Calhoun County Middle School

Calhoun County Middle School in Edison, GA, serves 90 students in grades 6–8 within the rural southwestern part of the state, and it is part of the Calhoun County district.

This school has shown remarkable progress in recent years. After spending several years in the bottom 5–7% of Georgia middle schools, it has climbed to the 25th percentile statewide—a 19-point jump over two years. The most dramatic gains are in mathematics: 7th grade math proficiency rose from 3.8% to 29.6%, and 6th and 8th grade math scores also improved significantly. Chronic absenteeism has plummeted from a crisis-level 48.3% to 16.3%, now better than both the district (19.4%) and the state average (17.7%). This attendance turnaround likely fuels the academic gains. The school also invests heavily in students, spending $22,910 per pupil with a favorable 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio—well above state norms. Notably, the school ranks in the 50th percentile for its African American students, a strong equity achievement given that 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Compared to nearby schools, Calhoun County now outperforms Early County Middle School (6th percentile) in 7th and 8th grade math, and has lower chronic absenteeism. However, Randolph County Middle School (48th percentile) still leads in most subjects, especially social studies (30.9% vs. 10.3% proficient). Clay County Middle School shows stronger science performance (40% vs. 17.2%). Social studies and science remain challenges at Calhoun County, with 8th grade social studies proficiency at just 10.3% versus the state’s 40.2%. Still, the school’s upward trajectory—driven by better attendance, focused math instruction, and strong per-student investment—suggests a promising path forward for families seeking a small, improving rural school.