Serving 490 students in grades 6-8, Ernest Ward Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 51% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 490 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ernest Ward Middle School's student population of 490 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
490 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Rankings
Ernest Ward Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ernest Ward Middle School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1732 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
52%
Student : Teacher Ratio
27:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
5%
37%
Black
13%
21%
White
73%
35%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ernest Ward Middle School's ranking?
Ernest Ward Middle School is ranked #1732 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Ernest Ward Middle School often compared to?
Ernest Ward Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ransom Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Ernest Ward Middle School?
490 students attend Ernest Ward Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Ernest Ward Middle School students are White, 13% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ernest Ward Middle School?
Ernest Ward Middle School has a student ration of 27:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Ernest Ward Middle School offer ?
Ernest Ward Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ernest Ward Middle School part of?
Ernest Ward Middle School is part of Escambia School District.
School Reviews
Review Ernest Ward Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
