Summary:
Zip code 30605 is home to one middle school, Hilsman Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and enrolls 624 students in the Athens area.
Hilsman Middle School stands out for serving an entirely economically disadvantaged population, with 100% of students participating in the free/reduced lunch program. The school receives substantial resources, spending $20,802 per student annually and maintaining a favorable 11:1 student-teacher ratio. However, the school faces significant challenges. Its state ranking has declined over three years, dropping from 443rd to 485th place, and chronic absenteeism affects 31.8% of students—nearly double the state average of 17.7%. This absenteeism likely contributes to below-average proficiency rates in most subjects. For example, 8th grade math proficiency is 24.8% compared to the state's 46.3%, and 8th grade social studies proficiency is 18.6% versus the state's 40.2%.
Despite these struggles, there are notable bright spots. The school's Algebra I End of Course proficiency rate is an impressive 72%, far exceeding both the Clarke County district average of 36.9% and the state average of 48.1%, suggesting that accelerated students are thriving. Additionally, 8th grade physical science proficiency (36%) outperforms the district rate (28.5%). Year-over-year data shows positive momentum in lower grades, with 6th grade math proficiency improving from 9.7% to 15.1% and 7th grade math rising from 17.9% to 18.8%. However, 8th grade math declined by 4 points, and Algebra I dropped 12 points. For parents, this school offers strong resources and a promising accelerated math program, but addressing chronic absenteeism will be critical to improving overall outcomes for all students.
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