Serving 655 students in grades 6-8, Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Georgia state average of 66% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 655 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in GA
- Math Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School serves the southern part of Decatur, GA, covering an area of approximately 10.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 2.3 miles to the nearest edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 5.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School's student population of 655 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
655 students
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
You are the best. You are smart. You are sharp. That’s what you do…all day, every day. LION PRIDE!
School Rankings
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School is 0.43, 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
#2000 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
6%
5%
Hispanic
14%
20%
Black
74%
36%
White
2%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.8%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
63%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School's ranking?
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School is ranked #2000 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School often compared to?
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Miller Grove Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
How many students attend Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School?
655 students attend Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School?
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School offer ?
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School part of?
Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School is part of Dekalb County School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
As a parent it doesn't seem the school does not want parent involvement. The school doesn't seem organized. It's even difficult to get someone to pick up the school phone line. When you call you normally have to call several times to get anyone. Teachers do not return calls when you leave messages on their individual voicemails. Too much disruption in the classroom among students who are causing problems. From talking with my child and their friends that attend most students do not like the school. They may like some of the teachers but overall don't like the school.
5 10/10/2025
I am a parent, this school offers alot of parental involvement and encourages parents participation. We have to embrace and attend the programs. When I attended the programs and meetings, I was surprised to see the number of parents not in attendance. I am very pleased with this school, my child is graduating and passed all of her milestone exams. You are always going to have those students that's going to be a problem, As parents, we have to police our own children by ensuring they are not part of the problem but part of the solution.
4 10/10/2025
The school is great.
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