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Below Average

#2333 of 2,648 schools in NC

Holbrook Middle

Middle School · Gaston County Schools

418 S Church Street, Lowell, NC 28098

Enrollment

786

Student-Teacher

17.9:1

Score

4.1

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,333 of 2,648

In Lowell

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#43 of 56

Gaston County Schools

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Holbrook Middle

4.1/10

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

Gaston Christian School

5.1/10

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

Lowell Elementary

6.3/10

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

About Holbrook Middle

Holbrook Middle is a public middle school in Lowell, NC, part of Gaston County Schools. Holbrook Middle serves approximately 786 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Holbrook Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,333 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Holbrook Middle show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.3 pts below district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • NC avg 5.7

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.4Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.25 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.1Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.5% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency41.4% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-23.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.8 pts
Overall Proficiency37% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-8.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment5.1Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,190
Chronic Absenteeism20.1%

Holbrook Middle — Students at Holbrook Middle score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 44.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.9% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 45.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.0% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
83%
ELA
69%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
71%
2011
Math
84%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
41%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
36%
ELA
38%
2014
Math
31%
ELA
34%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
38%
2016
Math
45%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
45%
2018
Math
40%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
40%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
36%
ELA
36%
2021*
Math
36%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
37.6%
ELA
40.3%
2025
Math
33.6%
ELA
41.4%

* 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: 3.4/10.

How Holbrook Middle Compares

See how Holbrook Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
12th percentile in NC
Academic
4.1/10
Below Average
Growth
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.1/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
44 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.1%

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

418 S Church Street, Lowell, NC 28098

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Holbrook Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cramerton Middle (rated 8.0/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Cramerton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, W P Grier Middle School (rated 2.8/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lowell, see our Lowell schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.3 mi
School Distance Rating
GASTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia 1.0 mi 5.1
Lowell Elementary Lowell 1.2 mi 6.3
CRAMERTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Cramerton 1.8 mi 6.4
McAdenville Elementary Mcadenville 1.8 mi 8.0
Gardner Park Elementary Gastonia 1.9 mi 4.3
Ashbrook High Gastonia 2.0 mi 3.9
Warlick Academy Gastonia 1.9 mi 3.4
Cramerton Middle Cramerton 3.2 mi 8.0
Stuart W Cramer High Belmont 3.0 mi 6.7
W P Grier Middle School Gastonia 2.9 mi 2.8
Sherwood Elementary Gastonia 3.0 mi 3.4
Brookside Elementary Gastonia 3.2 mi 3.6
North Belmont Elementary Belmont 3.1 mi 8.8
East Gaston High Mount Holly 3.8 mi 4.3
New Hope Elementary Gastonia 4.0 mi 7.2
Belmont Central Elementary Belmont 3.6 mi 7.0
Piedmont Community Charter School Gastonia 3.8 mi 6.4
FIRST WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia 3.5 mi 6.1
Catawba Heights Elementary Belmont 3.9 mi 7.6
ASSEMBLY OF FAITH CHR. SCHOOL Dallas 4.3 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28098 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$51,879

Median Home Value

$153,300

Median Rent

$1,152/mo

Population

3,746

College Educated

17.3%

Homeownership

75.2%

Avg Commute

23.5 min

Poverty Rate

19%

Median Age

41.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lowe's Grove Middle Durham, NC 4.1
Western Alamance Middle Elon, NC 4.1
Allen Middle Greensboro, NC 4.0
Harnett Central Middle Angier, NC 4.0
Hertford County Middle Murfreesboro, NC 4.0
Southern Guilford Middle Greensboro, NC 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Holbrook Middle

What grades does Holbrook Middle serve?

Holbrook Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Holbrook Middle?

Holbrook Middle has an enrollment of approximately 786 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Holbrook Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Holbrook Middle is 17.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Holbrook Middle rank in NC?

Holbrook Middle ranks #2,333 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Holbrook Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Holbrook Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Holbrook Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Holbrook Middle has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Holbrook Middle a charter school?

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

Is Holbrook Middle a Title I school?

No, Holbrook Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Holbrook Middle?

99.6% of students at Holbrook 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
38 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
786
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
44
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Gaston County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.1%

District

Gaston County Schools
District Enrollment
30,253
Schools in District
56
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,190
District Rank
#43 of 56

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