Summary:
Zip code 30236 in Jonesboro, Georgia, is served by two middle schools—Jonesboro Middle School and M. D. Roberts Middle School—both part of the Clayton County School District and both serving grades 6-8 with nearly identical enrollments (895 and 894 students, respectively) and 100% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch.
These two schools produce dramatically different results despite their similarities. M. D. Roberts Middle School is the clear standout, ranking in the 41st percentile statewide (2 stars) compared to Jonesboro Middle School, which sits in the bottom 10% (0 stars). In math, M.D. Roberts outperforms Jonesboro by 15-20 percentage points across all grade levels—for example, 30.4% vs. 11.1% proficiency in 6th grade. The most striking difference is in social studies, where M.D. Roberts achieves 40.7% proficiency (matching the state average) versus just 7.8% at Jonesboro. M.D. Roberts also offers advanced coursework, with an exceptional 74% proficiency rate in Algebra I—more than double the district rate—while Jonesboro offers no such courses. Chronic absenteeism tells a similar story: only 8.5% of M.D. Roberts students are chronically absent versus 36% at Jonesboro, a rate more than double the state average.
Both schools struggle with 8th grade science, with proficiency rates of 10.9% at Jonesboro and 6.5% at M.D. Roberts, both well below state averages. Per-student spending is nearly identical ($15,502 vs. $15,938), so funding does not explain the gap. English Language Arts scores for 2025-2026 are not yet available; the most recent data shows M.D. Roberts at or above state averages while Jonesboro lags significantly. For parents, the takeaway is clear: M. D. Roberts Middle School demonstrates that strong attendance and instructional quality can overcome economic challenges, making it the far stronger choice in this zip code.
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