For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 3,066 students in Stanly County, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Stanly County, NC are Gray Stone Day, Oakboro Choice Stem and West Stanly Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Stanly County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Stanly County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Stanly County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gray Stone Day
Charter School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
49464 Merner Terrace
Misenheimer, NC 28109
(704) 463-0567
Misenheimer, NC 28109
(704) 463-0567
Gr: 6-12 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Oakboro Choice Stem
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1244 N Main St
Oakboro, NC 28129
(704) 961-4700
Oakboro, NC 28129
(704) 961-4700
Gr: K-8 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
West Stanly Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
339 Running Creek Church Rd
Locust, NC 28097
(704) 961-3600
Locust, NC 28097
(704) 961-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 662 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Stanly Academy Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1121 Austin St
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704) 961-4500
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704) 961-4500
Gr: 8-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
South Stanly Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
12492 Cottonville Road
Norwood, NC 28128
(704) 961-5700
Norwood, NC 28128
(704) 961-5700
Gr: 6-8 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
North Stanly Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
36605 Old Salisbury Rd
New London, NC 28127
(704) 961-3700
New London, NC 28127
(704) 961-3700
Gr: 6-8 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #77.
Albemarle Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1811 Badin Road
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704) 961-3400
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704) 961-3400
Gr: 6-8 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Stanly County, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Stanly County, NC include Gray Stone Day, Oakboro Choice Stem and West Stanly Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Stanly County?
8 public middle schools are located in Stanly County.
What is the racial composition of students in Stanly County?
Stanly County public middle schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Stanly County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Stanly County include: Albemarle Middle School vs. North Stanly Middle School, North Stanly Middle School vs. Albemarle 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.