Discovery Middle School ranked #133 statewide in Alabama in 2023, marking a decline from its peak rank of #53 in 2017 among Alabama public schools.
The school's 2023 math proficiency was 50%, higher than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency stood at 72%, higher than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency reached 60%, higher than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment decreased from 1,374 students in 2022 to 1,069 in the latest count, with minority enrollment at 40%, reflecting consistent demographic diversity for this Madison, AL middle school.
Discovery Middle School served grades 6–8 with a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 and an enrollment of 1,069 students, with 259 students eligible for free lunch, indicating Title I status.
The school's graduation rate remained steady at 95% in 2023, higher than the Alabama state average of 88% for that year.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,054 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 50% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 72% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Discovery Middle School serves the northeast part of Madison, AL, covering an area of approximately 12.1 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of about 2.1 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 5.1 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Discovery Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Discovery Middle School's student population of 1,054 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,054 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Attitude + Education = Altitude, So Charge Up a Smile!
School Rankings
Discovery Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Discovery Middle School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#133 out of 1275 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
7%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Black
17%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
White
59%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.4%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Discovery Middle School's ranking?
Discovery Middle School is ranked #133 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Discovery Middle School often compared to?
Discovery Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Liberty Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 72% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Discovery Middle School?
1,054 students attend Discovery Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Discovery Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 7% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Discovery Middle School?
Discovery Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Discovery Middle School offer ?
Discovery Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Discovery Middle School part of?
Discovery Middle School is part of Madison City School District.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
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