The top reported proficiency rate is 70% in Science. The lowest is 55% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on A G Cox Middle
A G Cox Middle serves students in grades six through eight in Winterville, a small town just south of Greenville in Pitt County. The school educates a population that is predominantly economically disadvantaged; nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment is split roughly evenly across the three grades, and the school's student body is racially diverse, with a majority of students who identify as Black, alongside substantial shares of white students and smaller populations of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students.
On state end-of-grade assessments, the school's performance is mixed. In English language arts, about half of students tested scored at proficiency or above. Math proficiency sits at a similar level. Science is a clearer strength, with performance notably higher. The state made changes to the science assessment this year, so direct comparison to prior years is not possible. Science test participation appears narrower than in math and English, which is typical for middle school scheduling in North Carolina. Across math and English, the school falls below the midpoint of proficiency compared to what state data would show.
The school sits in a town experiencing economic growth and residential expansion. Winterville is Pitt County's fastest-growing municipality, with new subdivisions built in recent years featuring modern amenities. Housing values have risen modestly, and rental costs remain moderate relative to median household income. The town is largely car-dependent, though the historic Olde Towne corridor near Main Street has walkable street-level activity. Civic life centers on Winterville Recreation Park, which is adjacent to the school and hosts the town's annual Watermelon Festival. Major nearby employers include Pitt Community College in Winterville itself and healthcare, university, and industrial operations in adjacent Greenville, making the area a draw for working families and retirees.
The broader Pitt County Schools district, which enrolls students across eight towns from Ayden to Winterville, has undertaken significant policy changes and planning. In June of last year, the board rescinded its diversity policy and removed equity and inclusion language from multiple district policies, a shift families should understand as they evaluate school climate. The district also unveiled a long-range facilities plan calling for renovation or replacement of about half its buildings at substantial cost, including a new high school; a county bond referendum is likely in the coming year to fund these improvements. On a more positive note, the county approved salary increases for school staff in response to a study showing Pitt County employees earned less than peers in other districts, an effort to improve retention.
A G Cox is a regular public middle school with no magnet or charter designation. Its enrollment size is typical for a middle school in a growing small town. The school's testing data shows room for improvement in the core academic subjects that serve as the foundation for high school readiness, though strength in science and the community context of steady growth suggest engaged families and a school working within an evolving system. A parent considering this school may want to learn more directly from the school about its instructional approaches in math and English and how it supports students who do not yet meet proficiency.
See more original research from School Decision →