Falcon Ridge Middle School is one of three middle schools in Apple Valley, and one of six in District 196. It serves 1,150 students in grades six through eight in academics, as well as in an array of athletic and other extracurricular activities. Music programs, such as band, choir and a jazz band, are strong, Principal Noel Mehus said. Falcon Ridge's central location in District 196 also makes it feasible for students who live in other parts of the district to open enroll here, he said.