Summary:
ZIP code 30115 in Canton, Georgia, is served by two high-performing middle schools—Dean Rusk Middle School and Creekland Middle School—both part of the Cherokee County School District, which ranks in the 89th percentile statewide. Together, these schools educate more than 3,000 students in grades 6-8, and both rank in the top 11% of all Georgia middle schools, making this one of the strongest middle school markets in the state.
Both schools are excellent, but they have slightly different strengths. Dean Rusk Middle School holds the edge in overall state ranking (58th vs. 64th) and earns a 5-star rating, while Creekland Middle School earns 4 stars. In advanced coursework, both are extraordinary: Dean Rusk posts a perfect 100% proficiency in Algebra I and 98.4% in HS Physical Science, while Creekland is nearly as strong at 98.7% and 91.1%, respectively—far exceeding state averages of 48.1% and 60.9%. In grade-level math, Dean Rusk leads in 6th grade (57.9% vs. 54.2%) and 8th grade (71.8% vs. 69.1%), but Creekland has a notable advantage in 7th-grade math (63.7% vs. 55.8%). Both schools also keep chronic absenteeism well below the state average of 17.7%, with Creekland particularly strong at 9.3%.
Families should note that both schools have improved their state rankings for three consecutive years, indicating sustainable growth. Dean Rusk serves a slightly more economically diverse population (30.2% free/reduced lunch vs. Creekland's 21.6%) yet still achieves a higher overall ranking, suggesting effective support for all learners. The one area for improvement at both schools is 8th-grade science, where proficiency (43.7-47.4%) lags behind other subjects, though it still beats the state average of 29.7%. With nearly identical per-student spending (a difference of just $47), these schools deliver exceptional value. Ultimately, parents in 30115 have two outstanding options—choose Dean Rusk for slightly higher overall rankings and 6th/8th-grade math strength, or Creekland for superior 7th-grade math and even lower absenteeism.
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