Serving 320 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 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 320 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: J Sam Gentry Middle serves the northwest part of Mount Airy, NC, covering an area of approximately 114.1 square miles. Most students live within a typical driving distance of 10 to 15 minutes from the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 15 miles away.
- 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
Science Proficiency
School Overview
J Sam Gentry Middle School's student population of 320 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
320 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
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 0.45, 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
#1183 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)52%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Hispanic
25%
22%
Black
2%
24%
White
70%
42%
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.4%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
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?
320 students attend J Sam Gentry Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of J Sam Gentry Middle School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 3% 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 15:1, which is equal to 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.
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