Summary:
Zip code 30106 in Austell, Georgia, is served by two middle schools—Cooper Middle School and Garrett Middle School—both part of the Cobb County School District, which ranks in the top third of Georgia districts.
Cooper is the clear standout in this area. It holds a 4-star state rating and ranks in the 70th percentile of Georgia middle schools, while Garrett sits at 2 stars and ranks in the 37th percentile. The gap is most dramatic in 8th grade social studies, where Cooper’s 60.9% proficiency rate is nearly triple Garrett’s 22.0%. Cooper also leads in 8th grade math (51.3% vs. 34.9%) and science (44.8% vs. 27.9%). Both schools serve high-poverty populations (91.7% and 100% free/reduced lunch), yet Cooper exceeds state averages in 8th grade math, science, and social studies, while Garrett trails state averages in most subjects. Cooper has also improved its state ranking over the past two years, while Garrett has remained stagnant in the bottom half.
A notable pattern at both schools is the advanced coursework paradox: students taking Algebra I and high school Physical Science post proficiency rates well above district and state averages (Cooper hits 100% in Algebra I), yet grade-level math and science proficiency remains low. This suggests strong preparation for advanced-track students but challenges for the broader population. Chronic absenteeism is another differentiator—Garrett’s rate is 20.4%, well above the district average of 14.2%, while Cooper sits at 14.4%. Garrett also spends slightly more per student ($14,833 vs. $14,423) despite weaker outcomes, pointing to potential opportunities for more targeted interventions around attendance and foundational skills. For parents, Cooper offers a proven track record of exceeding benchmarks despite economic challenges, while Garrett shows some year-over-year gains in several subjects but still faces significant hurdles in closing the achievement gap.
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