The top reported proficiency rate is 32% in Math. The lowest is 16% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Upson-lee Middle School
Upson-Lee Middle School serves grades six through eight in Thomaston, a small former mill town that is the county seat of Upson County and a regional hub for healthcare and education. The school sits in a community that lost major employers in the early 2000s when textile mills and a piano factory closed, but has since stabilized with downtown revitalization, modest housing investment, and new business activity. A local medical center, a hospitality-linen manufacturer, and a sustainable building materials company now anchor employment. Housing values are moderate and affordable compared to state and national benchmarks.
The school's current test results show persistent academic challenges. Across all tested grades and subjects, proficiency rates are well below what is typical for middle schools. In sixth-grade mathematics and English language arts, roughly one-third of students meet proficiency. Seventh-grade results are notably weaker, with proficiency in the high twenties for both math and ELA. Eighth-grade math sits in the low thirties, while science proficiency on the eighth-grade assessment is substantially lower, in the mid-teens. Social studies proficiency in eighth grade is also in the twenties. These numbers indicate that a clear majority of students are not yet meeting grade-level standards in core academic areas. The school serves a diverse student population in terms of race and ethnicity, with roughly half the enrollment white and a significant share Black, plus students from other backgrounds. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, reflecting the broader economic context of the community and district.
The district itself has been investing in facilities and infrastructure. In March 2023, Upson County voters approved an ESPLOST renewal alongside a substantial bond referendum. The Upson-Lee Athletic Complex broke ground in early 2025, marking the final project in a multiyear capital program aimed at reshaping school facilities across the system. These improvements are reshaping the physical learning environment, though academic outcomes remain an area of focus. The district also opted out of a statewide property tax assessment cap in early 2025, a decision the board said was necessary to preserve revenue for a system maintaining one of Georgia's lowest millage rates. That choice carries direct implications for families considering a home purchase in the area, as it means property tax assessments on school funding will rise with full market-rate growth rather than being capped to prior-year inflation.
A parent evaluating this school should understand that it is in a transition phase. The community is rebuilding after economic hardship, facilities are being upgraded, and district leadership is committed to maintaining investment in schools. At the same time, current proficiency data shows most students are below grade level in tested subjects. Families moving to the area may want to look into the school's intervention strategies and any changes in instructional approaches, as well as understand that academic support or supplemental learning opportunities may be needed for their child.
See more original research from School Decision →