Serving 434 students in grades 4-8, James A. Shanks Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 4-8
- Enrollment: 434 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James A. Shanks Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
James A. Shanks Middle School's student population of 434 students has declined by 35% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 47% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
434 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar
School Motto
Teach. Transform. Trust.
School Rankings
James A. Shanks Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James A. Shanks Middle School is 0.46, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3414 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
26%
38%
Black
69%
21%
White
3%
34%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
86%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Gadsden School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James A. Shanks Middle School's ranking?
James A. Shanks Middle School is ranked #3414 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend James A. Shanks Middle School?
434 students attend James A. Shanks Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of James A. Shanks Middle School students are Black, 26% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are White, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James A. Shanks Middle School?
James A. Shanks Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does James A. Shanks Middle School offer ?
James A. Shanks Middle School offers enrollment in grades 4-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James A. Shanks Middle School part of?
James A. Shanks Middle School is part of Gadsden School District.
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