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Below Average

#1944 of 2,268 schools in GA

Early County Middle School

Middle School · Early County

12053 Columbia St, Blakely, GA 39823

Enrollment

355

Student-Teacher

9.3:1

Score

4.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Georgia schools

#1,944 of 2,268

In Blakely

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Early County

School environment

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Early County Middle School

4.2/10

Middle School in Blakely · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Early County High School

5.1/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Early County Elementary School

4.4/10

1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Early County Middle School

Early County Middle School is a public middle school in Blakely, GA, part of Early County. Early County Middle School serves approximately 355 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 9.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Early County Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,944 of 2,268 schools in GA.

Structured state assessment records for Early County Middle School show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.7 pts below GA schools
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • GA avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

At 9.3:1 students to teachers, Early County Middle School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Early County Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

37% of students at Early County Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.4Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-6.11 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17% (2024 GA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency19.7% (2024 GA)
Math vs. State Avg-25.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22.1 pts
Overall Proficiency18% (2024 GA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)20% (model expectation from 2024 GA)
vs. Expected-1.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,154
Chronic Absenteeism37.2%

Early County Middle School — Students at Early County Middle School score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores GA GA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 44.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.1% (2024 GA)
ELA Proficiency 48.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
41.8% (2024 GA)

Based on 30 test records from GA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
83%
ELA
93%
2010
Math
86%
ELA
93%
2011
Math
86%
ELA
94%
2012
Math
91%
ELA
96%
2013
Math
86%
ELA
96%
2014
Math
28%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
31%
2016
Math
35%
ELA
26%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
24%
ELA
31%
2019
Math
24%
ELA
31%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
13%
ELA
22%
2024
Math
17%
ELA
19.7%

* 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: 1.4/10.

How Early County Middle School Compares

See how Early County Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
14th percentile in GA
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.6/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
9:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.2%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

12053 Columbia St, Blakely, GA 39823

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Early County Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Randolph County Middle School (rated 6.0/10, 23.6 miles away, in nearby Cuthbert), which scores notably higher. Another option is Clay County Middle School (rated 5.3/10, 17.9 miles away, in nearby Fort Gaines), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Miller County Middle School (rated 5.2/10, 18.6 miles away, in nearby Colquitt), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Blakely, see our Blakely schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 21.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Early County High School Blakely 0.1 mi 5.1
Early County Elementary School Blakely 1.2 mi 4.4
Houston County High School Columbia 11.6 mi 6.1
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ACADEMY Damascus 13.7 mi 5.6
Clay County Middle School Fort Gaines 17.9 mi 5.3
Clay County Elementary Fort Gaines 17.9 mi 4.8
Pataula Charter Academy Edison 18.0 mi 7.0
Calhoun County Elementary School Edison 18.3 mi 3.1
Calhoun County High School Edison 18.3 mi 7.0
Calhoun County Middle School Edison 18.3 mi 4.0
Miller County Elementary School Colquitt 18.6 mi 8.0
Miller County Middle School Colquitt 18.6 mi 5.2
Miller County High School Colquitt 18.6 mi 7.7
Randolph County Middle School Cuthbert 23.6 mi 6.0
Randolph Clay High School Cuthbert 23.6 mi 7.5
Seminole County Elementary School Donalsonville 23.9 mi 6.8
Webb Elementary School Webb 21.0 mi 9.0
Ashford High School Ashford 21.7 mi 5.4
Ashford Middle School Ashford 21.7 mi 5.1
Ashford Elementary School Ashford 21.9 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 39823 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,875

Median Home Value

$136,700

Median Rent

$783/mo

Population

8,635

College Educated

15.6%

Homeownership

67.8%

Poverty Rate

21.7%

Median Age

40.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Judson Price Middle School Atlanta, GA 4.2
Sylvan Hills Middle School Atlanta, GA 4.2
Double Churches Middle School Columbus, GA 4.3
Terrell Middle School Dawson, GA 4.3
Herman J. Russell West End Academy Atlanta, GA 4.1
KIPP VISION Charter School Atlanta, GA 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Early County Middle School

What grades does Early County Middle School serve?

Early County Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Early County Middle School?

Early County Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 355 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Early County Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Early County Middle School is 9.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Early County Middle School rank in GA?

Early County Middle School ranks #1,944 of 2,268 schools in GA.

What is Early County Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Early County Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Early County Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Early County Middle School has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Early County Middle School a charter school?

No, Early County Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Early County Middle School a Title I school?

No, Early County Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Early County Middle School?

100.0% of students at Early 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
56 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
50 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
355
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Early County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.2%

District

Early County
District Enrollment
1,542
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,154
District Rank
#3 of 3

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