The top reported proficiency rate is 80% in Science. The lowest is 56% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on New Century International Middle
New Century International Middle is a regular public middle school serving grades six through eight in Fayetteville, with an enrollment of roughly that size for the grade band. The school sits in a community shaped by military proximity, suburban car-oriented development, and a mix of residential neighborhoods spread across Cumberland County.
The school's most recent state testing shows uneven academic preparation. In English language arts, about three-fifths of students scored at proficiency or above on the End-of-Grade test. Math proficiency was noticeably lower, with just over half of students meeting that standard. Science was the standout: about four-fifths of students tested reached proficiency, though the science assessment changed this year so year-to-year comparison is not available. Across the three subjects, the pattern suggests a student body with particular strength in science reasoning but gaps in foundational math and literacy, common middle-grade challenges that benefit from targeted intervention.
The student body is economically diverse. More than half of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the school's role serving families across the income spectrum. Racially and ethnically, the school mirrors Fayetteville's military-influenced demography: roughly two-fifths of students are Black, about a fifth are Hispanic, a quarter are white, and the remainder span Asian, multiracial, and other backgrounds. Data on English learners and students with disabilities were not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those populations and their support services.
Fayetteville itself is a mid-sized city anchored by Fort Liberty, home to the Airborne and Special Operations Forces, which drives steady military family turnover and a dual economy of defense contractors and regional institutions. The city is overwhelmingly car-oriented; most daily life happens along auto-oriented corridors. The downtown core around Hay Street is walkable and anchored by the Market House, Segra Stadium, and restaurants, but schools are sited on separate campuses scattered across the county rather than in the downtown grid. The Cape Fear Valley Health system and Cumberland County Schools are the largest civilian employers. Housing in the area is modestly priced relative to national benchmarks, and the metro region is among the fastest-growing in the country for jobs, with new residential development particularly near the military base.
The district is in the midst of significant operational change. A major facilities study identified substantial repair needs across the school system, and in response the Board of Education approved a consolidation plan that includes closures and relocations, with Manchester Elementary and J.W. Coon already voted for closure. Some schools are shifting from year-round to traditional calendars. This reshapes attendance zones and busing across the district. Additionally, the district faced a structural budget deficit after federal pandemic-relief funding ended, and is drawing from reserves to cover recurring expenses. These are active changes that families should track with the district, as they affect school assignments and available resources.
For a parent or prospective resident, New Century International represents a typical middle-grade public school in a military-adjacent, growing Sun Belt city. The math proficiency gap is real and warrants conversation with the school about tutoring, interventions, and classroom support. The student composition is economically and racially diverse, and the school's role in a consolidating district means its attendance zone and programs may shift. The community around Fayetteville offers suburban stability and military-family familiarity but requires a car for most errands and activities outside the compact downtown.
See more original research from School Decision →