Serving 400 students in grades 6-8, James E Shepard 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 43% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (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 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James E Shepard Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Student Attention
School Overview
James E Shepard Middle School's student population of 400 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
400 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
James E Shepard 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 James E Shepard Middle School is 0.50, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1571 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
34%
21%
Black
62%
25%
White
2%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James E Shepard Middle School's ranking?
James E Shepard Middle School is ranked #1571 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend James E Shepard Middle School?
400 students attend James E Shepard Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of James E Shepard Middle School students are Black, 34% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of James E Shepard Middle School?
James E Shepard Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does James E Shepard Middle School offer ?
James E Shepard Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is James E Shepard Middle School part of?
James E Shepard Middle School is part of Durham School District.
School Reviews
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