
2012 374 19 54 539 2 1 106 0 1095
2013 357 18 53 579 2 1 82 0 1092
2014 325 17 58 623 3 1 36 0 1063
2015 327 29 72 645 5 1 8 0 1087
2016 319 20 51 659 5 2 51 0 1107
2017 306 17 56 641 4 0 55 0 1079
2018 289 15 54 674 3 0 34 0 1069
2019 269 15 43 663 2 0 39 0 1031
2020 267 10 39 633 0 0 38 0 987
2021 238 16 40 609 1 0 49 0 953
2022 236 13 39 615 1 1 45 0 950
2023 217 9 39 622 2 0 49 0 938
2024 230 6 36 615 1 0 57 0 945

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Bear Valley Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 1221 51.2 23.8 32.3
2006 1217 52.5 23.2 31.4
2007 1242 54.5 22.8 35.4
2008 1241 60.7 20.4 35.4
2009 1212 54.0 20.5 33.8
2010 1150 54.0 21.3 42.2
2011 1146 n/a n/a 49.3
2012 1095 50.8 21.5 n/a
2013 1092 49.6 22.0 46.8
2014 1063 52.3 20.3 53.3
2015 1087 53.0 20.5 47.4
2016 1107 55.0 20.1 53
2017 1079 53.6 20.1 61.8
2018 1069 52.9 20.1 63
2019 1031 53.2 19.3 63.4
2020 987 n/a n/a 53
2021 953 58.2 16.3 67.9
2022 950 56.9 16.6 54.7
2023 938 53.6 17.4 66.2
2024 945 53.5 17.6 67.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Bear Valley Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 1221 51.2 23.8 32.3
2006 1217 52.5 23.2 31.4
2007 1242 54.5 22.8 35.4
2008 1241 60.7 20.4 35.4
2009 1212 54.0 20.5 33.8
2010 1150 54.0 21.3 42.2
2011 1146 n/a n/a 49.3
2012 1095 50.8 21.5 n/a
2013 1092 49.6 22.0 46.8
2014 1063 52.3 20.3 53.3
2015 1087 53.0 20.5 47.4
2016 1107 55.0 20.1 53
2017 1079 53.6 20.1 61.8
2018 1069 52.9 20.1 63
2019 1031 53.2 19.3 63.4
2020 987 n/a n/a 53
2021 953 58.2 16.3 67.9
2022 950 56.9 16.6 54.7
2023 938 53.6 17.4 66.2
2024 945 53.5 17.6 67.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Bear Valley Middle

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $7,667

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Bear Valley Middle

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1136th of 2715 Middle schoolsRanks 1142nd of 2802 Middle schools
 1.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Bear Valley Middle)44.244.1
 0.1%
   6th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Escondido Union)40.233.7
 6.5%
   6th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)48.544.2
 4.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Bear Valley Middle)31.333
 1.7%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Escondido Union)2525.1
 0.1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (California)38.533.2
 5.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Bear Valley Middle)55.442.6
 12.8%
   7th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Escondido Union)49.335.4
 13.9%
   7th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)51.447.4
 3.9%
7th Grade Mathematics (Bear Valley Middle)38.833
 5.8%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Escondido Union)27.522.3
 5.2%
   7th Grade Mathematics (California)37.933.2
 4.7%
8th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Bear Valley Middle)46.745.3
 1.4%
   8th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Escondido Union)42.939.1
 3.8%
   8th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)49.445.7
 3.8%
8th Grade Mathematics (Bear Valley Middle)36.328.3
 7.9%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Escondido Union)27.521.5
 6%
   8th Grade Mathematics (California)36.629.9
 6.7%
8th Grade Science (Bear Valley Middle)28.124.3
 3.8%
   8th Grade Science (Escondido Union)21.819.2
 2.5%
   8th Grade Science (California)30.828.8
 2.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students1031938
 9%
African American159
 40%
American Indian22
Asian4339
 9.3%
Hispanic663622
 6.2%
Pacific Islander00
White269217
 19.3%
Two or More Races3949
 25.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients63.4%66.2%
 2.8%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Valley Middle

Bear Valley Middle ranks 1379th of 2777 California middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

In the 2023-24 school year, 945 students attended Bear Valley Middle.

Students who attend Bear Valley Middle usually go on to attend San Pasqual High

Students at Bear Valley Middle are 65% Hispanic, 24% White, 6% Two or more races, 4% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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