The top reported proficiency rate is 46% in Math. The lowest is 33% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Huntington Middle School
Huntington Middle School serves students in grades five through eight in Chillicothe, a small city of about population in southern Ohio. The school is part of Huntington Local, a district whose K-12 buildings are connected on a single campus that traces back to a structure built in the 1950s.
The school's recent state test results show proficiency rates in the lower range. In math, about mid-to-low percentages of students tested met or exceeded proficiency on Ohio's State Tests, with a similar picture in English language arts. Science proficiency was slightly lower. These results place the school at the bottom quartile for proficiency among the districts in Ross County. One parent-relevant note: state testing data was not available for social studies from recent years, so there is not a current picture of how students are performing in that subject. The school maintains strong participation rates on state assessments, with near-universal testing.
The student body is quite small, with enrollment of a few hundred across the four grades. The population is overwhelmingly white, with very few students of other backgrounds represented. Data on students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and on students with disabilities or English learners were not made available, so a parent would want to ask the school directly about the full breadth of support services available and the school's approach to students with diverse learning needs.
Chillicothe itself is a historic small city that blends a genuinely walkable downtown core with Victorian and mid-century homes spreading into surrounding neighborhoods. The downtown has been recognized for successful revitalization, with active breweries, independent shops, the Majestic Theatre, and a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area supporting street life around Yoctangee Park. The city operates on-demand transit service via app along with fixed routes, though that system is still relatively new. Economically, Chillicothe has faced headwinds: the Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill announced its closure in April 2025, a significant blow to an area where Adena Health System, the VA Medical Center, and Kenworth Truck Company are among the largest employers. Housing values in the 45601 zip code are below state and national benchmarks, making homeownership more accessible than in many other regions, though a 2025 county reappraisal raised property values sharply, which will increase tax bills for families buying into the area.
The district has a notable advantage looking forward: Huntington Local is eligible under Ohio's Accelerated Appalachian School Building Assistance Program, which offers a high state share for facility construction in Appalachian districts that have not previously gone through state-funded building projects. This is a significant long-term investment opportunity that could reshape the aging campus.
The school is a regular public school with straightforward middle-grade structure. Staff and program details beyond the core academics were not provided, so a parent would want to request information about electives, clubs, sports, and enrichment offerings when visiting.
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