Average
#1761 of 3,777 schools in FL
Top 47% in state
Thomas L Sims Middle School
Middle School · SANTA ROSA
5500 EDUCATION DR, Pace, FL 32571
Enrollment
850
Student-Teacher
21.2:1
Score
6.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
850
Student-Teacher
21.2:1
Score
6.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Pace
#4 of 5
public schools
Florida middle schools
#166 of 573
In district
#18 of 36
SANTA ROSA
Equity
9.3 / 10
Exceptional
About Thomas L Sims Middle School
Thomas L Sims Middle School serves 850 students in grades 6-8 in Pace, Florida, operating as a regular public school in Santa Rosa County. With 40 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.2:1, providing a structured learning environment for middle school students. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranking in the 78th percentile statewide at #860 out of 3,816 Florida schools.
Students show solid achievement across core subjects, with 74% of students performing at proficient or above levels in mathematics and 67% reaching proficiency in English Language Arts and reading. These results reflect the school's commitment to helping students master essential middle school skills during these crucial developmental years. Thomas L Sims Middle School draws from a stable suburban community where the median household income reaches $84,287 and the median home value is $246,800.
The surrounding area supports educational achievement, with 32% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a relatively low poverty rate of 9.5%. Located on Education Drive in this large suburban setting, the school serves families in an established community that values educational opportunity and student growth.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Thomas L Sims Middle School is 21.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Thomas L Sims Middle School — Students at Thomas L Sims Middle School score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.3/10.
How Thomas L Sims Middle School Compares
See how Thomas L Sims Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 82% (2019) to 77% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 71% (2019) to 65% (2021).
Location
5500 EDUCATION DR, Pace, FL 32571
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Thomas L Sims Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. HOBBS MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 5.8/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Milton), with a comparable rating. Additionally, AVALON MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 5.1/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Milton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Pace, see our Pace schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| S. S. DIXON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Pace | 0.2 mi | 7.2 |
| HIGH ROAD Milton | 1.4 mi | 6.6 |
| PACE HIGH SCHOOL Pace | 1.7 mi | 5.2 |
| S. S. DIXON PRIMARY SCHOOL Pace | 2.4 mi | 6.7 |
| BERRYHILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Milton | 3.1 mi | 7.0 |
| PEA RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pace | 3.8 mi | 7.4 |
| SANTA ROSA VIRTUAL FRANCHISE Milton | 4.1 mi | 6.4 |
| SANTA ROSA ONLINE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM Milton | 4.1 mi | — |
| SANTA ROSA HIGH SCHOOL Milton | 4.1 mi | 4.6 |
| WEST FLORIDA BAPTIST ACADEMY Milton | 5.2 mi | 4.7 |
| AVALON MIDDLE SCHOOL Milton | 6.1 mi | 5.1 |
| BENNETT C RUSSELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Milton | 6.2 mi | 6.5 |
| HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND Milton | 6.1 mi | — |
| HOBBS MIDDLE SCHOOL Milton | 6.1 mi | 5.8 |
| SANTA ROSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Milton | 6.5 mi | 5.1 |
| BLESSED STAR MONTESSORI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pensacola | 7.9 mi | — |
| W. H. RHODES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Milton | 7.1 mi | 7.4 |
| TRINITAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pensacola | 8.4 mi | 7.7 |
| MILTON HIGH SCHOOL Milton | 7.3 mi | 3.9 |
| LEARNING ACADEMY OF SANTA ROSA Milton | 7.4 mi | 4.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 32571 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$89,137
Median Home Value
$281,600
Median Rent
$1,186/mo
Population
41,188
College Educated
33.3%
Homeownership
85.9%
Avg Commute
31 min
Poverty Rate
8%
Median Age
36.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Thomas L Sims Middle School has a median household income of $89,137. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $281,600, with a median rent of $1,186/month. The local poverty rate of 8.0% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BAKER COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL Macclenny, FL | 6.6 |
| BAY POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL St. Petersburg, FL | 6.6 |
| CLIFFORD MEIGS MIDDLE SCHOOL Shalimar, FL | 6.6 |
| CUTLER BAY MIDDLE Cutler Bay, FL | 6.6 |
| DAVIDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Crestview, FL | 6.6 |
| DEERLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Tallahassee, FL | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Thomas L Sims Middle School
What grades does Thomas L Sims Middle School serve?
Thomas L Sims Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Thomas L Sims Middle School?
Thomas L Sims Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 850 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas L Sims Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Thomas L Sims Middle School is 21.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Thomas L Sims Middle School rank in FL?
Thomas L Sims Middle School is ranked #1761 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Thomas L Sims Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Thomas L Sims Middle School has a composite rating of 6.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Thomas L Sims Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Thomas L Sims Middle School has 76.4% math proficiency and 67.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Thomas L Sims Middle School a charter school?
No, Thomas L Sims Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Thomas L Sims Middle School a Title I school?
No, Thomas L Sims Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Thomas L Sims Middle School?
42.8% of students at Thomas L Sims Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Average (574/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 850
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 40
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Santa Rosa County
- Phone
- (850) 995-3676
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
SANTA ROSA- District Enrollment
- 29,824
- Schools in District
- 42
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,066
- District Rank
- #18 of 36
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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