Summary:
Zip code 30134 in Douglasville, Georgia is served by two middle schools—Irma C. Austin Middle School and Stewart Middle School—both covering grades 6-8 but operating under different districts: Paulding County and Douglas County, respectively.
Irma C. Austin is the stronger academic performer, ranking in the 48th percentile statewide compared to Stewart’s 19th percentile. The gap is most dramatic in 6th grade math, where Austin posts 41.1% proficiency versus Stewart’s 7.5%. Austin also exceeds the state average in 8th grade science (33.2% vs. 29.7%) and shows exceptional Algebra I results at 95.7% proficiency—more than double the state average. Stewart, while below state averages in most subjects, still achieves 69.6% proficiency in Algebra I, well above the state’s 44.9%. Both schools struggle with 8th grade math, falling far below the state average of 46.3% (Austin at 26.3%, Stewart at 19.8%).
Demographics and resources tell a complex story. Stewart serves a higher-needs population with 86.68% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, compared to Austin’s 58.31%. Despite spending $1,922 more per student ($15,239 vs. $13,317), Stewart’s outcomes lag significantly, suggesting funds may go toward support services rather than instruction. Chronic absenteeism is a critical concern at Stewart at 25.3%, far exceeding the state average of 17.7% and Austin’s 15.0%. Austin also shows notable year-over-year volatility, including a dramatic science improvement from 8.6% to 33.2% proficiency. For parents, Austin offers a more consistent, mid-tier education with strengths in advanced math and science, while Stewart faces substantial challenges tied to poverty and attendance that will require targeted interventions to close the achievement gap.
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