Very Good
#733 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 28% in state
West Stanly Middle School
Middle School · Stanly County Schools
339 Running Creek Church Rd, Locust, NC 28097
Enrollment
633
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
7.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
633
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
7.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Locust
#2 of 2
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#69 of 475
In district
#10 of 22
Stanly County Schools
Academic growth
9.1 / 10
Exceptional
About West Stanly Middle School
West Stanly Middle School is a regular public middle school located in the rural setting of Locust, North Carolina. Situated at 339 Running Creek Church Road in Stanly County, this school serves students from sixth through eighth grade with an enrollment of 633 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1. The dedicated staff includes 37 full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to provide a supportive educational environment.
The academic performance at West Stanly Middle School reflects areas for growth, with 59% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading, and 57% proficient or above in Math. These scores place the school at the 69th percentile among North Carolina schools, indicating there is room for improvement but also a strong foundation to build upon. West Stanly Middle School is set amidst a rural community where students benefit from smaller class sizes and close-knit relationships with teachers and peers.
The setting provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in outdoor learning experiences while still receiving a robust academic curriculum.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West Stanly Middle School 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
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West Stanly Middle School — Students at West Stanly Middle School score 65% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
44.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 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: 9.1/10.
How West Stanly Middle School Compares
See how West Stanly Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 43% (2019) to 65.4% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 64.4% (2025).
Location
339 Running Creek Church Rd, Locust, NC 28097
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Stanly Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. North Stanly Middle (rated 6.8/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby New London), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Mount Pleasant Middle (rated 6.0/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Mount Pleasant), a more accessible option. For more schools in Locust, see our Locust schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Locust Elementary Locust | 2.2 mi | 8.1 |
| West Stanly High Oakboro | 2.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Stanfield Elementary Stanfield | 4.0 mi | 7.7 |
| CAROLINA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Locust | 3.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Oakboro Choice STEM Oakboro | 4.0 mi | 9.1 |
| Endy Elementary Albemarle | 6.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Millingport Elementary Albemarle | 8.6 mi | 8.7 |
| New Salem Elementary Marshville | 10.1 mi | 8.4 |
| Mount Pleasant Elementary Mt. Pleasant | 10.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Bethel Elementary Midland | 8.8 mi | 8.5 |
| A T Allen Elementary Concord | 9.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Stanly Early College High Albemarle | 9.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Mount Pleasant High Mount Pleasant | 10.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Aquadale Elementary Norwood | 9.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Mount Pleasant Middle Mount Pleasant | 10.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Fairview Elementary Monroe | 11.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Stanly County Virtual Education Albemarle | 11.5 mi | 4.1 |
| STRAITWAY BAPTIST SCHOOL Albemarle | 11.5 mi | — |
| North Stanly Middle New London | 12.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Patriots Elementary Concord | 11.6 mi | 6.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28097 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$77,600
Median Home Value
$281,200
Median Rent
$861/mo
Population
7,976
College Educated
19.5%
Homeownership
81.7%
Avg Commute
30.7 min
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Median Age
37
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Stanly Middle School has a median household income of $77,600. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $281,200, with a median rent of $861/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.1%. The average commute for residents is 31 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 |
|---|---|
| Clayton Middle Clayton, NC | 7.5 |
| Emma B Trask Middle Wilmington, NC | 7.5 |
| SanLee Middle School Sanford, NC | 7.5 |
| Smith Middle Chapel Hill, NC | 7.5 |
| Southern Middle Roxboro, NC | 7.5 |
| Thomas Jefferson Middle Winston-Salem, NC | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Stanly Middle School
What grades does West Stanly Middle School serve?
West Stanly Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend West Stanly Middle School?
West Stanly Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 633 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Stanly Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Stanly Middle School is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Stanly Middle School rank in NC?
West Stanly Middle School is ranked #733 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is West Stanly Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Stanly Middle School has a composite rating of 7.5 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 West Stanly Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Stanly Middle School has 57.4% math proficiency and 58.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Stanly Middle School a charter school?
No, West Stanly Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Stanly Middle School a Title I school?
No, West Stanly Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Stanly Middle School?
44.7% of students at West Stanly 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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FBI UCR. County-level only.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 633
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 44.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Stanly County
- Phone
- (704) 961-3600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Stanly County Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,739
- Schools in District
- 23
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,914
- District Rank
- #10 of 22
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
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