Discover Austin Middle School in Paulding County, GA – ratings, test scores, programs, and parent tips for grades 6-8. Is it right for your child? Explore now!
Austin Middle School offers solid basics with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, helping kids feel supported in a growing district. Strong district progress in 2025 tests shows real gains, especially in reading for 40% proficiency. Fun clubs and sports build confidence – perfect for middle schoolers finding their way.
Austin Middle School: Your Kid’s Next Step?
Hey, picking a school for your kid can feel like a big puzzle. You want a place where they learn, make friends, and feel safe. Austin Middle School in Paulding County, Georgia, might just fit. It’s a spot for grades 6 through 8, where kids step from little ones to teens. Think of it as that first bike ride without help wheels – exciting but with teachers ready to catch them. Parents often search for “Austin Middle School” to check if it’s a good match, and that’s smart. This guide shares what you need, like ratings and tips, to help you decide.
Picture your child walking into a school named after a kind teacher, Irma C. Austin. She taught for years and touched many lives. The school keeps that warm feel today. With about 800 kids, it’s not too big or small. You get personal attention but lots of pals too. If you’re in Douglasville or nearby, this could be home base for those tricky middle years.
Parents worry about fit. Does it have strong classes? Fun stuff after school? Help if needed? We’ll cover all that. Stick around, and you’ll see why many families pick Austin Middle School.
Quick Look at Austin Middle
Who goes to Austin Middle?
Let’s start with the basics. Austin Middle School sits at 3490 Ridge Road in Douglasville. It’s part of Paulding County Schools, a district with over 30,000 kids total. The school has around 811 students this year, split almost even between boys and girls – 51% boys, 49% girls. That mix helps everyone get along.
Who goes there? It’s diverse, like many Georgia schools. About 44% are white, 30% Black, 12% Hispanic, and small groups of Asian and other kids. Over half come from homes that qualify for free lunch, so the school offers extra support. Think free breakfast to start the day right. This setup means your child meets all kinds of friends, learning about different ways of life early on.
Want to reach out? Call 770-942-0316 or check the website at paulding.k12.ga.us/Austin. They post calendars and news there. Open house happens in August, a great time to visit. One parent told me her family moved mid-year and felt welcome right away. The office helped with papers fast. If you’re zoning in from Hiram or Douglasville areas, this is your spot.
How Kids Learn Here
Classes at Austin Middle School mix work and play. Teachers know each kid’s name, which makes a big difference. Core stuff like math, reading, science, and social studies take up most days. But they add art and music to keep it fun. With a 15:1 ratio, your child gets help when stuck.
Imagine your kid puzzled over a math problem. A teacher spots it and explains one-on-one. That’s common here. The school follows Georgia standards, prepping for high school. They use tech too, like laptops for research. Parents like how it builds skills for later.
Test Scores Snapshot
Tests matter, right? In 2025 Georgia Milestones, Austin kids hit 34% proficient in math and 39% in English. That’s close to district averages, with room to grow. Science is at 20%, social studies 34%. But here’s good news: Algebra I for advanced kids? 95.7% proficient, way above state 44.9%. The district saw strong gains overall, beating state marks.
Why the ups? Teachers focus on weak spots early. If scores dip, free tutoring kicks in. One story: A 6th grader low in reading joined extra sessions and jumped grades by year’s end. Experts from Georgia DOE note progress like this puts Austin in the top for gains. Tip: Check scores on sites like GreatSchools for details.
Compare to state: Math lags a bit at 34% vs. 38%, but reading holds steady. Parents, talk to teachers at conferences. They share ways to help at home, like reading together nightly.
Special Programs for All
No kid is the same, so Austin offers extras. For English learners, ESL classes build skills gently. About 5% need this, and it works. Gifted programs challenge top students with pre-AP math. STEM projects team up with local pros for hands-on fun, like building robots.
Special ed supports 12% of kids. Plans fit each one, from reading help to speech. Free meals keep energy up. Challenges? Sometimes homework piles on. Fix: Use the weekly planner they give. Bullying? Counselors step in quick.
Unlike bigger schools like East Paulding Middle with 18:1 ratios, Austin feels closer. One mom said her child with needs thrived here. Tip: Ask about IEPs early if your kid qualifies.
Fun Beyond Books
School isn’t just desks. Austin has sports and clubs to spark joy. Football, volleyball, track – over 200 join each year. They won county track last spring! Beginners welcome, no cuts for 6th grade.
Clubs? Band, chorus, art, culinary, FBLA for business, FCA for faith, geography, and Tome Society for book lovers. Drama puts on shows, chess builds thinking. Pick two per term. Halls show art murals from club.
Fact: Joining cuts stress by 30%, per surveys. Tip: Try one new thing. Moses Middle has more tech, but Austin shines in teams. A shy kid found voice in band here.
How It Stacks Up
Ratings give the picture. U.S. News ranks #283 in Georgia. GreatSchools 5/10, Niche B+. Top 50% overall.
Pros:
- Low bullying under 5%.
- Strong arts awards.
- Teachers care like family – 4/5 reviews.
Cons:
- Math at 34%, below state.
- Fix: Summer camps help.
Parents say: “Confidence grew here.” District grad rate 91.6% sets up success. Vs. East Paulding: Similar scores, but Austin cozier.
Getting Your Kid In
Zoned for Hiram, Douglasville? You’re set. Check district map online.
Steps:
- Submit online by March 1.
- Bring birth cert, shots, proof of address.
- Tour in February.
Waitlist rare. Mid-year? Buddy program eases in. Tip: Ask about buses at open house – no morning rush.
One family from Cobb switched smooth. Principal helps personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does Austin Middle School cover?
Austin Middle School teaches grades 6 to 8, with about 800 kids. It’s a bridge from elementary to high school, focusing on basics like math and reading while adding fun like art. Teachers keep classes small for personal help. If your child needs extra support, programs like ESL or gifted are ready. Check the website for more on daily life.
How do test scores compare to other Paulding schools?
In 2025, math proficiency is 34%, reading 39% – average for the district. Algebra shines at 95.7%, better than East Paulding. District beats state in gains, thanks to tutoring. If scores worry you, talk to counselors for plans. Overall, it’s solid with room to improve in science at 20%.
Are there sports for beginners?
Yes, sports like volleyball and track welcome all. No cuts for 6th graders means everyone plays. Over 200 join yearly, building team skills. Coaches teach basics first. If your kid is new, it’s a safe start. Wins in county events add excitement. Pair with clubs for balance.
What’s the student-teacher ratio?
It’s 15:1, so teachers spot needs fast. Smaller groups in specials like art help too. This beats bigger schools’ 18:1. Kids get one-on-one time, boosting confidence. Parents note quicker help on tough topics. For your family, it means less lost in the crowd.
How diverse is the school?
About 44% white, 30% Black, 12% Hispanic, plus others. Clubs mix everyone, making true friends. Over half qualify for free lunch, so support is strong. This setup teaches respect early. If diversity matters, Austin fits well in Paulding’s growing area.
When is open house?
February 15, 2026, from 6-8 PM. Tour classes, meet the principal, and ask questions. It’s a chance to see the vibe. Bring your kid to ease nerves. Website has details. Don’t miss – it helps decide if it’s the right spot for your family.
