Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

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.

Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School

Q: Is Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School a good school?

Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School ranks 205 th of 578 Georgia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 6-8

205^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 578 Georgia Middle Schools

Better than 65% of Georgia middle schools

Summary

Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School in Demorest, GA, serves 566 students in grades 6-8 as part of the Habersham County school district, which holds a 4-star rating statewide.

Wilbanks stands out most dramatically for its Algebra I results. The school has achieved 97.7% proficiency in 2025-2026, and an extraordinary 100% proficiency for three consecutive years prior—compared to 48.1% statewide. This is a remarkable, consistent outcome. However, it's important to note that this likely reflects a select group of accelerated learners, as the school's 8th grade math proficiency (44.7%) is closer to the state average (46.3%). The gap between Algebra I and grade-level math is much larger at Wilbanks than at North Habersham Middle School, which also hits 100% in Algebra I but posts 67.9% in 8th grade math. Wilbanks also exceeds the state in science (37.3% vs. 29.7%) and social studies (44.2% vs. 40.2%).

What makes these results particularly noteworthy is the school's student population: 92.4% qualify for free or reduced lunch, up sharply from 68.3% just two years ago. Despite this significant economic challenge, Wilbanks matches or exceeds state averages in most subjects—a pattern that defies typical expectations for high-poverty schools. The school also keeps chronic absenteeism at 13.2%, well below the state's 17.7%. Within Habersham County, Wilbanks ranks lowest among the three middle schools (205th statewide vs. North Habersham's 65th and South Habersham Middle School's 135th), with the largest gaps in 8th grade math and social studies. The school's biggest challenge is serving English Language Learners, who rank in the 8th percentile statewide. Overall, Wilbanks has shown resilience, improving from the 49th percentile in 2015-2016 to the 65th-70th percentile range in recent years, and its spending of $13,511 per student is mid-range compared to nearby schools like Rabun County Middle School ($17,774) and Banks County Middle School ($13,182).

566

Students ?

11.8

Student/teacher ratio ?

$13,511

Per pupil spending ?

92.4%

Free/discounted lunch ?

3115 Demorest Mount Airy Hwy
Demorest, GA 30535

(706) 778-0830

District: Habersham County

Students who attend Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School usually attend:

High:	Habersham Central High School
	Habersham Success Academy

Feeder schools for Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School:

Elementary:	Cornelia Elementary School
	Demorest Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

White:

44.7%

Hispanic:

44.3%

Two or more races:

5.5%

See top rated Georgia middle schools

Compare Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 49th percentile in 2016 → 65th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 16 percentile points since 2016

✓Above the Georgia median (65th percentile)

✓Small classes — about 12 students per teacher

Worth a look

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

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school44%

District avg51%

Georgia avg42%

205^th of 578

Georgia public middle schools ?

Top 35%▲ up 16 pts since 2016

From bottom 49% (2016) to top 35% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Georgia Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

3^rd of 3Middle Schools in the Habersham County

56^th of 202Habersham 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	60.8	205 of 578	64.5%	★★★☆☆
2025	64.6	177 of 585	69.7%	★★★★☆
2024	65.3	177 of 578	69.4%	★★★☆☆
2023	64.1	177 of 569	68.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	48.5	270 of 558	51.6%	★★★☆☆
2021	54.2	233 of 542	57.0%	★★★☆☆
2019	66.4	168 of 559	69.9%	★★★★☆
2018	60.9	180 of 543	66.9%	★★★☆☆
2017	52.3	236 of 539	56.2%	★★★☆☆
2016	46.4	280 of 545	48.6%	★★☆☆☆
2015	51.0	245 of 537	54.4%	★★★☆☆
2014	50.3	314 of 521	39.7%	★★☆☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	23.8	153 of 166	7.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2025	38.1	113 of 199	43.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	35.2	129 of 200	35.5%	★★☆☆☆
2023	55.2	49 of 166	70.5%	★★★★☆
2022	30.2	124 of 157	21.0%	★☆☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	55.5	217 of 550	60.5%	★★★☆☆
2025	60.2	203 of 567	64.2%	★★★☆☆
2024	61.9	186 of 558	66.7%	★★★☆☆
2023	65.6	162 of 553	70.7%	★★★★☆
2022	50.8	244 of 544	55.1%	★★★☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	35.9	230 of 374	38.5%	★★☆☆☆
2025	50.1	169 of 400	57.8%	★★★☆☆
2024	52.3	149 of 381	60.9%	★★★☆☆
2023	54.9	138 of 380	63.7%	★★★☆☆
2022	25.8	305 of 367	16.9%	★☆☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	63.1	174 of 550	68.4%	★★★☆☆
2025	66.4	157 of 569	72.4%	★★★★☆
2024	65.5	164 of 561	70.8%	★★★★☆
2023	59.9	193 of 559	65.5%	★★★☆☆
2022	44.6	297 of 553	46.3%	★★☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	58.5	130 of 425	69.4%	★★★☆☆
2025	52.4	162 of 442	63.3%	★★★☆☆
2024	52.1	165 of 437	62.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	67.4	78 of 429	81.8%	★★★★☆
2022	50.9	165 of 431	61.7%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	57.4	170 of 404	57.9%	★★★☆☆
2025	59.7	152 of 415	63.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	55.3	170 of 417	59.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	56.1	176 of 429	59.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	36.2	271 of 425	36.2%	★★☆☆☆

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)

Special Education (2026)69th percentile+5 vs school

Male (2026)68th percentile+4 vs school

Female (2026)61st percentile-4 vs school

White (2026)58th percentile-7 vs school

Hispanic (2026)39th percentile-26 vs school

English Language Learner (2026)8th percentile-57 vs school

By subject vs Georgia (2025-2026) ?

Algebra I98%+50 vs state

Social Studies44%+4 vs state

Mathematics42%~ state avg

Science37%+8 vs state

5.0

1 rating · 1 written review

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

Rate Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

What people are saying

by a parent
Wednesday, August 2, 2023

This is a great school. The staff and administrators are very welcoming and caring. Close Quote

Schools Near Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School

Load more schools when map is moved

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 (2025)	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 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 6th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 7th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 8th Grade	Milestones Assessment Science 5th 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
Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School	Public	6-8	3115 Demorest Mount Airy Hwy	Demorest	30535	Habersham County	Habersham County	No	No	No	No	(706) 778-0830	566	48	11.8	92.4%	253 (44.7%)	18 (3.2%)	251 (44.3%)	13 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (5.5%)	60.8	205^th of 578 public middle schools	64.5%		64.6	177^th of 585 public middle schools	69.7%	28	97.7		39.3	42.8	44.7		37.3	44.2		$13,511	$292	$13,219
South Habersham Middle School	Public	6-8	237 Old Athens Hwy	Cornelia	30531	Habersham County	Habersham County	No	No	No	No	(706) 778-7121	456	41	11.1	94.5%	178 (39.0%)	14 (3.1%)	233 (51.1%)	10 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (4.6%)	74.2	135^th of 578 public middle schools	76.6%		64.6	176^th of 585 public middle schools	69.9%	41	100.0		45.1	44.5	62.6		44.7	54.5		$15,933	$382	$15,551
North Habersham Middle School	Public	6-8	1500 Wall Bridge Rd	Clarkesville	30523	Habersham County	Habersham County	No	No	No	No	(706) 754-2915	542	44	12.2	78.8%	446 (82.3%)	8 (1.5%)	59 (10.9%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (4.8%)	86.2	65^th of 578 public middle schools	88.8%		84.7	80^th of 585 public middle schools	86.3%	15	100.0		50.9	51.7	67.9		57.1	67.4		$13,006	$263	$12,743
Stephens County Middle School	Public	6-8	1315 Rose Ln	Toccoa	30577	Stephens County	Stephens County	No	No	No	No	(706) 886-2880	848	62	13.6	96.7%	608 (71.7%)	114 (13.4%)	43 (5.1%)	7 (0.8%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	75 (8.8%)	55.5	232^nd of 578 public middle schools	59.9%		44.1	302^nd of 585 public middle schools	48.4%	70	86.9		38.9	41.3	47.2		36.4	30.0		$13,006	$226	$12,780
Stephens County Fifth Grade Academy	Public	5	1315 Rose Ln	Toccoa	30577	Stephens County	Stephens County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 886-2880	295	22	13.5	100.0%	205 (69.5%)	36 (12.2%)	16 (5.4%)	3 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	35 (11.9%)								(n/a)		45.8				43.2				$12,417	$992	$11,425
White County Middle School	Public	6-8	283 Old Blairsville Rd	Cleveland	30528	White County	White County	No	No	No	No	(706) 865-4060	900	62	14.4	85.3%	781 (86.8%)	10 (1.1%)	55 (6.1%)	5 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	48 (5.3%)	63.6	181^st of 578 public middle schools	68.7%		62.5	189^th of 585 public middle schools	67.7%	8	84.5		46.0	41.5	51.4		35.4	39.2	86.9	$12,500	$321	$12,178
Banks County Middle School	Public	6-8	712 Thompson St	Homer	30547	Banks County	Banks County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 677-2277	631	44	14.2	81.0%	514 (81.5%)	10 (1.6%)	78 (12.4%)	9 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (3.2%)	65.7	173^rd of 578 public middle schools	70.1%		62.4	190^th of 585 public middle schools	67.5%	17	100.0		38.3	40.7	54.0		46.8	41.9	93.1	$13,182	$515	$12,668
Rabun County Middle School	Public	7-8	95 Wildcat Pride Way	Tiger	30576	Rabun County	Rabun County	No	No	No	No	(706) 782-5470	341	31	11.1	89.7%	253 (74.2%)	3 (0.9%)	64 (18.8%)	2 (0.6%)	3 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (4.7%)	63	184^th of 578 public middle schools	68.2%		65.6	167^th of 585 public middle schools	71.5%	17	81.3			39.9	56.1		36.3	36.7	93.6	$17,774	$686	$17,088

Frequently Asked Questions about Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School

What district is Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School in?

Habersham County

How many students attend Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 566 students attended Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School.

Is Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School a good school?

Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School ranks 205^th of 578 Georgia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What high school do graduates of Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School attend?

Students who attend Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School usually go on to attend Habersham Central High School

What is the racial makeup of Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School?

Students at Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School are 45% White, 44% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 3% African American, 2% Asian.

Rate Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

GAGeorgia Middle School Rankings

GAGeorgia District Rankings

Schools in Demorest, GA

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School!

Latest Georgia data All new data »

2025–26 attendance dataAug 6, 2026

2025–26 Milestones Assessment scoresAug 6, 2026

2021–22 through 2024–25 Milestones Assessment scores (updated)Aug 6, 2026

2024–25 dropout ratesFeb 19, 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.