Below Average
#2137 of 2,648 schools in NC
H J Macdonald Middle
Middle School · Craven County Board of Education
3127 Elizabeth Avenue, New Bern, NC 28562
Enrollment
695
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
4.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
695
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
4.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,137 of 2,648
In New Bern
#9 of 14
public schools
In district
#16 of 26
Craven County Board of Education
Equity
7.5 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around H J Macdonald Middle?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
H J Macdonald Middle
Middle School in New Bern · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Craven Early College High
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Trent Park Elementary
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About H J Macdonald Middle
H J Macdonald Middle is a public middle school in New Bern, NC, part of Craven County Board of Education. H J Macdonald Middle serves approximately 695 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.8:1 student-teacher ratio. H J Macdonald Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,137 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for H J Macdonald Middle show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- District avg 5.2
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
38% of students at H J Macdonald Middle 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
H J Macdonald Middle — Students at H J Macdonald Middle score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 36 test records from NC 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: 3.7/10.
How H J Macdonald Middle Compares
See how H J Macdonald Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
3127 Elizabeth Avenue, New Bern, NC 28562
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering H J Macdonald Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Grover C Fields Middle (rated 7.1/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, West Craven Middle (rated 2.8/10, 7.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in New Bern, see our New Bern schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Craven Early College High New Bern | 0.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Trent Park Elementary New Bern | 1.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Craven Virtual Academy New Bern | 1.4 mi | 3.4 |
| New Bern High New Bern | 1.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Grover C Fields Middle New Bern | 1.6 mi | 7.1 |
| THE EPIPHANY SCHOOL OF GLOBAL STUDIES New Bern | 1.7 mi | 7.3 |
| CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH SCHOOL New Bern | 1.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Oaks Road Academy New Bern | 2.0 mi | 2.9 |
| J T Barber Elementary New Bern | 2.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Albert H Bangert Elementary New Bern | 2.5 mi | 8.7 |
| Ben D Quinn Elementary New Bern | 2.4 mi | 4.7 |
| ST PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL New Bern | 2.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Bridgeton Elementary New Bern | 4.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Brinson Memorial Elementary New Bern | 5.7 mi | 5.2 |
| NEW BERN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY New Bern | 6.2 mi | 5.1 |
| West Craven Middle New Bern | 7.5 mi | 2.8 |
| Creekside Elementary New Bern | 7.6 mi | 8.4 |
| West Craven High Vanceboro | 8.6 mi | 3.9 |
| Pollocksville Elementary Pollocksville | 10.6 mi | 9.1 |
| Vanceboro-Farm Life Elementary Vanceboro | 13.4 mi | 3.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28562 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,620
Median Home Value
$246,400
Median Rent
$1,131/mo
Population
38,838
College Educated
33.3%
Homeownership
74.7%
Avg Commute
19.1 min
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Median Age
46.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Anson Middle Wadesboro, NC | 4.7 |
| Jacksonville Commons Middle Jacksonville, NC | 4.7 |
| Jamestown Middle Jamestown, NC | 4.7 |
| Lewis Chapel Middle Fayetteville, NC | 4.7 |
| R Max Abbott Middle Fayetteville, NC | 4.7 |
| Walkertown Middle Walkertown, NC | 4.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about H J Macdonald Middle
What grades does H J Macdonald Middle serve?
H J Macdonald Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend H J Macdonald Middle?
H J Macdonald Middle has an enrollment of approximately 695 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at H J Macdonald Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at H J Macdonald Middle is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does H J Macdonald Middle rank in NC?
H J Macdonald Middle ranks #2,137 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is H J Macdonald Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
H J Macdonald Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 H J Macdonald Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, H J Macdonald Middle has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is H J Macdonald Middle a charter school?
No, H J Macdonald Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is H J Macdonald Middle a Title I school?
No, H J Macdonald Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for H J Macdonald Middle?
98.3% of students at H J Macdonald Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 695
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Craven County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 37.8%
- Phone
- (252) 514-6450
Resources & Links
District
Craven County Board of Education- District Enrollment
- 12,584
- Schools in District
- 26
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,893
- District Rank
- #16 of 26
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.