Summary:
Zip code 30823, serving the Stapleton area of Georgia, is home to just one school: Jefferson County Middle School, a public school serving grades 6 through 8 with 440 students in the Jefferson County district.
As the only school in the area, Jefferson County Middle School presents a clear picture of local education. The school has shown meaningful progress over the past three years, climbing from the 12th percentile in state rankings (2023-2024) to the 20th percentile (2025-2026), a gain of 52 positions. Mathematics scores improved across all grade levels year-over-year, with 7th grade jumping 6.8 percentage points to 19.5% proficiency and 6th grade rising to 26.8%. Social Studies nearly doubled from 9.0% to 17.7% proficiency. However, 8th-grade Science declined from 15.1% to 10.6%, now less than half the state average of 29.7%. Despite these gains, the school still trails state averages by 15-24 percentage points in most subjects, with proficiency rates in the bottom quintile of Georgia schools.
The school invests heavily in its students, spending $13,995 per pupil with a favorable 12.2:1 student-teacher ratio. All 440 students qualify for free/reduced lunch, reflecting a high-poverty population. Chronic absenteeism affects 21.1% of students, notably higher than the state's 17.7% rate, which likely compounds academic challenges. The school's performance exactly matches district figures, as it is the district's only middle school. English Language Arts scores from 2025-2026 are not yet available (expected in December); the most recent data showed proficiency around 15-18%, roughly 23-25 points below state averages. The combination of rising math scores, improving rankings, and substantial resource allocation suggests a school on an upward trajectory, though sustained support will be needed to close persistent achievement gaps.
Thank you for your feedback!