Pearson Middle School

Pearson Middle School in Marietta, GA, serves 806 students in grades 6-8 within the Cobb County School District, where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school has a 1-star rating and ranks in the bottom quartile of Georgia middle schools, though its state percentile has improved from the 16th to the 24th over the past few years.

The most striking finding is the "Algebra I paradox." Pearson's students taking Algebra I score exceptionally well—88% proficient in 2025-2026, far above the district average of 59.4% and state average of 48.1%. This performance rivals top schools like Lovinggood Middle School and Griffin Middle School, both at 100%. However, students in standard grade-level math courses struggle significantly: only 22.2% of 6th graders, 18.6% of 7th graders, and 17.4% of 8th graders are proficient, compared to district averages around 48-55%. A similar pattern appears in science, where 8th graders in advanced physical science score 68.9% proficient, but regular 8th grade science proficiency is just 8%—the lowest among comparable schools. Social studies showed a bright spot, jumping from 16.3% to 34% proficiency in one year.

Pearson spends $16,353 per student—more than higher-performing nearby schools like Lovinggood ($13,392) and East Cobb Middle School ($14,072)—yet outcomes lag, likely reflecting the high level of economic need. Encouragingly, chronic absenteeism has dropped dramatically from 31% to 19.1% over four years, and English Language Learner students rank relatively strong statewide (37th percentile). Compared to demographically similar schools like Floyd Middle School and Smitha Middle School, Pearson's advanced students hold their own, but standard-course students trail, especially in 8th grade math (17.4% vs. 29.7% and 34%). The school is showing gradual improvement, with its strongest assets being advanced coursework and attendance gains.