Excellent
#330 of 2,268 schools in GA
Top 15% in state
Cook County Middle School
Middle School · Cook County
1601 N Elm St, Sparks, GA 31647
Enrollment
666
Student-Teacher
11.9:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
666
Student-Teacher
11.9:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sparks
#2 of 2
public schools
Georgia middle schools
#42 of 477
In district
#2 of 4
Cook County
Academic growth
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Cook County Middle School
Cook County Middle School serves 666 students in grades 6-8 with an impressive track record of academic achievement. Located at 1601 N Elm St in Sparks, Georgia, this regular public school has earned recognition as one of the state's top-performing middle schools, ranking #77 out of 2,271 Georgia schools and placing in the 97th percentile statewide. With 56 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.9:1, allowing for more individualized attention.
The school's academic performance is particularly strong in mathematics, where 72% of students achieve proficiency or above across all grade levels. Reading and English Language Arts show room for growth, with 33% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards. Cook County Middle School's exceptional performance is noteworthy given its community context.
The school serves a diverse student population in an area where the median household income is $42,938 and nearly a quarter of residents face economic challenges. Despite these circumstances, the school has achieved an outstanding 8.8 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout, reflecting its success in supporting student achievement. The school sits in a rural area near the town of Sparks, serving a close-knit community of approximately 3,270 residents in the surrounding area.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Cook County Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cook County Middle School — Students at Cook County Middle School score 38% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
70.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores GA GA (2023-24)
Based on 8 test records from GA 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: 8.7/10.
How Cook County Middle School Compares
See how Cook County Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 34% (2019) to 43.4% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 36% (2019) to 33% (2024).
Location
1601 N Elm St, Sparks, GA 31647
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cook County Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Hahira Middle School (rated 7.6/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Hahira), with a comparable rating. Another option is Berrien Middle School (rated 7.0/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Nashville), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Pine Grove Middle School (rated 7.0/10, 17.3 miles away, in nearby Valdosta), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Sparks, see our Sparks schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Cook Elementary School Sparks | 0.2 mi | 8.2 |
| COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Adel | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Cook Primary School Adel | 1.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Cook High School Adel | 3.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Berrien Academy Performance Learning Center Nashville | 10.5 mi | 7.1 |
| Hahira Middle School Hahira | 12.1 mi | 7.6 |
| Berrien Elementary School Nashville | 11.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Berrien Middle School Nashville | 11.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Hahira Elementary School Hahira | 12.4 mi | 8.2 |
| Berrien High School Nashville | 12.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Berrien Primary School Nashville | 12.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Odom Elementary School Moultrie | 13.8 mi | 6.6 |
| North Brooks Elementary School Morven | 16.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Omega Elementary School Omega | 16.2 mi | 7.0 |
| VALWOOD SCHOOL Hahira | 17.1 mi | 6.1 |
| LIBERTY FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Moultrie | 15.4 mi | — |
| Pine Grove Elementary School Valdosta | 17.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Pine Grove Middle School Valdosta | 17.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Norman Park Elementary School Norman Park | 17.0 mi | 8.8 |
| HIGHLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Valdosta | 18.8 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 31647 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$41,298
Median Home Value
$109,200
Median Rent
$888/mo
Population
3,064
College Educated
11.9%
Homeownership
54.3%
Avg Commute
30.1 min
Poverty Rate
27%
Median Age
37.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cook County Middle School has a median household income of $41,298. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $109,200, with a median rent of $888/month. The area has a poverty rate of 27.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 30 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 |
|---|---|
| McCleskey Middle School Marietta, GA | 8.0 |
| Red Bud Middle School Calhoun, GA | 8.0 |
| Arthur Williams Middle School Jesup, GA | 7.9 |
| Clarke Middle School Athens, GA | 8.1 |
| Lakeside Middle School Evans, GA | 7.9 |
| North Habersham Middle School Clarkesville, GA | 8.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cook County Middle School
What grades does Cook County Middle School serve?
Cook County Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Cook County Middle School?
Cook County Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 666 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cook County Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cook County Middle School is 11.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cook County Middle School rank in GA?
Cook County Middle School is ranked #330 out of 2,268 schools in GA.
What is Cook County Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cook County Middle School has a composite rating of 8.0 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 Cook County Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cook County Middle School has 34.1% math proficiency and 30.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cook County Middle School a charter school?
No, Cook County Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cook County Middle School a Title I school?
No, Cook County Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cook County Middle School?
70.1% of students at Cook County 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 666
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 56
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 70.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (229) 549-5999
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Cook County- District Enrollment
- 3,068
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,353
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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.