Below Average
#2165 of 2,648 schools in NC
W C Friday Middle School
Middle School · Gaston County Schools
1221 Ratchford Drive, Dallas, NC 28034
Enrollment
612
Student-Teacher
19.7:1
Score
4.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
612
Student-Teacher
19.7:1
Score
4.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,165 of 2,648
In Dallas
#5 of 6
public schools
In district
#38 of 56
Gaston County Schools
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W C Friday Middle School
Middle School in Dallas · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
North Gaston High
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Carr Elementary
1.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About W C Friday Middle School
W C Friday Middle School is a public middle school in Dallas, NC, part of Gaston County Schools. W C Friday Middle School serves approximately 612 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 19.7:1 student-teacher ratio. W C Friday Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,165 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for W C Friday Middle School show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.6 · Below Average
- District avg 5.4
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
W C Friday Middle School 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
W C Friday Middle School — Students at W C Friday Middle School score 41% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
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 35 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: 5.2/10.
How W C Friday Middle School Compares
See how W C Friday Middle School 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
1221 Ratchford Drive, Dallas, NC 28034
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering W C Friday Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Stanley Middle (rated 7.0/10, 5.0 miles away, in nearby Stanley), which scores notably higher. Another option is York Chester Middle (rated 5.3/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, W P Grier Middle School (rated 2.8/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), a more accessible option. For more schools in Dallas, see our Dallas schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| North Gaston High Dallas | 0.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Carr Elementary Dallas | 1.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Gaston Early College High School Dallas | 1.5 mi | 8.4 |
| Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Dallas | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| ASSEMBLY OF FAITH CHR. SCHOOL Dallas | 2.1 mi | — |
| Costner Elementary Dallas | 2.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Brookside Elementary Gastonia | 3.3 mi | 3.6 |
| Highland Sch of Technology Gastonia | 3.7 mi | 9.3 |
| Woodhill Elementary Gastonia | 3.8 mi | 3.8 |
| Ridgeview Charter School Gastonia | 4.4 mi | 5.7 |
| Warlick Academy Gastonia | 4.5 mi | 3.4 |
| FIRST WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia | 5.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Webb Street School Gastonia | 5.1 mi | 5.0 |
| York Chester Middle Gastonia | 5.4 mi | 5.3 |
| W P Grier Middle School Gastonia | 5.8 mi | 2.8 |
| Stanley Middle Stanley | 5.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Pleasant Ridge Elementary Gastonia | 5.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Springfield Primary Stanley | 5.0 mi | 5.7 |
| ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Gastonia | 6.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Sherwood Elementary Gastonia | 6.0 mi | 3.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28034 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,969
Median Home Value
$221,000
Median Rent
$841/mo
Population
19,470
College Educated
16.1%
Homeownership
73.4%
Avg Commute
26.3 min
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Median Age
40.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bessemer City Middle Bessemer City, NC | 4.6 |
| Brogden Middle Durham, NC | 4.6 |
| Butner-Stem Middle Butner, NC | 4.6 |
| Durant Road Middle Raleigh, NC | 4.6 |
| E Lawson Brown Middle Thomasville, NC | 4.6 |
| East Union Middle Marshville, NC | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about W C Friday Middle School
What grades does W C Friday Middle School serve?
W C Friday Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend W C Friday Middle School?
W C Friday Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 612 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at W C Friday Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at W C Friday Middle School is 19.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does W C Friday Middle School rank in NC?
W C Friday Middle School ranks #2,165 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is W C Friday Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
W C Friday Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 W C Friday Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, W C Friday Middle School has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is W C Friday Middle School a charter school?
No, W C Friday Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is W C Friday Middle School a Title I school?
No, W C Friday Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for W C Friday Middle School?
99.5% of students at W C Friday 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 612
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 31
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Gaston County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 26.3%
- Phone
- (704) 922-5297
Resources & Links
District
Gaston County Schools- District Enrollment
- 30,253
- Schools in District
- 56
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,190
- District Rank
- #38 of 56
How we rate schools
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