Fort Payne Middle School ranked #438 in Alabama in 2023, declining from #393 in 2022 but generally ranking in the top 50% statewide over the past decade.
Math proficiency was 28% in 2023, lower than the Alabama state average of 30%, with a notable decline from 44% in 2019; reading proficiency improved to 55%, higher than the state average of 47% in 2022.
Minority enrollment made up 52% of 756 students in 2023, with a significant number of Hispanic students (334) and socioeconomic shifts showing 69% eligible for free lunch, up from 54% in 2022.
The school served grades 6–8 with a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 in 2023, improved from 18:1 in 2022, supporting an average class size of 25 in this Fort Payne, Alabama middle school.
Graduation rates consistently exceeded the state average, reaching 98% in 2023 compared to the state rate of 88%, reflecting strong student completion outcomes for this Union County AL middle school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 741 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Fort Payne Middle School's student population of 741 students has declined by 32% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
741 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
Fort Payne 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 Fort Payne Middle School is 0.58, 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
#438 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
44%
12%
Black
2%
31%
White
48%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fort Payne Middle School's ranking?
Fort Payne Middle School is ranked #438 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Fort Payne Middle School often compared to?
Fort Payne Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fyffe High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Fort Payne Middle School?
741 students attend Fort Payne Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Fort Payne Middle School students are White, 44% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Payne Middle School?
Fort Payne Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Fort Payne Middle School offer ?
Fort Payne Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fort Payne Middle School part of?
Fort Payne Middle School is part of Fort Payne City School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I would love for my 12 children to come to this school. It sounds like a great school! Can I have a principle to talk to. Thanks!
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