Howard L. Goff Middle School is ranked the #1 middle school in the Capital Region according to the U.S. News 2024 Best Elementary and Middle School Rankings, which were released earlier this week.
The report includes 45,236 elementary schools and 22,053 middle schools from across the United States.
“The 2024 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings offer a way for parents to get a snapshot of their child’s school and how well it’s doing within its community,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “Easily accessible data on student-teacher ratio, district spending, and the number of school counselors available at the school can keep parents informed and involved.”
The methodology for the rankings focused on state assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are educating their students.
Goff Middle School received a score of 86.58 out of 100, which was #1 in the Capital Region and #116 in New York State.
“This recognition is an acknowledgement of the hard work and commitment of the entire Goff School-Community; our faculty, staff, students, and families,” said Interim Principal James McHugh. “It has been inspiring to be able to witness firsthand the dedication and talents demonstrated by our employees to the students that we serve. I am grateful to just be a small part of the successes here at Goff Middle School and I am hopeful that this recognition reaffirms our obligation to best serve all students.”
Goff Middle School has been a focus for improvement for Superintendent Jeff Simons and the Board of Education over the past few years.
On the instructional side, this has meant staffing increases with the addition of new teachers, implementation of a universal screener, and the start of a return to team teaching. To address growing mental health needs, the district added new social workers and established a mental health clinic. And from an administrative and leadership perspective, Goff hired a new assistant principal for 7th grade, added a School Resource Officer position and new school safety supervisors, and brought Mr. McHugh, a lifelong educator, out of retirement to lead the school.
“Our faculty, staff and school leadership at Goff Middle School are committed to striking a balance between academic rigor and social emotional support for middle level learners,” said Superintendent Simons. “Through professional collaboration, a focus on individual student needs and engaging families, the Goff community does a terrific job remaining student centered. The school is also well supported by our families and our board of education. I am very proud of the school’s accomplishments.”
Capital Region Middle School Rankings
- Howard L. Goff Middle School (East Greenbush CSD) – 86.58
- Acadia Middle School (Shenendehowa CSD) – 85.18
- Gowana Middle School (Shenendehowa CSD – 82.26
- Lake George Junior-Senior High School (Lake George CSD) – 81.1
- Iroquois Middle School (Niskayuna CSD) – 80.16
- Voorheesville Middle School (Voorheesville CSD) – 77.36
- William H. Barton Intermediate School (Queensbury Union Free School District) – 77.01
- Salem Jr./Sr. High School (Salem CSD) – 74.33
- Van Antwerp Middle School (Niskayuna CSD) – 73.75
- Maple Avenue Middle School (Saratoga Springs City School District) – 70.13