For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,571 students in Clarke County, GA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clarke County, GA are Clarke Middle School, Burney-harris-lyons Middle School and Hilsman Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clarke County, GA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Georgia public middle school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 39% statewide average). Middle schools in Clarke County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Georgia public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Georgia public middle school average of 66% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Clarke County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Clarke Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1235 Baxter St
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 543-6547
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 543-6547
Gr: 6-8 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #22.
Burney-harris-lyons Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1600 Tallassee Rd
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 548-7208
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 548-7208
Gr: 6-8 | 707 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #33.
Hilsman Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
870 Gaines School Rd
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 548-7281
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 548-7281
Gr: 6-8 | 624 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Coile Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 Old Elberton Rd
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 357-5318
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 357-5318
Gr: 6-8 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Clarke County, GA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clarke County, GA include Clarke Middle School, Burney-harris-lyons Middle School and Hilsman Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Clarke County?
4 public middle schools are located in Clarke County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clarke County?
Clarke County public middle schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Georgia public middle schools average of 66% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Clarke County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Clarke County include: Burney-harris-lyons Middle School vs. Clarke Middle School, Hilsman Middle School vs. Clarke Middle School, Clarke Middle School vs. Burney-harris-lyons Middle School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.