Best Middle Schools in Jesup, GA

Jesup, Georgia is served by two middle schools—Arthur Williams Middle School and Martha Puckett Middle School—both covering grades 6-8 within the Wayne County school district, which holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 60th percentile statewide.

Martha Puckett is the district’s rising star, climbing from the 41st to the 61st percentile in state rankings over two years. It now outperforms Arthur Williams in 8th-grade science (36.2% vs. 18.9% proficiency) and social studies (47.1% vs. 37.5%), while also exceeding state averages in both subjects. However, Martha Puckett struggles with chronic absenteeism at 28.6%—well above the district’s 22.4% and state’s 17.7%—despite its academic gains. Arthur Williams, by contrast, is the steadier performer in math, with 6th graders hitting 47.5% proficiency versus Martha Puckett’s 32.3%, though both schools lag the state average in 7th and 8th grade math. Arthur Williams also posts a lower chronic absenteeism rate (22.4%) and serves a student body where nearly 98% qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The most striking finding is both schools’ exceptional performance in advanced coursework. Algebra I proficiency reaches 100% at Arthur Williams and 91.7% at Martha Puckett, compared to the 48.1% state average, and 8th graders taking high school Physical Science at Martha Puckett achieved 100% proficiency versus 60.9% statewide. Martha Puckett also spends about $944 more per student ($13,492 vs. $12,548) and maintains a lower student-teacher ratio (12.3:1 vs. 13.8:1), which may help explain its stronger science and social studies results. For parents, the choice comes down to priorities: Martha Puckett offers surging academics and more resources but has an absenteeism problem, while Arthur Williams provides more consistent lower-grade math and perfect Algebra I results, though its 8th-grade science needs attention.