Below Average
#2046 of 2,268 schools in GA
T. J. Elder Middle School
Middle School · Washington County
P.O. Box 816, Sandersville, GA 31082
Enrollment
613
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
4.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
613
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
4.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sandersville
#4 of 4
public schools
Georgia middle schools
#435 of 477
In district
#4 of 4
Washington County
About T. J. Elder Middle School
T. J. Elder Middle School is a regular public middle school serving Sandersville, Georgia, in Washington County.
The school caters to students from sixth through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 613 students. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.6:1, T. J.
Elder offers individualized attention and support for its diverse student body. The teaching staff consists of 45 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing quality education. T.
J. Elder Middle School's academic performance is currently in the lower percentile range in Georgia, with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and an Academic Score of 2.5 out of 10. In terms of specific test scores, only 24% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 21% are proficient or above in Math.
Despite these challenges, the school is focused on continuous improvement and development to better serve its community. T. J.
Elder Middle School is situated in a rural area near Sandersville, fostering a close-knit environment where students can connect with their peers and teachers on a personal level. The setting provides a unique backdrop for learning and growth, supporting the academic and social needs of middle school-aged children.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, T. J. Elder 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
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T. J. Elder Middle School — Students at T. J. Elder Middle School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
89.7%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 3.1/10.
How T. J. Elder Middle School Compares
See how T. J. Elder Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 33% (2019) to 16.6% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 30% (2019) to 23.6% (2024).
Location
P.O. Box 816, Sandersville, GA 31082
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering T. J. Elder Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Jefferson County Middle School (rated 7.3/10, 24.0 miles away, in nearby Stapleton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Johnson County Middle School (rated 7.0/10, 19.9 miles away, in nearby Wrightsville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hancock Central Middle School (rated 4.5/10, 22.4 miles away, in nearby Sparta), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Sandersville, see our Sandersville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.8 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 31082 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$51,932
Median Home Value
$127,500
Median Rent
$831/mo
Population
10,479
College Educated
22.6%
Homeownership
65.2%
Avg Commute
20.8 min
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Median Age
39.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding T. J. Elder Middle School has a median household income of $51,932. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $127,500, with a median rent of $831/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Chestnut Log Middle School Douglasville, GA | 4.3 |
| Indian Creek Middle School Covington, GA | 4.3 |
| Kendrick Middle School Jonesboro, GA | 4.3 |
| Midland Middle School Midland, GA | 4.3 |
| Utopian Academy for the Arts Charter School Ellenwood, GA | 4.3 |
| Yeager Middle School Douglasville, GA | 4.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about T. J. Elder Middle School
What grades does T. J. Elder Middle School serve?
T. J. Elder Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend T. J. Elder Middle School?
T. J. Elder Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 613 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at T. J. Elder Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at T. J. Elder Middle School is 13.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does T. J. Elder Middle School rank in GA?
T. J. Elder Middle School is ranked #2046 out of 2,268 schools in GA.
What is T. J. Elder Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
T. J. Elder Middle School has a composite rating of 4.3 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 T. J. Elder Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, T. J. Elder Middle School has 20.7% math proficiency and 23.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is T. J. Elder Middle School a charter school?
No, T. J. Elder Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is T. J. Elder Middle School a Title I school?
No, T. J. Elder Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for T. J. Elder Middle School?
89.7% of students at T. J. Elder 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 613
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 89.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Washington County
- Phone
- (478) 552-2007
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Washington County- District Enrollment
- 2,769
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,361
- District Rank
- #4 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
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