Serving 209 students in grades 6-8, West Pender Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North 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 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 209 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Pender Middle serves the western part of Burgaw, NC, covering an attendance area of approximately 235.4 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the farthest edge of the zone being about 14.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Pender Middle School's student population of 209 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
209 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
West Pender Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Pender Middle School is 0.70, 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
#2458 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)20-24%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
30%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
32%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
34%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
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)28.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
7%
3%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Pender Middle School's ranking?
West Pender Middle School is ranked #2458 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are West Pender Middle School often compared to?
West Pender Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Topsail Middle School, Burgaw Middle School, Cape Fear Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend West Pender Middle School?
209 students attend West Pender Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of West Pender Middle School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 30% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Pender Middle School?
West Pender Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does West Pender Middle School offer ?
West Pender Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Pender Middle School part of?
West Pender Middle School is part of Pender County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Up and coming school in which many positive changes have taken place over the past few years. All students are being provided a comprehensive education experience in which they now have all core classes and at least two electives daily. Additional extra- curricular opportunities are available for all student. The current staff is well trained and have a big heart for the children and having high expectations for all students .
Review West Pender Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
