Carl Smith Middle vs Pioneer Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in California, United States, 10 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Carl Smith Middle
Terra Bella · Public middle · Grades 6–8
262 students
Pioneer Middle
Porterville · Public middle · Grades 6–8
754 students
| Measure | Carl Smith Middle Terra Bella, California | Pioneer Middle Porterville, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 14 Lower 50% | 20 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #1153 of 1,334 | #964 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #14664 of 15,369 | #13757 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 262 | 754 |
| Enrollment | 262 | 754 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 93.1% | 93.9% |
| Students per teacher | 20.2 | 19.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 29% | 42% |
| Math proficiency | 20% | 19% |
| city | Terra Bella | Porterville |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Pioneer Middle scores higher on the Success Index (US) (20.1 vs 14.2).
- •Carl Smith Middle does better on math proficiency (20% vs 19%).
- •Pioneer Middle does better on reading proficiency (42% vs 29%).
- •Carl Smith Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (93.1% vs 93.9%).
- •Pioneer Middle does better on students per teacher (19.8 vs 20.2).
- •Pioneer Middle is the larger school with 754 students compared with 262.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Carl Smith Middle better than Pioneer Middle?
On the Success Index (US), Pioneer Middle ranks higher (20.1 vs 14.2 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Carl Smith Middle and Pioneer Middle?
About 10 km in a straight line, between Terra Bella and Porterville in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Carl Smith Middle: 262. Pioneer Middle: 754. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Carl Smith Middle and Pioneer Middle rank in California?
Carl Smith Middle is 1153rd of 1,334 and Pioneer Middle is 964th of 1,334 among middle schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).