Very Good
#934 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 35% in state
Central Wilkes Middle School
Middle School · Wilkes County Schools
3541 South NC Hwy 16, Moravian Falls, NC 28654
Enrollment
569
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
7.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
569
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
7.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Moravian Falls
#2 of 2
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#100 of 475
In district
#9 of 22
Wilkes County Schools
Equity
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Central Wilkes Middle School
Central Wilkes Middle School is a public middle school located in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, in a rural setting near the town. The school serves students from sixth through eighth grade with an enrollment of 569 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.3:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention. With 35 full-time equivalent teachers, Central Wilkes Middle School offers a supportive learning environment.
According to MySchoolScout's data, the school ranks at #1084 out of 2661 schools in North Carolina, placing it in the 59th percentile overall and with an academic score of 6.0/10. In terms of proficiency rates, 50% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 54% achieve proficiency or better in Math. These scores suggest that there is room for continued academic growth and development.
Central Wilkes Middle School sits in a rural area near the town, offering a close-knit community setting where students can benefit from strong local ties and support.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Central Wilkes 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
Central Wilkes Middle School — Students at Central Wilkes Middle School score 56% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.9/10.
How Central Wilkes Middle School Compares
See how Central Wilkes Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 38% (2019) to 60.4% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 52.6% (2025).
Location
3541 South NC Hwy 16, Moravian Falls, NC 28654
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Wilkes Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. North Wilkes Middle School (rated 7.8/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby North Wilkesboro), which scores slightly higher. Another option is East Alexander Middle (rated 7.6/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Hiddenite), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, West Wilkes Middle School (rated 5.4/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Wilkesboro), a more accessible option. For more schools in Moravian Falls, see our Moravian Falls schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28654 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$53,486
Median Home Value
$234,400
Median Rent
$941/mo
Population
3,287
College Educated
21.8%
Homeownership
79.6%
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Median Age
50.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Wilkes Middle School has a median household income of $53,486. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $234,400, with a median rent of $941/month. The local poverty rate of 9.8% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Benson Middle Benson, NC | 7.2 |
| Broad Creek Middle Newport, NC | 7.2 |
| Manteo Middle School Manteo, NC | 7.2 |
| Newton-Conover Middle Conover, NC | 7.2 |
| Anne Chesnutt Middle Fayetteville, NC | 7.3 |
| Granite Falls Middle Granite Falls, NC | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Wilkes Middle School
What grades does Central Wilkes Middle School serve?
Central Wilkes Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Central Wilkes Middle School?
Central Wilkes Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 569 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Wilkes Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Wilkes Middle School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Wilkes Middle School rank in NC?
Central Wilkes Middle School is ranked #934 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Central Wilkes Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Wilkes Middle School has a composite rating of 7.2 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 Central Wilkes Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Wilkes Middle School has 53.7% math proficiency and 50.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Wilkes Middle School a charter school?
No, Central Wilkes Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Wilkes Middle School a Title I school?
No, Central Wilkes Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Wilkes Middle School?
99.5% of students at Central Wilkes 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 569
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Wilkes County
- Phone
- (336) 903-4180
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Wilkes County Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,625
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,150
- District Rank
- #9 of 22
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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