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Very Good

#460 of 2,268 schools in GA

Top 20% in state

David T Howard Middle School

Middle School · Atlanta Public Schools

551 John Wesley Dobbs, Atlanta, GA 30312

Enrollment

1,056

Student-Teacher

13.4:1

Score

7.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Atlanta

#40 of 136

public schools

Georgia middle schools

#66 of 477

In district

#27 of 86

Atlanta Public Schools

School environment

9.8 / 10

Exceptional

About David T Howard Middle School

David T Howard Middle School serves 1,056 students in grades 6-8 in Atlanta's Fulton County, earning recognition as one of Georgia's top-performing middle schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 9.2 out of 10 and ranking 22nd among the state's 2,271 schools, the school demonstrates exceptional academic achievement that places it in the 99th percentile statewide. The school's 79 full-time equivalent teachers maintain a favorable 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio, supporting strong instructional programs.

Academic performance is particularly impressive, with 81% of students achieving proficiency or above in mathematics and 69% meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and reading. These results reflect the school's commitment to rigorous academics and student success. Located on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, David T Howard Middle School serves a diverse community where 63% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, contributing to an education-focused environment.

The surrounding 30312 neighborhood features a median household income of $70,540 and median home values of $452,900, though the area maintains economic diversity with a 23% poverty rate among its 26,263 residents. This large city middle school combines strong academic outcomes with the resources and opportunities that come with Atlanta's urban educational landscape, creating an environment where students can thrive academically while experiencing the cultural richness of Georgia's capital city.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.7Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-0.95 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.5Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency62.7%
Reading/ELA Proficiency69.1%
Math vs. State Avg+20.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+27.3 pts
Overall Proficiency66%
Expected (poverty-adj.)64%
vs. Expected+2.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile77th
Resources & Environment9.8Exceptional25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,882

David T Howard Middle School — Students at David T Howard Middle School score 66% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

26.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores GA GA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 62.4%
School
State
42.1%
ELA Proficiency 68.5%
School
State
41.8%

Based on 8 test records from GA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
68%
ELA
74%
2021*
Math
58%
ELA
63%
2022
Math
61%
ELA
68%
2024
Math
62.7%
ELA
69.1%

* 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: 5.7/10.

How David T Howard Middle School Compares

See how David T Howard Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.7/10
80th percentile in GA
Academic
8.5/10
8.5/10
Growth
5.7/10
Above average
Environment
9.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
27%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
79 teachers

Location

551 John Wesley Dobbs, Atlanta, GA 30312

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering David T Howard Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Atlanta Neighborhood Charter - Middle (rated 8.2/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Martin L. King Jr. Middle School (rated 7.6/10, 1.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Atlanta, see our Atlanta schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
The John Hope-Charles Walter Hill Elementary Schools Atlanta 0.2 mi 6.5
Kindezi Old 4th Ward Atlanta 0.7 mi 3.9
THE NEW SCHOOL ATLANTA Atlanta 0.9 mi 8.2
THE NEW SCHOOL Atlanta 0.9 mi 8.0
CRISTO REY ATLANTA JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL Atlanta 0.8 mi 6.1
Wesley International Academy Charter Atlanta 1.1 mi 4.6
ST NICHOLAS ORTHODOX ACADEMY Atlanta 1.3 mi
Maynard Jackson High School Atlanta 1.4 mi 6.1
Midtown High School Atlanta 1.5 mi 6.9
MONTESSORI IN TOWN Atlanta 1.4 mi 6.9
Martin L. King Jr. Middle School Atlanta 1.5 mi 7.6
THE CHILDRENS SCHOOL Atlanta 1.6 mi 8.1
Parkside Elementary School Atlanta 1.7 mi 9.1
THE ELLIS SCHOOL OF ATLANTA Atlanta 1.5 mi
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter - Elementary Atlanta 1.6 mi 8.1
THE BRADLEY ACADEMY Atlanta 1.7 mi
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - DRUID HILLS CAMPUS Atlanta 1.6 mi 8.8
Springdale Park Elementary School Atlanta 1.7 mi 8.3
Centennial Place Academy (Charter) Atlanta 1.7 mi 4.9
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter - Middle Atlanta 2.0 mi 8.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 30312 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$75,963

Median Home Value

$493,800

Median Rent

$1,594/mo

Population

27,147

College Educated

65.1%

Homeownership

34.5%

Avg Commute

25.7 min

Poverty Rate

22.4%

Median Age

32.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding David T Howard Middle School has a median household income of $75,963. It is a well-educated community where 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $493,800, with a median rent of $1,594/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 26 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
Cherokee Bluff Middle Flowery Branch, GA 7.7
Griffin Middle School Smyrna, GA 7.7
Thomson-McDuffie Middle School Thomson, GA 7.7
Appling County Middle School Baxley, GA 7.8
Bay Creek Middle School Grayson, GA 7.8
Jordan Middle School Lawrenceville, GA 7.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about David T Howard Middle School

What grades does David T Howard Middle School serve?

David T Howard Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend David T Howard Middle School?

David T Howard Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,056 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at David T Howard Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at David T Howard Middle School is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does David T Howard Middle School rank in GA?

David T Howard Middle School is ranked #460 out of 2,268 schools in GA.

What is David T Howard Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

David T Howard Middle School has a composite rating of 7.7 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 David T Howard Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, David T Howard Middle School has 62.4% math proficiency and 68.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is David T Howard Middle School a charter school?

No, David T Howard Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is David T Howard Middle School a Title I school?

No, David T Howard Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for David T Howard Middle School?

26.7% of students at David T Howard 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

Walk Score
90 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
60 Good Transit
Bike Score
85 Very Bikeable
County Safety
Low (3/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,056
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
79
Free/Reduced Lunch
26.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Fulton County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Atlanta Public Schools
District Enrollment
49,660
Schools in District
87
Per-Pupil Spending
$23,046
District Rank
#27 of 86

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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