Summary:
Zip code 28338 is served by exactly one middle school: Ellerbe Middle, a small school for grades 6–8 in Ellerbe, NC, part of Richmond County Schools. With 182 students and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, Ellerbe Middle serves a very high-need population: over 98% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Chronic absenteeism is 20.9%, notably lower than the district's 28.0% and the state's 24.2% rate, indicating strong attendance despite the high poverty level.
The school has earned 2 out of 5 stars from the state and ranks around the 44th percentile among North Carolina middle schools, right in the middle of the pack. It consistently outperforms its district, which is ranked far lower statewide. In 2025–2026, Ellerbe's 8th graders exceeded district and state averages in Math (62.5% vs. 50.1% district and 53% state) and Reading (57.1% vs. 43.8% district and 56.1% state). The most impressive result is 8th Grade Science, where 75% of students were proficient, well above the district's 57.5% and the state's 68.6%. School-wide Math and Reading proficiency improved significantly from the previous year, though they still trail state averages overall. Seventh-grade Reading remains a weak spot at 38.2% proficiency.
The standout theme is that Ellerbe Middle outperforms district expectations, especially in the 8th grade, where students surpass the state in all three tested subjects. Sixth graders also showed dramatic improvement, with Math proficiency rising from 36% to 51.2% and Reading from 30% to 50% year over year. While Math and Reading proficiency across all grades remains slightly below state levels, the school's high science achievement and low chronic absenteeism relative to peers suggest positive momentum. Ellerbe Middle is a notable example of a high-poverty school that, despite challenges, delivers solid results in key areas.
Thank you for your feedback!