James Madison Middle School

1160 Overland Rd Sw
Roanoke, VA 24015
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
James Madison Middle School located in the Franklin-Colonial neighborhood of Roanoke, Virginia, USA, is situated on a large hill with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Opened in 1970, it is a magnet school for technology and is part of the Roanoke City Public Schools. The school's athletics teams are the Matadors.
Serving 598 students in grades 6-8, James Madison Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 598 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 55%
  • : Bottom 50% in VA
  • : 54% (Btm 50%)
  • : 68% (Btm 50%)
  • : 68% (Top 30%)
  • : James Madison Middle serves the southern part of Roanoke, VA, covering an area of approximately 10.7 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 2.1 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

School Overview

James Madison Middle School's student population of 598 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
598 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
1970
School Motto
Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Ready to Learn.

School Rankings

James Madison Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Madison Middle School is 0.67, 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.
This School
State Level (VA)
#1229 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
54%
68%
(20-21)
68%
69%
(20-21)
68%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
3%
8%
Hispanic
9%
20%
Black
34%
21%
White
45%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
0.67
(22-23)
33.3%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is James Madison Middle School's ranking?
James Madison Middle School is ranked #1229 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are James Madison Middle School often compared to?
James Madison Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Addison Aerospace Magnet Middle School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend James Madison Middle School?
598 students attend James Madison Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of James Madison Middle School students are White, 34% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Madison Middle School?
James Madison Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does James Madison Middle School offer ?
James Madison Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James Madison Middle School part of?
James Madison Middle School is part of Roanoke City School District.

School Reviews

Review James Madison 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

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 598 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 55%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 54% (Btm 50%)
  • : 68% (Btm 50%)
  • : 68% (Top 30%)
  • : James Madison Middle serves the southern part of Roanoke, VA, covering an area of approximately 10.7 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 2.1 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

Request Information

Quick Links