Salk Middle School vs Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in Minnesota, United States, 3.4 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Salk Middle School
Elk River · Public middle · Grades 6–8
638 students
Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8
Elk River · Charter middle · Grades 7–8
291 students
| Measure | Salk Middle School Elk River, Minnesota | Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 Elk River, Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 75 Top 25% | 77 Top 25% |
| State rank | #57 of 266 | #45 of 266 |
| National rank | #2294 of 15,369 | #1984 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 7–8 |
| Students | 638 | 291 |
| Enrollment | 638 | 291 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 26.3% | 15.1% |
| Students per teacher | 24.5 | 17.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 72% | 67% |
| Math proficiency | 75% | 63% |
| city | Elk River | Elk River |
| state | Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 scores higher on the Success Index (US) (77.1 vs 75.4).
- •Salk Middle School does better on math proficiency (75% vs 63%).
- •Salk Middle School does better on reading proficiency (72% vs 67%).
- •Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (15.1% vs 26.3%).
- •Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 does better on students per teacher (17.1 vs 24.5).
- •Salk Middle School is the larger school with 638 students compared with 291.
- •Salk Middle School is a public school while Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Salk Middle School better than Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8?
On the Success Index (US), Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 ranks higher (77.1 vs 75.4 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 Salk Middle School and Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Elk River and Elk River in Minnesota.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Salk Middle School: 638. Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8: 291. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Salk Middle School and Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 rank in Minnesota?
Salk Middle School is 57th of 266 and Spectrum Middle School - Grades 7-8 is 45th of 266 among middle schools in Minnesota on the 2025 Success Index (US).