J Sam Gentry Middle School

1915 W Pine Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 346 students in grades 6-8, J Sam Gentry Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 346 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 31%
  • : Top 50% in NC
  • : 52% (Top 50%)
  • : 50% (Top 50%)
  • : 85-89% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

J Sam Gentry Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

J Sam Gentry Middle School's student population of 346 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
346 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars

School Rankings

J Sam Gentry Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of J Sam Gentry Middle School is 0.47, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#1183 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(21-22)
52%
51%
50%
50%
85-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
24%
21%
Black
2%
25%
White
69%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.47
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is J Sam Gentry Middle School's ranking?
J Sam Gentry Middle School is ranked #1183 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend J Sam Gentry Middle School?
346 students attend J Sam Gentry Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of J Sam Gentry Middle School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J Sam Gentry Middle School?
J Sam Gentry Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does J Sam Gentry Middle School offer ?
J Sam Gentry Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is J Sam Gentry Middle School part of?
J Sam Gentry Middle School is part of Surry County Schools School District.

School Reviews

Review J Sam Gentry 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 346 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 31%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 52% (Top 50%)
  • : 50% (Top 50%)
  • : 85-89% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Quick Links