Serving 454 students in grades 6-8, Polk County Middle School ranks in the top 30% 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 60% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 454 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 60% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Polk County Middle School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Mill Spring, NC, covering approximately 238.5 square miles. The typical drive to the school is around 15-20 minutes, with an average distance of 8.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 13.2 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Polk County Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Polk County Middle School's student population of 454 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
454 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Polk County Middle School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polk County Middle School is 0.42, 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
#598 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
14%
22%
Black
4%
24%
White
75%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.2%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polk County Middle School's ranking?
Polk County Middle School is ranked #598 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Polk County Middle School?
454 students attend Polk County Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Polk County Middle School students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polk County Middle School?
Polk County Middle School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polk County Middle School offer ?
Polk County Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Polk County Middle School part of?
Polk County Middle School is part of Polk County Schools.
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