Summary
Valdosta Middle School in Valdosta, GA, serves approximately 1,024 students in grades 6-8 within the Valdosta City district, and it is the largest middle school in its immediate comparison group. The school has earned a 2-star rating and ranks in the 37th percentile statewide, a modest improvement from last year. About 87% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and the school's chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6% is better than the district average of 24.9% but still above the state's 17.7%.
The most striking strength at Valdosta Middle is its advanced coursework. In 2025-2026, 83.9% of students taking the Algebra I End-of-Course exam scored proficient or better—far exceeding the state average of 48.1% and the district's 24.1%. This success has been consistent for four years, with proficiency rates never falling below 63.6%. Similarly, 77.1% of 8th graders in High School Physical Science scored proficient, compared to 60.9% statewide. However, the school shows a stark divide: while advanced students thrive, only 20.8% of 6th graders, 30.3% of 7th graders, and 36.8% of 8th graders are proficient in grade-level math. In 8th grade science, just 13% are proficient, well below the state's 29.7%.
Compared to nearby schools, Valdosta Middle outperforms Newbern Middle School in the same district on nearly every metric, including a 37th versus 16th percentile ranking and lower chronic absenteeism. Yet it trails Hahira Middle School (97th percentile) and Pine Grove Middle School (75th percentile) in Lowndes County. Even Lowndes Middle School, serving a 100% low-income population, posts higher grade-level proficiency rates. The school's Special Education students rank in the 16th percentile, a critical area needing support. Valdosta Middle spends $13,211 per student, less than Newbern but more than Hahira, suggesting efficient use of resources in its advanced programs, though general education outcomes remain a challenge.
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