Middle Schools in Dare County Schools

The Dare County Schools district in North Carolina is home to two middle schools: First Flight Middle School and Manteo Middle School. While both schools serve students in grades 6-8, the data analysis reveals that First Flight Middle School stands out as the top performer in the district.

First Flight Middle School has consistently ranked in the top 113 out of 793 middle schools in North Carolina, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's exceptional test scores across all grades and subjects, as well as its diverse student population, suggest that it is providing a high-quality education to its students. In contrast, Manteo Middle School has a lower statewide ranking, with a 3-star rating, and generally lower test scores compared to the district and state averages.

The data also reveals socioeconomic differences between the two schools, with Manteo Middle School serving a higher percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as indicated by the higher free and reduced lunch rate. Despite Manteo Middle School having a higher spending per student, the academic outcomes at First Flight Middle School are significantly better, suggesting that factors beyond just funding, such as instructional quality and school leadership, may play a more significant role in driving student success.