Summary:
Zip code 36477 is served by a single middle school, Samson Middle School, which enrolls 156 students in grades 6 through 8 within the Geneva County district.
For parents considering this area, Samson Middle School presents a mixed picture. The school has seen a notable decline in its state ranking over the past three years, dropping from the 63rd percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 44th percentile (2 stars) in 2025-2026. This downward trend is driven largely by weak performance in math and science, where proficiency rates fall well below both district and state averages across all grade levels. For example, only 27.78% of 6th graders are proficient in math compared to 44.74% in the district, and 8th grade science proficiency sits at just 36.21% versus 62.73% district-wide. English performance is more competitive, with 7th graders actually exceeding the state average (58.33% vs. 55.25%), though 6th grade English saw a dramatic single-year drop from 71.43% to 42.59% proficiency.
On the positive side, the school boasts an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 5.0%, far better than the state average of 12.0%, despite 68.59% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. This strong attendance suggests a committed student body and engaged community. However, the student-teacher ratio of 19.5:1 is relatively high, which may limit individualized attention. Per-student spending is $9,122, though comparable figures are not available. Overall, while the school benefits from being part of a 4-star district, it is not keeping pace with district-wide success, particularly in STEM subjects, and families should be aware of the academic challenges alongside the school's strong attendance culture.
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