Jenkins County Middle School

Jenkins County Middle School in Millen, GA, serves approximately 260 students in grades 6-8 and has earned a 3-star rating, ranking in the 57th percentile of Georgia middle schools—a remarkable climb from a 1-star rating a decade ago. The school has shown steady, systemic improvement over the years, jumping from the 20th percentile in 2016-2017 to its current standing, and it significantly outperforms its own Jenkins County district, which carries a 1-star rating.

The school's standout strength is science. In 2025-2026, 41.9% of 8th graders scored proficient on the Milestones Science assessment—well above the state average of 29.7% and more than double the district's 20.7%. This isn't a fluke; the school has beaten the state in science for four straight years. Social studies is another bright spot, with 45.9% proficiency versus 40.2% statewide. Math proficiency rates (ranging from 28% to 37.8% across grades) are roughly double the district averages, though they trail the state slightly. Compared to nearby Screven County Middle School, Jenkins County wins in 8th grade science (41.9% vs. 25.6%) and is competitive in 6th grade math, though Screven offers advanced Algebra I coursework that Jenkins County does not. Against Burke County Middle School, Jenkins County is clearly superior, outperforming it in every subject by 15-30 percentage points.

With 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school serves a highly economically challenged population yet achieves near-state-average results in several subjects—a sign of effective teaching. Per-student spending has risen to $13,551, which is less than both neighboring districts yet yields better outcomes than Burke County. The main challenges are chronic absenteeism (26%, though better than the district's 44.3%) and the lack of an accelerated math pathway. If the school can improve attendance and add advanced coursework, it appears well-positioned to continue its impressive upward trajectory.