John J. Pershing Middle School is a middle school in Houston, Texas, United States. It is located in the Braeswood Place neighborhood, near the Texas Medical Center. The school, that serves around 1,650 students in grades 6 through 8, is managed by the Houston Independent School District.
Serving 1,141 students in grades 6-8, Pershing Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,141 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in TX
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Pershing Middle serves the southwest area of Houston, TX, covering approximately 13.9 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 3.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
Pershing Middle School's student population of 1,141 students has declined by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 72 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
1,141 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
72 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1928
School Rankings
Pershing Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pershing Middle School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3420 out of 8096 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
44%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
8%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
37%
54%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
36%
13%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
15%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.5%
23%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
56%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
Showing 2012–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Red, Grey
School Mascot
Panda
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pershing Middle School's ranking?
Pershing Middle School is ranked #3420 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are Pershing Middle School often compared to?
Pershing Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lanier Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
How many students attend Pershing Middle School?
1,141 students attend Pershing Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Pershing Middle School students are Hispanic, 36% of students are Black, 15% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pershing Middle School?
Pershing Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Pershing Middle School offer ?
Pershing Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Pershing Middle School part of?
Pershing Middle School is part of Houston Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Pershing Middle School located?
Pershing Middle School is located in the Braeswood neighborhood of Houston, TX. There are 3 other public schools located in Braeswood.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
I was so excited when my child started 6th grade at Pershing, now I can't wait until their 8th grade year is over. The administration are biased and very seldom take the students word for anything. Heaven forbid a parent stick up for their child. My child has been bullied and has been in fights. My child has picked up so many bad habits from some of the students - habits she did not have before coming to Pershing. Some teachers care and other do not. They talk to the students like they are students themselves. My child has been called a "liar" by an instructor. It may have been an exemplary school years ago, but no more.
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