Serving 423 students in grades 6-8, James E Shepard 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 43% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is lower than 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 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 423 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
James E Shepard Middle School's student population of 423 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
423 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
James E Shepard 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 James E Shepard Middle School is 0.52, 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
#1571 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)43%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 30-year historical data
Hispanic
31%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Black
62%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
2%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 31-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 25-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James E Shepard Middle School's ranking?
James E Shepard Middle School is ranked #1571 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend James E Shepard Middle School?
423 students attend James E Shepard Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of James E Shepard Middle School students are Black, 31% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James E Shepard Middle School?
James E Shepard Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does James E Shepard Middle School offer ?
James E Shepard Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James E Shepard Middle School part of?
James E Shepard Middle School is part of Durham School District.
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