Sanford Middle School ranked #578 in Alabama in 2023, declining from a peak rank of #410 in 2019 and #414 in 2021, placing it in the top 50% statewide overall.
Math proficiency was 26% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, declining significantly from 55% in 2019; reading proficiency remained approximately equal to the state average at 46% versus 47%.
Minority enrollment was 41% in 2023, including 53 Hispanic and 120 Black students, with 67% of students eligible for free lunch, rising from 33% in 1999, reflecting increasing socioeconomic need.
The school served grades 5–8 with an enrollment of 545 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1 in 2023, consistent with recent years.
Science proficiency stood at 35–39% in 2022, approximately equal to the state average of 38%, maintaining stable performance.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 533 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Sanford Middle School serves the western part of its school district in Opelika, AL, covering an area of approximately 335.8 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 23 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sanford Middle School's student population of 533 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
533 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
A Tradition of Excellence - A Vision for Tomorrow
School Rankings
Sanford Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sanford Middle School is 0.60, which is less 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
#578 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Black
20%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
59%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.1%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
Showing 2014–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanford Middle School's ranking?
Sanford Middle School is ranked #578 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Sanford Middle School often compared to?
Sanford Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Opelika Middle School, Smiths Station Junior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Sanford Middle School?
533 students attend Sanford Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Sanford Middle School students are White, 20% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 10% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sanford Middle School?
Sanford Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Sanford Middle School offer ?
Sanford Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Sanford Middle School part of?
Sanford Middle School is part of Lee County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I have been pleased with teachers my children have had. I wouldn't want them to be at any other school.
5 10/10/2025
I went to this school in 1971-72 looking for classmates wish I could find some if anyone has a annual from them I would love to see pictures ty
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