Swainsboro Middle School

Swainsboro Middle School serves 596 students in grades 6 through 8 in the Emanuel County district, operating in a high-poverty community where all students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school has shown remarkable progress over the past several years, climbing from the 19th percentile statewide in 2018-2019 to the 45th percentile in the most recent school year—a significant jump that moved it from a 1-star to a 2-star rating and out of the bottom quarter of Georgia middle schools.

The most notable academic strength is in 8th-grade Social Studies, where 42% of students scored proficient—slightly above the state average of 40.2% and a dramatic 15-point improvement from the prior year. The school also shows strong results with its Hispanic students, who rank in the 64th percentile statewide and earn a 3-star rating. However, 7th-grade Mathematics remains a persistent challenge, with only 22.2% of students proficient compared to the state average of 42%. Special Education students also lag behind, ranking in the 19th percentile, highlighting an opportunity for more targeted support. Chronic absenteeism has improved significantly, dropping from 29.1% in 2021-2022 to 15.9% most recently, though it still exceeds state averages.

The school invests heavily in its students, spending $13,259 per pupil and maintaining a favorable 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio. While there are no other schools within 20 miles for direct comparison, the school generally outperforms its district in several key areas, including 8th-grade Social Studies. The overall trajectory is one of consistent improvement, with proficiency rates rising in nearly every subject and grade level year over year. For parents, this school represents a community that is clearly moving in the right direction, with strong recent gains and a commitment to addressing its remaining challenges.