Summary:
Zip code 31903 in Columbus, Georgia is served by two middle schools—Baker Middle School and Eddy Middle School—both part of the Muscogee County School District, serving grades 6-8 in a high-poverty area where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Both schools rank in the bottom 3% of Georgia middle schools, but they show different strengths. Baker Middle School (631 students) has a notably better chronic absenteeism rate at 12.8%, well below the district's 19.5% and the state's 17.7%, and it outperforms Eddy in 8th grade science (8.1% proficient vs. 4.2%). Eddy Middle School (448 students) counters with stronger math scores in 7th and 8th grades (10.4% and 9.0% vs. Baker's 6.7% and 6.2%), a more favorable student-teacher ratio (14.3:1 vs. 15.6:1), and higher per-student spending ($13,545 vs. $13,081). Both schools have improved their state rankings over two years—Baker moved from 579th to 564th, and Eddy from 573rd to 566th—though they remain near the bottom.
The academic gaps are stark: 6th grade math proficiency is just 4.0% at Baker and 2.9% at Eddy, compared to the state average of 40.7%, and 8th grade social studies proficiency sits near 5% at both schools versus 40.2% statewide. Higher spending at Eddy has not translated into better overall outcomes, suggesting poverty-related challenges outweigh resource differences. Baker's strong attendance record offers a foundation for improvement, while Eddy's math gains in upper grades show progress is possible. Parents should expect very low test scores but also see that both schools are making incremental strides, with each having distinct areas to build upon.
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