Serving 209 students in grades 6-8, West Pender Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 209 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Pender Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
West Pender Middle School's student population of 209 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
209 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
West Pender Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Pender Middle School is 0.70, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2458 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)20-24%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
30%
22%
Black
32%
24%
White
34%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Pender Middle School's ranking?
West Pender Middle School is ranked #2458 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are West Pender Middle School often compared to?
West Pender Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Topsail Middle School, Burgaw Middle School, Cape Fear Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend West Pender Middle School?
209 students attend West Pender Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of West Pender Middle School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 30% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Pender Middle School?
West Pender Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does West Pender Middle School offer ?
West Pender Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Pender Middle School part of?
West Pender Middle School is part of Pender County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Up and coming school in which many positive changes have taken place over the past few years. All students are being provided a comprehensive education experience in which they now have all core classes and at least two electives daily. Additional extra- curricular opportunities are available for all student. The current staff is well trained and have a big heart for the children and having high expectations for all students .
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