Problem solving is important for mathematical learning because it enables students enhance high thinking skills and positive attitudes. This research aimed to describe and compare the abilities of junior high school students in grade VIII from one of regencies/cities in Central Kalimantan Indonesia to solve mathematical problems viewed from schools’ accreditations (A, B, C and unaccredited), and schools’ status (public and private).The researcher gave three mathematical problems to the students, from 20 samples of schools. The schools were randomly selected from the population consisting of 62 junior high schools. Each student’s solution was scored using a holistic rubric. The scores were summarized using some particular statistics represented in some tables and graphics, and were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test due to an unnormal distribution of the data. The finding indicated that the average students’ scores of the public and private schools were 4.71 and 3.49 (scale 04) respectively. The percentage of the students classified as good and naive problem solvers were 1.91% and 39.66% respectively. Further test revealed that the students from the A-accredited public schools significantly achieved the highest score for problem solving skills. Meanwhile, the students in the A-accredited and the unaccredited private schools did not show a significant difference in the skills. Similar result was also found in the public schools which was the B, C-accreditations, and unaccredited.

Keywords: Accreditation Levels, Good Problem Solvers, Mathematical Problems, Naive Problem Solvers, Problem Solving