Average
#1181 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 45% in state
Jacobs Fork Middle
Middle School · Catawba County Schools
3431 Plateau Road, Newton, NC 28658
Enrollment
443
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
6.6
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
443
Student-Teacher
15.8:1
Score
6.6
Grades
7th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,181 of 2,648
In Newton
#6 of 9
public schools
In district
#12 of 27
Catawba County Schools
Academic performance
7.0 / 10
Very Good
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Jacobs Fork Middle
Middle School in Newton · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Fred T Foard High
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Blackburn Elementary
2.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Jacobs Fork Middle
Jacobs Fork Middle is a public middle school in Newton, NC, part of Catawba County Schools. Jacobs Fork Middle serves approximately 443 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Jacobs Fork Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,181 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Jacobs Fork Middle show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 5.8
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
Jacobs Fork Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
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 below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
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 34 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: 6.1/10.
How Jacobs Fork Middle Compares
See how Jacobs Fork 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
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 6.4/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Lincolnton), with a very similar rating. Another option is East Burke Middle (rated 5.0/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Connelly Springs), a more accessible option. Additionally, Grandview Middle (rated 4.8/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Hickory), 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 | 5.7 |
| Blackburn Elementary Newton | 2.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Mountain View Elementary Hickory | 3.5 mi | 8.3 |
| Banoak Elementary Vale | 3.4 mi | 6.5 |
| MONTESSORI AT SANDY FORD Newton | 5.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Union Elementary Vale | 6.7 mi | 8.2 |
| Southwest Primary Hickory | 6.7 mi | 2.6 |
| Grandview Middle Hickory | 6.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Startown Elementary Newton | 5.9 mi | 7.2 |
| REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hildebran | 7.3 mi | — |
| Longview Elementary Hickory | 7.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Hildebran Elementary Hildebran | 7.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Challenger Early College High Hickory | 7.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Oakwood Elementary Hickory | 8.7 mi | 8.3 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hickory | 8.7 mi | — |
| West Lincoln High Lincolnton | 9.0 mi | 7.3 |
| UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Hickory | 8.9 mi | 6.3 |
| West Lincoln Middle Lincolnton | 9.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Hickory Career Arts Magnet High School Hickory | 9.2 mi | 8.7 |
| East Burke Middle Connelly Springs | 8.9 mi | 5.0 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| J Sam Gentry Middle Mount Airy, NC | 6.6 |
| Liberty Middle Morganton, NC | 6.6 |
| Manteo Middle School Manteo, NC | 6.6 |
| Midway Middle Dunn, NC | 6.6 |
| Mount Airy Middle Mount Airy, NC | 6.6 |
| Mount Holly Middle Mount Holly, NC | 6.6 |
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 ranks #1,181 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Jacobs Fork Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Jacobs Fork Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Jacobs Fork Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Jacobs Fork Middle has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
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.
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Neighborhood Context
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.5%
- Phone
- (704) 462-1827
Resources & Links
District
Catawba County Schools- District Enrollment
- 15,880
- Schools in District
- 28
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,487
- District Rank
- #12 of 27
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
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