Serving 456 students in grades 6-8, Southern Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 456 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southern Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Southern Middle School's student population of 456 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
456 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Motto
'Preparing students for success in a changing world.'
School Rankings
Southern Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Middle School is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1340 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)49%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Hispanic
17%
22%
Black
23%
24%
White
52%
42%
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Middle School's ranking?
Southern Middle School is ranked #1340 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Southern Middle School often compared to?
Southern Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northern Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Southern Middle School?
456 students attend Southern Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Southern Middle School students are White, 23% of students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Middle School?
Southern Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southern Middle School offer ?
Southern Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southern Middle School part of?
Southern Middle School is part of Person County Schools.
School Reviews
Review Southern Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
