Very Good
#1053 of 3,778 schools in FL
Top 28% 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
7.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
850
Student-Teacher
21.2:1
Score
7.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#1,053 of 3,778
In Pace
#1 of 5
public schools
In district
#10 of 36
SANTA ROSA
Academic performance
9.0 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Thomas L Sims Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Thomas L Sims Middle School
Middle School in Pace · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
S. S. Dixon Intermediate School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
High Road
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Thomas L Sims Middle School
Thomas L Sims Middle School is a public middle school in Pace, FL, part of SANTA ROSA. Thomas L Sims Middle School serves approximately 850 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Thomas L Sims Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,053 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Thomas L Sims Middle School show 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 7.5 · Very Good
- District avg 6.3
- FL avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Thomas L Sims Middle School runs 21.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
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 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
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 33 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 8.0/10.
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
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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. AVALON MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 6.1/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Milton), a more accessible option. Additionally, HOBBS MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 4.5/10, 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 | 5.7 |
| PACE HIGH SCHOOL Pace | 1.7 mi | 6.3 |
| S. S. DIXON PRIMARY SCHOOL Pace | 2.4 mi | 6.8 |
| BERRYHILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Milton | 3.1 mi | 7.0 |
| PEA RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pace | 3.8 mi | 5.3 |
| SANTA ROSA VIRTUAL FRANCHISE Milton | 4.1 mi | 7.8 |
| SANTA ROSA ONLINE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM Milton | 4.1 mi | — |
| SANTA ROSA HIGH SCHOOL Milton | 4.1 mi | 3.6 |
| WEST FLORIDA BAPTIST ACADEMY Milton | 5.2 mi | 4.7 |
| AVALON MIDDLE SCHOOL Milton | 6.1 mi | 6.1 |
| BENNETT C RUSSELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Milton | 6.2 mi | 5.8 |
| HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND Milton | 6.1 mi | — |
| HOBBS MIDDLE SCHOOL Milton | 6.1 mi | 4.5 |
| 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 | 6.5 |
| TRINITAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pensacola | 8.4 mi | 7.7 |
| MILTON HIGH SCHOOL Milton | 7.3 mi | 5.2 |
| LEARNING ACADEMY OF SANTA ROSA Milton | 7.4 mi | 4.6 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| FREEPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL Freeport, FL | 7.5 |
| GAMBLE ROGERS MIDDLE SCHOOL St. Augustine, FL | 7.5 |
| LAKE ASBURY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Green Cove Springs, FL | 7.5 |
| MARTINEZ MIDDLE SCHOOL Lutz, FL | 7.5 |
| PINE RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Naples, FL | 7.5 |
| WOLF LAKE MIDDLE Apopka, FL | 7.5 |
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 ranks #1,053 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Thomas L Sims Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Thomas L Sims Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Thomas L Sims Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Thomas L Sims Middle School has 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.9%
- Phone
- (850) 995-3676
Resources & Links
District
SANTA ROSA- District Enrollment
- 29,824
- Schools in District
- 42
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,066
- District Rank
- #10 of 36
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in Florida 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in Jacksonville, Miami & Tampa for Families Exploring School Choicebest schools
- Best Schools in Jacksonville, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Miami, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Orlando, FL — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.