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Palmer Middle School

Q: Is Palmer Middle School a good school?

Palmer Middle School ranks 235 th of 578 Georgia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

235^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 578 Georgia Middle Schools

Better than 59% of Georgia middle schools

Summary

Palmer Middle School in Kennesaw, GA, serves 803 students in grades 6 through 8 within the Cobb County School District, a school that has historically earned 4-star ratings but recently saw its overall state ranking slip to a 3-star level (235th out of 578 schools) for the 2025-2026 school year.

Palmer’s standout strength is its advanced math program. In both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, 100% of students taking the Algebra I End of Course exam scored proficient or better—more than double the district average (59.4%) and far above the state (48.1%). This performance matches or exceeds nearby top-tier schools like Mabry Middle School and McClure Middle School, both 5-star schools. However, standard grade-level math tells a different story: only 28.7% of 6th graders and 35.7% of 7th graders scored proficient in math, compared to district averages of 48.2% and 50.3%. By 8th grade, math proficiency (50.2%) is much closer to the district average (55.4%), suggesting the school may be concentrating its strongest instruction on accelerated students. Palmer also excels in high school-level science, with 88% of 8th graders proficient on the High School Physical Science exam, exceeding both district (82.4%) and state (60.9%) averages.

On a positive note, chronic absenteeism has dropped dramatically from 28.4% in 2021-2022 to 13.2% in 2025-2026—now below both district (14.2%) and state (17.7%) averages. Science proficiency in standard 8th grade classes improved from 18.8% to 30.6% year-over-year, though it still trails the district (35.8%). Compared to nearby 5-star schools like Simpson Middle School and Pine Mountain Middle School, Palmer’s overall math proficiency is lower, but its advanced coursework results are competitive. The school spends $14,607 per student, slightly above the district average, and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio—higher than some peers like Pine Mountain (11.9:1). For parents, Palmer offers exceptional opportunities for students ready for high school-level math and science, but families should be aware of the gap in standard math proficiency for younger grades.

803

Students ?

16.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$14,607

Per pupil spending ?

53.1%

Free/discounted lunch ?

690 N Booth Rd NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

(770) 591-5020

District: Cobb County

Students who attend Palmer Middle School usually attend:

High:

North Cobb High School

Feeder schools for Palmer Middle School:

Elementary:

Pitner Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

White:

35.9%

African American:

27.1%

Hispanic:

23.8%

See top rated Georgia middle schools

Compare Palmer Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Test scores delayed: 2026 rankings for Georgia do not yet include English Language Arts scores, which will not be released by the Georgia Department of Education until winter 2026.

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 75th percentile in 2016 → 59th in 2026

Strengths

✓Above the Georgia median (59th percentile)

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 16 percentile points since 2016

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school45%

District avg53%

Georgia avg43%

235^th of 578

Georgia public middle schools ?

Top 41%▼ down 16 pts since 2016

From top 25% (2016) to top 41% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Georgia Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

16^th of 26Middle Schools in the Cobb County

58^th of 201Cobb County among Georgia districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	55.1	235 of 578	59.3%	★★★☆☆
2025	51.9	254 of 584	56.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	67.3	164 of 588	72.1%	★★★★☆
2023	64.7	170 of 577	70.5%	★★★★☆
2022	74.8	124 of 567	78.1%	★★★★☆
2021	75.0	114 of 542	79.0%	★★★★☆
2019	82.3	89 of 559	84.1%	★★★★☆
2018	83.1	77 of 543	85.8%	★★★★☆
2017	81.8	78 of 539	85.5%	★★★★☆
2016	69.8	136 of 545	75.0%	★★★★☆
2015	71.3	125 of 537	76.7%	★★★★☆
2014	73.5	111 of 521	78.7%	★★★★☆
2013	71.5	135 of 527	74.4%	★★★★☆
2012	73.4	116 of 508	77.2%	★★★★☆
2011	72.3	125 of 504	75.2%	★★★★☆
2010	75.2	93 of 494	81.2%	★★★★☆
2009	81.9	50 of 466	89.3%	★★★★☆
2008	83.3	46 of 462	90.0%	★★★★★
2007	78.4	57 of 445	87.2%	★★★★☆
2006	81.2	49 of 420	88.3%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	51.3	190 of 480	60.4%	★★★☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	51.2	54 of 166	67.5%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	53.0	238 of 550	56.7%	★★★☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	45.0	181 of 374	51.6%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	54.8	224 of 550	59.3%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	32.8	90 of 136	33.8%	★★☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	44.5	204 of 425	52.0%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	49.9	198 of 404	51.0%	★★★☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

English Language Learner (2026)67th percentile+8 vs school

African American (2026)60th percentile~ school

Male (2026)59th percentile~ school

Female (2026)57th percentile-3 vs school

Special Education (2026)52nd percentile-7 vs school

Hispanic (2026)52nd percentile-8 vs school

White (2026)51st percentile-8 vs school

Multi-racial (2026)34th percentile-26 vs school

By subject vs Georgia (2025-2026) ?

Algebra I100%+52 vs state

HS Physical Science88%+27 vs state

Social Studies46%+6 vs state

Mathematics37%-6 vs state

Science31%~ state avg

2.5

4 ratings · 3 written reviews

5★1

4★0

3★1

2★0

1★2

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What people are saying

by a parent
Friday, January 31, 2014

Great school! Much improved under new principal and administration. They involve the parents and community. They care about your students and celebrate them on a regular basis. Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, January 19, 2013

The prior review on 11/12 is dead on. Poorly run and quite often the student's best interest is overlooked. The principal seems inexperienced and doesn't have the necessary skills needed to be in charge. Very disappointing. Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, November 17, 2012

Administration & teachers unwilling to help students that need help. Some teachers are downright nasty. Principal is useless. Very poor school & learning environment. Close Quote

Schools Near Palmer Middle School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				Milestones Assessment Algebra I (2026)	Milestones Assessment Mathematics (2026)			Milestones Assessment Science (2026)	Milestones Assessment Social Studies (2026)	Milestones Assessment HS Physical Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Milestones Assessment Algebra I End of Course	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 6th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 7th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 8th Grade	Milestones Assessment Science 8th Grade	Milestones Assessment Social Studies 8th Grade	Milestones Assessment HS Physical Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Palmer Middle School	Public	6-8	690 N Booth Rd NW	Kennesaw	30144	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(770) 591-5020	803	50	16.0	53.1%	288 (35.9%)	218 (27.1%)	191 (23.8%)	30 (3.7%)	3 (0.4%)	2 (0.2%)	71 (8.8%)	55.1	235^th of 578 public middle schools	59.3%		51.9	254^th of 584 public middle schools	56.5%	19	100.0	28.7	35.7	50.2	30.6	46.4	88.0	$14,607	$322	$14,284
Daniell Middle School	Public	6-8	2900 Scott Rd	Marietta	30066	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(678) 594-8048	884	59	15.0	57.8%	224 (25.3%)	282 (31.9%)	254 (28.7%)	76 (8.6%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	47 (5.3%)	62.1	191^st of 578 public middle schools	67.0%		70.5	148^th of 584 public middle schools	74.7%	43	100.0	36.4	49.8	51.9	33.0	39.0	82.9	$14,557	$340	$14,217
McCleskey Middle School	Public	6-8	4080 Maybreeze Rd	Marietta	30066	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(770) 928-5560	540	43	12.5	46.7%	265 (49.1%)	85 (15.7%)	143 (26.5%)	7 (1.3%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	39 (7.2%)	73.3	140^th of 578 public middle schools	75.8%		79.2	105^th of 584 public middle schools	82.0%	35	96.8	47.0	66.7	60.4		65.2	55.1	$18,163	$370	$17,793
Woodstock Middle School	Public	6-8	2000 Towne Lake Hills South Dr	Woodstock	30189	Cherokee County	Cherokee County	No	No	No	No	(770) 721-3060	1,075	72	15.0	42.2%	496 (46.1%)	164 (15.3%)	286 (26.6%)	44 (4.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	85 (7.9%)	84.2	74^th of 578 public middle schools	87.2%		75.3	126^th of 584 public middle schools	78.4%	52	100.0	56.6	54.3	64.8	49.8	56.1	96.9	$14,499	$296	$14,203
Awtrey Middle School	Public	6-8	3601 Nowlin Rd NW	Kennesaw	30144	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(770) 975-6615	593	46	12.8	48.1%	168 (28.3%)	218 (36.8%)	129 (21.8%)	23 (3.9%)	1 (0.2%)	3 (0.5%)	51 (8.6%)	57.5	221^st of 578 public middle schools	61.8%		58.6	214^th of 584 public middle schools	63.4%	7	96.3	54.6	39.8	38.0	15.0	49.0	81.7	$17,900	$326	$17,574
E. T. Booth Middle School	Public	6-8	6550 Putnam Ford Dr	Woodstock	30189	Cherokee County	Cherokee County	No	No	No	No	(770) 721-5500	1,675	110	15.2	40.8%	920 (54.9%)	202 (12.1%)	403 (24.1%)	60 (3.6%)	2 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)	86 (5.1%)	79.2	102^nd of 578 public middle schools	82.4%		74.5	129^th of 584 public middle schools	77.9%	27	96.9	48.0	57.2	55.2	47.0	55.3	94.8	$12,428	$196	$12,233
Barber Middle School	Public	6-8	4222 Cantrell Rd NW	Acworth	30101	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(770) 975-6764	790	55	14.4	57.8%	207 (26.2%)	298 (37.7%)	201 (25.4%)	25 (3.2%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	57 (7.2%)	48.8	267^th of 578 public middle schools	53.8%		48.7	275^th of 584 public middle schools	52.9%	8	87.1	35.0	35.1	42.5	32.4	31.1	75.4	$16,189	$744	$15,445
Simpson Middle School	Public	6-8	3340 Trickum Rd NE	Marietta	30066	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(770) 971-4711	884	58	15.3	19.7%	493 (55.8%)	94 (10.6%)	132 (14.9%)	112 (12.7%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	50 (5.7%)	92.8	23^rd of 578 public middle schools	96.0%		93.8	41^st of 584 public middle schools	93.0%	18	100.0	57.0	80.3	73.2	51.5	80.7	95.5	$14,029	$386	$13,642
Mabry Middle School	Public	6-8	2700 Jims Rd NE	Marietta	30066	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(770) 928-5546	938	57	16.4	14.5%	619 (66.0%)	75 (8.0%)	92 (9.8%)	97 (10.3%)	4 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	50 (5.3%)	91.8	35^th of 578 public middle schools	93.9%		95.5	29^th of 584 public middle schools	95.0%	6	100.0	66.2	65.1	81.3	48.5	66.8	89.1	$14,222	$320	$13,902
Pine Mountain Middle School	Public	6-8	2720 Pine Mountain Cir NW	Kennesaw	30152	Cobb County	Cobb County	No	No	No	No	(678) 594-8252	506	42	11.9	55.5%	134 (26.5%)	196 (38.7%)	107 (21.1%)	34 (6.7%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	32 (6.3%)	61.3	199^th of 578 public middle schools	65.6%		68.5	153^rd of 584 public middle schools	73.8%	46	100.0	52.6	40.1	44.1	24.4	49.8	70.9	$17,427	$325	$17,102

Frequently Asked Questions about Palmer Middle School

What is the racial makeup of Palmer Middle School?

Students at Palmer Middle School are 36% White, 27% African American, 24% Hispanic, 9% Two or more races, 4% Asian.

How many students attend Palmer Middle School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 803 students attended Palmer Middle School.

What district is Palmer Middle School in?

Cobb County

What high school do graduates of Palmer Middle School attend?

Students who attend Palmer Middle School usually go on to attend North Cobb High School

Is Palmer Middle School a good school?

Palmer Middle School ranks 235^th of 578 Georgia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Rate Palmer Middle School!

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Latest Georgia data All new data »

2025–26 attendance dataNewAug 6, 2026

2025–26 Milestones Assessment scoresNewAug 6, 2026

2024–25 dropout ratesFeb 19, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJan 20, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.