Niguel Hills Middle vs Paul L. Cato Middle
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in California, United States, 234 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Niguel Hills Middle
Laguna Niguel · Public middle · Grades 6–8
693 students
Paul L. Cato Middle
Bakersfield · Public middle · Grades 6–8
694 students
| Measure | Niguel Hills Middle Laguna Niguel, California | Paul L. Cato Middle Bakersfield, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 65 Top 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #248 of 1,334 | #639 of 1,334 |
| National rank | #4499 of 15,369 | #11056 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 693 | 694 |
| Enrollment | 693 | 694 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 44.6% | 53.6% |
| Students per teacher | 19.8 | 23.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 63% | 47% |
| Math proficiency | 61% | 26% |
| city | Laguna Niguel | Bakersfield |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Niguel Hills Middle scores higher on the Success Index (US) (64.5 vs 34.1).
- •Niguel Hills Middle does better on math proficiency (61% vs 26%).
- •Niguel Hills Middle does better on reading proficiency (63% vs 47%).
- •Niguel Hills Middle does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (44.6% vs 53.6%).
- •Niguel Hills Middle does better on students per teacher (19.8 vs 23.1).
- •Paul L. Cato Middle is the larger school with 694 students compared with 693.
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 Niguel Hills Middle better than Paul L. Cato Middle?
On the Success Index (US), Niguel Hills Middle ranks higher (64.5 vs 34.1 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 Niguel Hills Middle and Paul L. Cato Middle?
About 234 km in a straight line, between Laguna Niguel and Bakersfield in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Niguel Hills Middle: 693. Paul L. Cato Middle: 694. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Niguel Hills Middle and Paul L. Cato Middle rank in California?
Niguel Hills Middle is 248th of 1,334 and Paul L. Cato Middle is 639th of 1,334 among middle schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).