Serving 495 students in grades 7-8, Sandhills Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South 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 17% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 495 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Sandhills Middle's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Gaston, SC, covering approximately 118.6 square miles. The zone typically requires a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 9.3 miles to the nearest edge and extending up to 12.8 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sandhills Middle School's student population of 495 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
495 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Sandhills Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sandhills Middle School is 0.69, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1044 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
30%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Black
23%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
41%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
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)41%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
6%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sandhills Middle School's ranking?
Sandhills Middle School is ranked #1044 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
How many students attend Sandhills Middle School?
495 students attend Sandhills Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Sandhills Middle School students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sandhills Middle School?
Sandhills Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Sandhills Middle School offer ?
Sandhills Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Sandhills Middle School part of?
Sandhills Middle School is part of Lexington 04 School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
I am a current student at SMS and I don't like it. Half the teachers do there job and help us learn the other half tell us to watch videos from other teachers to learn from that. I know some of my friends are very unhappy here.
5 10/10/2025
it a great school
4 10/10/2025
I'm a student here. It is a good school. Just when you get a referral, they dramatize it a lot.
3 10/10/2025
I was a student there last year and I have to say it's probably the most decent school in Lexington 4 but still kinda ghetto though.
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