Mesa Middle vs Paulding Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in California, United States, 5.7 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Mesa Middle
Arroyo Grande · Public middle · Grades 7–8
474 students
Paulding Middle
Arroyo Grande · Public middle · Grades 7–8
544 students
| Measure | Mesa Middle Arroyo Grande, California | Paulding Middle Arroyo Grande, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 31 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank | #704 of 1,334 | #361 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #11716 of 15,369 | #6625 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 7–8 | Grades 7–8 |
| Students | 474 | 544 |
| Enrollment | 474 | 544 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 73.8% | 45.8% |
| Students per teacher | 19.8 | 20.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 45% | 61% |
| Math proficiency | 31% | 43% |
| city | Arroyo Grande | Arroyo Grande |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Paulding Middle scores higher on the Success Index (US) (54.7 vs 31.1).
- •Paulding Middle does better on math proficiency (43% vs 31%).
- •Paulding Middle does better on reading proficiency (61% vs 45%).
- •Paulding Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (45.8% vs 73.8%).
- •Mesa Middle does better on students per teacher (19.8 vs 20.1).
- •Paulding Middle is the larger school with 544 students compared with 474.
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 Mesa Middle better than Paulding Middle?
On the Success Index (US), Paulding Middle ranks higher (54.7 vs 31.1 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 Mesa Middle and Paulding Middle?
About 5.7 km in a straight line, between Arroyo Grande and Arroyo Grande in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Mesa Middle: 474. Paulding Middle: 544. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Mesa Middle and Paulding Middle rank in California?
Mesa Middle is 704th of 1,334 and Paulding Middle is 361st of 1,334 among middle schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).