Below Average
#2311 of 2,648 schools in NC
West Pender Middle
Middle School · Pender County Schools
10750 NC Hwy 53 West, Burgaw, NC 28425
Enrollment
188
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
4.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
188
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
4.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,311 of 2,648
In Burgaw
#4 of 6
public schools
In district
#16 of 19
Pender County Schools
School environment
8.1 / 10
Excellent
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West Pender Middle
Middle School in Burgaw · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Malpass Corner Elementary
3.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Pender High
5.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About West Pender Middle
West Pender Middle is a public middle school in Burgaw, NC, part of Pender County Schools. West Pender Middle serves approximately 188 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. West Pender Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,311 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for West Pender Middle show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.2 · Below Average
- District avg 5.6
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
At 188 students, West Pender Middle is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
West Pender 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.
32% of students at West Pender 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
West Pender Middle — Students at West Pender Middle score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.4%
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: 2.6/10.
How West Pender Middle Compares
See how West Pender 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
10750 NC Hwy 53 West, Burgaw, NC 28425
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Pender Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cape Fear Middle (rated 5.9/10, 13.6 miles away, in nearby Rocky Point), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Burgaw Middle (rated 3.7/10, 10.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Burgaw, see our Burgaw schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Malpass Corner Elementary Burgaw | 3.2 mi | 3.6 |
| Pender High Burgaw | 5.3 mi | 4.3 |
| PENDERLEA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Rocky Point | 7.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Penderlea Elementary Willard | 9.3 mi | 5.3 |
| C.F. Pope Elementary Burgaw | 10.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Burgaw Middle Burgaw | 10.2 mi | 3.7 |
| Pender Early College High Burgaw | 10.3 mi | 8.5 |
| HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrells | 14.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Cape Fear Elementary Rocky Point | 13.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Cape Fear Middle Rocky Point | 13.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Pender Innovative Learning Academy Rocky Point | 13.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Heide Trask High Rocky Point | 13.5 mi | 5.6 |
| NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wallace | 15.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Acme Delco Elementary Riegelwood | 15.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Wallace Elementary Wallace | 15.9 mi | 2.6 |
| ZELOPHEHAD'S DAUGHTERS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wallace | 16.3 mi | — |
| Rocky Point Elementary Rocky Point | 14.6 mi | 9.2 |
| Classical Charter Schools of Leland Leland | 17.1 mi | 5.7 |
| East Arcadia Elementary Riegelwood | 15.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Wallace-Rose Hill High Teachey | 17.8 mi | 3.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28425 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,163
Median Home Value
$206,300
Median Rent
$989/mo
Population
10,823
College Educated
23.2%
Homeownership
78.4%
Avg Commute
29.8 min
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Median Age
44.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Washington County Middle Roper, NC | 4.3 |
| William R Davie Middle S.T.E.M. Academy Roanoke Rapids, NC | 4.3 |
| Wadesboro Elementary Wadesboro, NC | 4.1 |
| Burgaw Middle Burgaw, NC | 3.7 |
| Lowrance Middle Winston-Salem, NC | 4.7 |
| Robbinsville Middle Robbinsville, NC | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Pender Middle
What grades does West Pender Middle serve?
West Pender Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend West Pender Middle?
West Pender Middle has an enrollment of approximately 188 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Pender Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at West Pender Middle is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Pender Middle rank in NC?
West Pender Middle ranks #2,311 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is West Pender Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
West Pender Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 West Pender Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, West Pender Middle has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is West Pender Middle a charter school?
No, West Pender Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Pender Middle a Title I school?
No, West Pender Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Pender Middle?
98.4% of students at West Pender 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 188
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Pender County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 31.9%
- Phone
- (910) 283-5626
Resources & Links
District
Pender County Schools- District Enrollment
- 11,075
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,425
- District Rank
- #16 of 19
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