Average
#1412 of 2,648 schools in NC
Jacobs Fork Middle
Middle School · Catawba County Schools
3431 Plateau Road, Newton, NC 28658
Enrollment
443
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
6.3
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
443
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
6.3
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Newton
#6 of 9
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#203 of 475
In district
#13 of 27
Catawba County Schools
Academic performance
7.4 / 10
Strong
About Jacobs Fork Middle
Jacobs Fork Middle is a regular public middle school located in Newton, North Carolina, in Catawba County. The school serves students from seventh through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 443 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15.8:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention. With 28 full-time equivalent teachers, Jacobs Fork Middle aims to provide a supportive learning environment for its middle schoolers.
According to the MySchoolScout rating system, Jacobs Fork Middle has earned a score of 5.5 out of 10 and is ranked as the 48th percentile among North Carolina schools. In terms of academic performance, 58% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 57% meet proficiency standards in Math. These scores indicate that there is room for improvement but also highlight areas where the school excels.
Jacobs Fork Middle is situated in a rural area near Newton, offering students a peaceful setting conducive to learning and growth. The community around the school contributes to a nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Jacobs Fork Middle 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
Jacobs Fork Middle — Students at Jacobs Fork Middle score 59% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 10 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: 6.1/10.
How Jacobs Fork Middle Compares
See how Jacobs Fork Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 49% (2019) to 59.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 59.4% (2025).
Location
3431 Plateau Road, Newton, NC 28658
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Jacobs Fork Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. West Lincoln Middle (rated 6.3/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Lincolnton), with a very similar rating. Another option is Grandview Middle (rated 5.3/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Hickory), with a comparable rating. Additionally, East Burke Middle (rated 5.1/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Connelly Springs), a more accessible option. For more schools in Newton, see our Newton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fred T Foard High Newton | 0.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Blackburn Elementary Newton | 2.2 mi | 7.6 |
| Mountain View Elementary Hickory | 3.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Banoak Elementary Vale | 3.4 mi | 8.3 |
| MONTESSORI AT SANDY FORD Newton | 5.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Union Elementary Vale | 6.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Southwest Primary Hickory | 6.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Grandview Middle Hickory | 6.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Startown Elementary Newton | 5.9 mi | 5.9 |
| REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hildebran | 7.3 mi | — |
| Longview Elementary Hickory | 7.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Hildebran Elementary Hildebran | 7.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Challenger Early College High Hickory | 7.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Oakwood Elementary Hickory | 8.7 mi | 8.3 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hickory | 8.7 mi | — |
| West Lincoln High Lincolnton | 9.0 mi | 5.3 |
| UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Hickory | 8.9 mi | 6.3 |
| West Lincoln Middle Lincolnton | 9.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School Hickory | 9.2 mi | 6.6 |
| East Burke Middle Connelly Springs | 8.9 mi | 5.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28658 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,805
Median Home Value
$192,500
Median Rent
$933/mo
Population
25,681
College Educated
19.3%
Homeownership
75.2%
Avg Commute
24.2 min
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Median Age
41.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Jacobs Fork Middle has a median household income of $67,805. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $192,500, with a median rent of $933/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.3%. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| Brevard Middle Brevard, NC | 6.3 |
| Central Middle Whiteville, NC | 6.3 |
| Lewis Chapel Middle Fayetteville, NC | 6.3 |
| Maiden Middle School Maiden, NC | 6.3 |
| Murphy Middle Murphy, NC | 6.3 |
| Spring Lake Middle Spring Lake, NC | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jacobs Fork Middle
What grades does Jacobs Fork Middle serve?
Jacobs Fork Middle serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Jacobs Fork Middle?
Jacobs Fork Middle has an enrollment of approximately 443 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Jacobs Fork Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Jacobs Fork Middle is 15.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Jacobs Fork Middle rank in NC?
Jacobs Fork Middle is ranked #1412 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Jacobs Fork Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Jacobs Fork Middle has a composite rating of 6.3 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 Jacobs Fork Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Jacobs Fork Middle has 57.3% math proficiency and 57.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Jacobs Fork Middle a charter school?
No, Jacobs Fork Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Jacobs Fork Middle a Title I school?
No, Jacobs Fork Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Jacobs Fork Middle?
52.6% of students at Jacobs Fork 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,322/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Newton). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 443
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 52.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Catawba County
- Phone
- (704) 462-1827
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Catawba County Schools- District Enrollment
- 15,880
- Schools in District
- 28
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,487
- District Rank
- #13 of 27
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
- Best Public Schools in Massachusetts 2026: Top Districts Statewidebest schools
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Charlotte, NC — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Moving to Raleigh-Durham? A Parent's Guide to School Choice in the Triangleguides
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.