Middle Schools in Aiken 01

The Aiken 01 school district in South Carolina oversees 11 middle schools serving grades 6-8 (with Aiken Intermediate serving only 6th grade and Schofield Middle serving grades 7-8), enrolling roughly 4,820 students across communities like Aiken, North Augusta, Graniteville, and Wagener.

There is a clear performance divide within this district. Highland Springs Middle is the standout, ranking 80th statewide (4 stars) and exceeding state averages in every subject, with a remarkable 44-position jump from the prior year. Paul Knox Middle is also strong, ranking 95th (4 stars) with exceptional 7th and 8th grade ELA scores near 72%. North Augusta Middle (110th) and New Ellenton STEAM Magnet Middle (160th) round out the top half. At the other end, Schofield Middle (291st) and Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle (268th) struggle significantly, both with chronic absenteeism above 43%—more than double the state average—and math proficiency rates often below 27%. Jackson STEM Middle (246th) and A. L. Corbett Middle (275th) also rank in the bottom quartile.

Spending does not predict success here: New Ellenton STEAM Magnet Middle spends the most per student ($14,677) yet ranks mid-pack, while A. L. Corbett Middle spends the least ($9,755) but still outperforms Schofield Middle. Chronic absenteeism is the strongest differentiator—top schools like Highland Springs Middle (20.3%) and Paul Knox Middle (22.4%) have rates near or below the state average, while struggling schools have crisis-level rates. Mathematics is a district-wide weakness, especially in 7th grade, with proficiency ranging from 17.7% to 49.4%. For parents, the North Augusta-area schools clearly lead, while the Aiken city and rural schools need the most attention, particularly around attendance and math intervention.