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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

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 metrics
Student Progress6.3Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.15 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics9.2Exceptional35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency77%
Reading/ELA Proficiency65%
Math vs. State Avg+21.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+10.6 pts
Overall Proficiency71%
Expected (poverty-adj.)53%
vs. Expected+18.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
Resources & Environment3.6Fair25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,676

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%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 76.4%
School
State
52.5%
ELA Proficiency 67.2%
School
State
51.8%

Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
82%
ELA
71%
2021*
Math
77%
ELA
65%
2024
Math
74.3%
ELA
66.7%

* 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.

Overall Score
6.6/10
53th percentile in FL
Academic
9.2/10
9.2/10
Growth
6.3/10
Above average
Environment
3.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
40 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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.

Read our full methodology

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