Summary:
Zip code 31513, serving the Baxley, Georgia area, is home to just one middle school, Appling County Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and enrolls 759 students within the Appling County school district.
Appling County Middle School is a standout performer on a rapid upward trajectory. Over the past two years, its state ranking has jumped from the 57th percentile to the 82nd percentile, earning a 4-star rating. In the most recent testing year, the school exceeded state averages in every subject with available data, with particularly strong results in 8th grade science (46.3% proficient vs. 29.7% statewide) and social studies (54.5% vs. 40.2%). Math proficiency also improves as students advance, climbing from 49.1% in 6th grade to 57.4% in 8th grade, with the gap over the state average widening at each level. This consistent year-over-year growth across all subjects suggests effective instructional strategies are in place. The school also maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.8:1 and a chronic absenteeism rate slightly better than the state average, all while serving a student population where 100% qualify for free or reduced lunch.
The primary area of concern is English Language Arts (ELA). While current-year ELA scores are not yet released, the most recent available data shows a troubling decline, with 8th grade proficiency at 30.2% compared to the state average of 39.8% — a nearly 10-point gap. This contrasts sharply with the school's math and science strengths, suggesting literacy instruction may need targeted attention. However, given the school's remarkable improvement trajectory, strong district alignment (the district ranks 45th out of 201 in Georgia), and consistent gains in nearly every other subject, Appling County Middle School appears well-positioned to address this challenge and continue its ascent as one of the state's improving middle schools.
Thank you for your feedback!