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Waycross Middle School

Summary:

Waycross Middle School is a public middle school located in Waycross, Georgia, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 583 students. The school is part of the Ware County School District, which is ranked 77 out of 203 districts in Georgia and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

One of Waycross Middle School's key strengths is its consistently high performance on the Algebra I End of Course exams, with 100% proficiency in 2023-2024, 95.8% in 2022-2023, and 100% in 2021-2022. This is significantly higher than the Ware County and Georgia state averages. Additionally, the school has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 12.4 to 13.5 over the past three school years, which is lower than the nearby Ware County Middle School. However, Waycross Middle School has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 66.77% to 86.28% over the past three school years, which is higher than the 80.33% rate at Ware County Middle School in 2022-2023.

While Waycross Middle School excels in Algebra I, its performance in other core subject areas, such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, is more inconsistent, with proficiency rates generally lower than the Ware County and Georgia state averages. Additionally, the school's statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, with a high of 164 out of 521 Georgia middle schools in 2013-2014 and a low of 333 out of 588 in 2023-2024, suggesting the need for the school to implement strategies to improve its overall academic performance. When compared to nearby schools, Waycross Middle School's performance is mixed, as it outperforms Ware County Middle School in some areas but lags behind the higher-performing Pierce County Middle School.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 700 Central Ave
       Waycross, GA  31501

(912) 287-2333

District: Ware County

SchoolDigger Rank:
333rd of 588 Georgia Middle Schools


Students who attend Waycross Middle School usually attend:

High:    Ware County High School

Feeder schools for Waycross Middle School:

Elementary:    Center Elementary School
    Memorial Drive Elementary School
    Williams Heights Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.4 Help
Number of students:  583

Racial breakdown:

African American:
45.1%
White:
39.8%
Two or more races:
7.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  86.3% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Waycross Middle School ranks worse than 56.6% of middle schools in Georgia. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 40.48. (See more...)
Student Body
Teachers
Finance
Schooldigger Rankings:

Waycross Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Waycross Middle School 333rd of 588 Georgia public middle schools. (See Waycross Middle School in the ranking list.)

Ware County:

SchoolDigger ranks Ware County 77th of 203 Georgia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Waycross Middle School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools GA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 49.68 242nd 420 42.4%
2007 65.80 143rd 445 67.9%
2008 54.79 224th 462 51.5%
2009 66.22 147th 466 68.5%
2010 64.21 178th 494 64.0%
2011 66.39 169th 504 66.5%
2012 67.99 155th 508 69.5%
2013 63.49 194th 527 63.2%
2014 67.62 164th 521 68.5%
2015 60.17 187th 537 65.2%
2016 59.65 193rd 545 64.6%
2017 50.66 252nd 539 53.2%
2018 44.52 296th 543 45.5%
2019 44.70 305th 559 45.4%
2021 43.42 289th 542 46.7%
2022 40.10 329th 567 42.0%
2023 46.94 282nd 577 51.1%
2024 40.48 333rd 588 43.4%
See the entire list of Georgia Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Georgia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Waycross Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    






Data source: Georgia Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Waycross Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 737 737
1993 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 750 750
1994 163 556 2 3 0 n/a n/a 0 724
1995 338 293 3 2 1 n/a n/a 0 637
1996 338 293 3 2 1 n/a n/a 0 637
1997 328 274 4 2 2 n/a n/a 0 610
1998 316 255 3 4 1 n/a n/a 0 579
1999 332 240 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 576
2000 313 282 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 598
2001 318 305 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 627
2002 328 298 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 630
2003 328 298 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 630
2004 315 294 4 1 0 n/a n/a 0 614
2005 304 301 5 1 0 n/a n/a 5 616
2006 283 296 2 3 1 n/a n/a 3 588
2007 286 282 2 4 0 n/a n/a 2 576
2008 273 286 3 6 0 n/a n/a 2 570
2009 249 270 2 6 0 n/a n/a 9 536
2010 227 273 6 12 0 0 12 0 530
2011 258 290 5 20 0 0 16 0 589
2012 271 265 3 23 0 0 16 0 578
2013 270 281 2 26 0 0 21 0 600
2014 253 277 4 24 0 0 21 0 579
2015 221 249 6 29 0 1 20 0 526
2016 233 249 10 33 1 1 21 0 548
2017 232 269 10 35 0 0 14 0 560
2018 243 256 14 38 1 0 26 0 578
2019 211 297 9 31 0 0 36 0 584
2020 209 321 16 32 0 0 39 0 617
2021 210 337 9 27 0 0 34 0 617
2022 225 317 11 26 0 1 36 0 616
2023 232 263 11 32 1 1 43 0 583

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Waycross Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1992 737 51.0 14.4 67.3
1993 750 47.0 16.0 67.6
1994 724 49.0 14.8 72.7
1995 637 42.0 15.2 54.5
1996 637 42.0 15.2 54.5
1997 610 45.0 13.6 56.1
1998 579 47.5 12.2 59.2
1999 576 51.3 11.2 57.1
2000 598 48.0 12.5 61
2001 627 49.5 12.7 53.4
2002 630 49.1 12.8 58.9
2003 630 49.1 12.8 58.9
2004 614 46.1 13.3 61.7
2005 616 49.6 12.4 59.7
2006 588 53.6 11.0 72.8
2007 576 48.7 11.8 61
2008 570 46.0 12.4 58.6
2009 536 45.8 11.7 60.5
2010 530 45.1 11.7 65.8
2011 589 44.3 13.2 63
2012 578 43.0 13.4 67
2013 600 42.9 13.9 68
2014 579 44.2 13.0 67.2
2015 526 46.0 11.4 90.1
2016 548 44.0 12.4 90.1
2017 560 40.0 14.0 90.2
2018 578 40.6 14.2 90.1
2019 584 43.5 13.4 66.8
2020 617 41.2 14.9 66.8
2021 617 46.1 13.3 66.8
2022 616 45.6 13.5 n/a
2023 583 47.0 12.4 86.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Waycross Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1992 737 51.0 14.4 67.3
1993 750 47.0 16.0 67.6
1994 724 49.0 14.8 72.7
1995 637 42.0 15.2 54.5
1996 637 42.0 15.2 54.5
1997 610 45.0 13.6 56.1
1998 579 47.5 12.2 59.2
1999 576 51.3 11.2 57.1
2000 598 48.0 12.5 61
2001 627 49.5 12.7 53.4
2002 630 49.1 12.8 58.9
2003 630 49.1 12.8 58.9
2004 614 46.1 13.3 61.7
2005 616 49.6 12.4 59.7
2006 588 53.6 11.0 72.8
2007 576 48.7 11.8 61
2008 570 46.0 12.4 58.6
2009 536 45.8 11.7 60.5
2010 530 45.1 11.7 65.8
2011 589 44.3 13.2 63
2012 578 43.0 13.4 67
2013 600 42.9 13.9 68
2014 579 44.2 13.0 67.2
2015 526 46.0 11.4 90.1
2016 548 44.0 12.4 90.1
2017 560 40.0 14.0 90.2
2018 578 40.6 14.2 90.1
2019 584 43.5 13.4 66.8
2020 617 41.2 14.9 66.8
2021 617 46.1 13.3 66.8
2022 616 45.6 13.5 n/a
2023 583 47.0 12.4 86.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Waycross Middle School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2017 $1,039 (10.6%) $8,741 (89.4%) $9,780
2018 $947 (9.7%) $8,818 (90.3%) $9,765
2019 $1,155 (11.1%) $9,295 (88.9%) $10,450

Data source: Georgia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Waycross Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 305th of 559 Middle schoolsRanks 282nd of 577 Middle schools
 5.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Waycross Middle School)45.925.1
 20.8%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Ware County)48.928
 20.9%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4639.2
 6.8%
6th Grade Mathematics (Waycross Middle School)26.319.5
 6.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Ware County)32.420.1
 12.3%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4032.9
 7.1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Waycross Middle School)34.226.6
 7.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Ware County)35.227.7
 7.5%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)3939.1
 0.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Waycross Middle School)38.325.3
 13%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Ware County)41.223.4
 17.8%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4334.9
 8.1%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Waycross Middle School)45.547.6
 2.1%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Ware County)5243
 9%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4742.1
 4.9%
8th Grade Mathematics (Waycross Middle School)36.342.1
 5.8%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Ware County)39.836.8
 3%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)3536.2
 1.2%
8th Grade Science (Waycross Middle School)22.931.6
 8.7%
   8th Grade Science (Ware County)37.725
 12.7%
   8th Grade Science (Georgia)3226.4
 5.6%
8th Grade Social Studies (Waycross Middle School)28.839.4
 10.6%
   8th Grade Social Studies (Ware County)33.831.8
 2%
   8th Grade Social Studies (Georgia)4135.9
 5.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students584583
 0.2%
African American297263
 11.4%
American Indian01
Asian911
 22.2%
Hispanic3132
 3.2%
Pacific Islander01
White211232
 10%
Two or More Races3643
 19.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients66.8%86.3%
 19.5%

Schools Near Waycross Middle School








Frequently Asked Questions about Waycross Middle School

Waycross Middle School ranks 333rd of 588 Georgia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at Waycross Middle School are 45% African American, 40% White, 7% Two or more races, 5% Hispanic, 2% Asian.

Students who attend Waycross Middle School usually go on to attend Ware County High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 583 students attended Waycross Middle School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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