Summary
North Stanly Middle is a public middle school in New London, North Carolina, serving 471 students in grades 6 through 8 as part of Stanly County Schools. The school is on a strong upward trajectory, rising from the 33rd percentile in 2023–2024 to the 59th percentile statewide (316th of 778 schools) for 2025–2026, earning a three-star rating. This places it among the top middle schools in the county and well above nearly all of its regional neighbors.
Academically, North Stanly stands out in several areas. Sixth grade math proficiency reached 69.5% in 2025–2026, above both the district (61.3%) and state (59.2%) averages, while 8th grade science proficiency (76.1%) and 8th grade reading (62%) also topped district and state benchmarks with room to spare. Only West Stanly Middle School ranks notably higher nearby, with Mount Pleasant Middle close behind, but North Stanly clearly outpaces South Stanly Middle, Erwin Middle, Concord Middle, West Middle, and Albemarle Middle. Much of the improvement is driven by the school's economically disadvantaged students, who rank in the 82nd percentile statewide — an especially meaningful result given that 99.4% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced lunch. Special education students have also made dramatic progress, moving from the 15th to the 53rd percentile in a single year.
Attendance has likely played a part in this turnaround. North Stanly's chronic absenteeism rate is 19.7%, far lower than nearby schools with similar student populations such as Albemarle Middle (34.2%), Concord Middle (33.2%), and Erwin Middle (35.6%). The school achieves these results while spending modestly — about $8,519 per student, less than several peers that score lower. Seventh grade math and reading remain slightly below district averages, suggesting a transition-year challenge worth watching, but the overall picture is encouraging. With steady gains across most subjects and student groups, improving attendance, and efficient use of resources, North Stanly Middle has become a strong middle school option for families in the New London area.
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