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#839 of 1,284 schools in KY

Herald Whitaker Middle School

Middle School · Magoffin County

221 Hornet Drive, Salyersville, KY 41465

Enrollment

249

Student-Teacher

11.3:1

Score

5.7

Grades

7th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Salyersville

#2 of 5

public schools

Kentucky middle schools

#129 of 216

In district

#2 of 5

Magoffin County

School environment

8.7 / 10

Exceptional

About Herald Whitaker Middle School

Herald Whitaker Middle School is a regular public middle school located in the remote rural area of Salyersville, Kentucky. Serving students from seventh to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 249 students with a supportive student-teacher ratio of 11.3:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention. The dedicated teaching staff includes 22 full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to foster a positive learning environment.

While Herald Whitaker Middle School ranks in the lower quartile academically among Kentucky schools, with an overall MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1105 out of 1288, the school focuses on student development through various support programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. Specifically, in English Language Arts and Reading, 39% of students are proficient or above, indicating areas where the school is making progress. In mathematics, 24% of students meet proficiency standards, highlighting opportunities for further improvement.

Herald Whitaker Middle School sits in a rural setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere, providing students with a nurturing environment conducive to personal growth and social development.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Herald Whitaker 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 metrics
Student Progress4.9Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.83 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.5Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency21%
Reading/ELA Proficiency38%
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)36%
vs. Expected-6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
Resources & Environment8.7Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,298

Herald Whitaker Middle School — Students at Herald Whitaker Middle School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

68.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KY EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 24.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 38.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from KY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
39%
ELA
46%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
21%
ELA
38%

* 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: 4.9/10.

How Herald Whitaker Middle School Compares

See how Herald Whitaker Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
35th percentile in KY
Academic
4.5/10
4.5/10
Growth
4.9/10
Below average
Environment
8.7/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers

Location

221 Hornet Drive, Salyersville, KY 41465

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Herald Whitaker Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Johnson County Middle School (rated 8.1/10, 15.1 miles away, in nearby Paintsville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Morgan County Middle School (rated 6.0/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby West Liberty), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Salyersville, see our Salyersville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Salyersville Grade School Salyersville 0.1 mi 2.9
North Magoffin Elementary Salyersville 1.6 mi 3.0
Magoffin County High School Salyersville 2.2 mi 7.8
South Magoffin Elementary Salyersville 6.9 mi 3.6
East Valley Elementary School West Liberty 15.5 mi 4.7
FAITH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL West Liberty 16.9 mi 5.4
Highland Elementary School Staffordsville 13.8 mi 7.7
Morgan County High School West Liberty 15.7 mi 6.5
Morgan County Middle School West Liberty 15.7 mi 6.0
Morgan County Area Technology Center West Liberty 15.8 mi
Morgan Central Elementary School West Liberty 15.6 mi 4.4
Prestonsburg Elementary School Prestonsburg 15.0 mi 3.3
Johnson Central High School Paintsville 15.1 mi 9.3
Johnson County Eagle Academy Paintsville 15.1 mi 3.7
Johnson County Middle School Paintsville 15.1 mi 8.1
Flat Gap Elementary School Flatgap 17.0 mi 6.7
OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAINS SCHOOL Paintsville 15.4 mi
Paintsville Elementary School Paintsville 15.5 mi 4.0
Paintsville High School Paintsville 15.6 mi 7.2
THE PIARIST SCHOOL Hager Hill 16.1 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 41465 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$34,012

Median Home Value

$94,100

Median Rent

$634/mo

Population

10,539

College Educated

14.2%

Homeownership

77.8%

Avg Commute

32.4 min

Poverty Rate

33.2%

Median Age

41.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Herald Whitaker Middle School has a median household income of $34,012. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $94,100, with a median rent of $634/month. The area has a poverty rate of 33.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 32 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
Whitesburg Middle School Whitesburg, KY 5.7
Wurtland Middle School Wurtland, KY 5.8
James D. Adams Middle School Prestonsburg, KY 5.6
Webster County Middle School Dixon, KY 5.6
Lexington Trad Magnet School Lexington, KY 5.4
Paris Middle School Paris, KY 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Herald Whitaker Middle School

What grades does Herald Whitaker Middle School serve?

Herald Whitaker Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Herald Whitaker Middle School?

Herald Whitaker Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 249 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Herald Whitaker Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Herald Whitaker Middle School is 11.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Herald Whitaker Middle School rank in KY?

Herald Whitaker Middle School is ranked #839 out of 1,284 schools in KY.

What is Herald Whitaker Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Herald Whitaker Middle School has a composite rating of 5.7 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 Herald Whitaker Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Herald Whitaker Middle School has 24.3% math proficiency and 38.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Herald Whitaker Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Herald Whitaker Middle School a Title I school?

No, Herald Whitaker Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Herald Whitaker Middle School?

68.3% of students at Herald Whitaker 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

City Safety
Average (332/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Salyersville). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
249
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
68.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Magoffin County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Magoffin County
District Enrollment
1,947
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,618
District Rank
#2 of 5

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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