Topsail Middle

Summary:

Topsail Middle is a public middle school located in Hampstead, North Carolina, serving 807 students in grades 5-8. As part of the Pender County Schools district, Topsail Middle consistently ranks among the top 20% of middle schools in the state, maintaining a 4- or 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Academically, Topsail Middle's students outperform the state and district averages in proficiency rates for EOG tests in Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The school's predominantly white student population (82.65%) is less diverse compared to the state and district, with relatively low percentages of African American (2.11%) and Hispanic (8.8%) students. However, Topsail Middle's performance for its low socioeconomic status students is commendable, ranking in the top 10% among North Carolina middle schools.

Topsail Middle's exceptional performance extends to specific student groups, with its female, Hispanic, and multi-racial students consistently ranking in the top 20% of North Carolina middle schools. The school also supports its special education, military-connected, and gifted and talented student populations well. While the racial imbalance may be an area for the school to examine, Topsail Middle's overall academic excellence and ability to cater to diverse student needs make it a standout middle school in the region, outperforming nearby schools like Williston Middle and Roland-Grise Middle.


Detail:

Public 5-8

 17445 US Hwy 17
       Hampstead, NC  28443


(910) 270-2612

District: Pender County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
116th of 793 North Carolina Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,344 Help


Students who attend Topsail Middle usually attend:

High:    Pender Early College High
    Topsail High

Feeder schools for Topsail Middle:

Elementary:    North Topsail Elementary
    South Topsail Elementary
    Topsail Annandale Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  19.5 Help
Number of students:  855

Racial breakdown:

White:
83.5%
Hispanic:
8.1%
Two or more races:
4.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  20.8% Help


 See top rated North Carolina middle schools

 Compare Topsail Middle to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Topsail Middle ranks better than 85.4% of middle schools in North Carolina. It also ranks first among 5 ranked middle schools in the Pender County Schools District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 82.1. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Topsail Middle has the largest middle school student body size in the Pender County Schools District. Racial makeup is: White (83.5%), Hispanic (8.1%), two or more races (4.7%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 20.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Pender County Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Topsail Middle is 19.5. 3 middle schools in the Pender County Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Topsail Middle employs 43.7 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Topsail Middle is $8,344. 3 middle schools in the Pender County Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Topsail Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Topsail Middle 116th of 793 North Carolina public middle schools. (See Topsail Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Pender County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Pender County Schools 124th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Topsail Middle.

What do you think?

Your rating for Topsail Middle?

Rank History for Topsail Middle

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 83.37 48th 598 92.0%
2007 80.48 65th 606 89.3%
2008 82.00 76th 620 87.7%
2009 78.00 115th 630 81.7%
2010 75.26 139th 640 78.3%
2011 78.38 107th 648 83.5%
2012 79.98 89th 662 86.6%
2013 83.16 88th 673 86.9%
2014 82.45 91st 627 85.5%
2015 81.26 108th 705 84.7%
2016 79.22 116th 692 83.2%
2017 84.31 79th 694 88.6%
2018 79.11 119th 691 82.8%
2019 85.68 74th 737 90.0%
2021 89.05 58th 741 92.2%
2022 82.94 119th 786 84.9%
2023 81.98 120th 784 84.7%
2024 82.10 116th 793 85.4%
See the entire list of North Carolina Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 69.52 52nd 221 76.5%
2021 70.98 48th 248 80.6%
2022 75.64 41st 283 85.5%
2023 69.55 73rd 302 75.8%
2024 90.18 19th 306 93.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 67.13 74th 473 84.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 63.27 186th 604 69.2%
2019 84.87 43rd 639 93.3%
2021 79.53 71st 633 88.8%
2022 73.57 108th 689 84.3%
2023 67.52 175th 735 76.2%
2024 83.92 62nd 743 91.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 91.28 4th 71 94.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 78.82 113th 656 82.8%
2019 85.12 71st 684 89.6%
2021 88.94 54th 706 92.4%
2022 83.11 101st 733 86.2%
2023 84.49 94th 731 87.1%
2024 82.27 107th 738 85.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.34 184th 475 61.3%
2019 73.38 67th 504 86.7%
2021 85.62 19th 478 96.0%
2022 54.02 126th 449 71.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 64.91 132nd 416 68.3%
2021 75.34 47th 448 89.5%
2022 60.52 196th 450 56.4%
2023 69.03 106th 452 76.5%
2024 74.50 35th 461 92.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.51 3rd 45 93.3%
2019 78.17 6th 48 87.5%
2021 93.28 1st 57 98.2%
2022 75.02 9th 58 84.5%
2023 70.52 13th 54 75.9%
2024 71.21 17th 58 70.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 79.04 109th 665 83.6%
2019 84.77 81st 697 88.4%
2021 87.65 65th 711 90.9%
2022 81.45 119th 748 84.1%
2023 77.35 148th 747 80.2%
2024 79.46 129th 751 82.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 74.87 72nd 472 84.7%
2019 78.49 63rd 493 87.2%
2021 75.88 67th 522 87.2%
2022 67.04 127th 541 76.5%
2023 78.11 70th 553 87.3%
2024 86.38 46th 564 91.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Topsail Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 62.01 217th 596 63.6%
2019 76.16 127th 624 79.6%
2021 77.77 119th 632 81.2%
2022 67.88 193rd 658 70.7%
2023 65.45 209th 656 68.1%
2024 64.30 209th 652 67.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Topsail Middle Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2)
0%

0%

0%

100%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, February 19, 2016

Open Quote There is a new principle for the years 2015/2016 as the new one we just met last year quit before starting. There are many problems with the dismissal at the end of the day. First of all its a free for all parking lot to pick up your child with parents speeding around the lot because the pick up line is a joke, sometimes there are two helpers which don't do much as far as Help. When you try to leave the school with your child you are stopped by the school busses because at the circle they cut you off so you can't leave,also the other bus drivers can speed by and get out as fast as they can, not to mention the high school students also get out the same time and also follow the path of the buses speeding by. I brought the problems up to the new Principle but she states There is No Problem, being clueless in any school problems is her specialty. There is a big problem with bullying as I used to work there but again, Not a problem. Most of the teachers are great but a few have a mean streak that they take out on the kids in the lunch room daily. So in other words be careful in the parking lot and don't talk to Mrs Clueless. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Topsail Middle

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 221 88 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 312
1989 257 53 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 312
1990 266 56 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 324
1991 299 56 2 0 0 n/a n/a 1 358
1992 297 60 2 0 1 n/a n/a 0 360
1993 251 45 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 297
1994 260 44 2 1 0 n/a n/a 0 307
1995 292 50 3 4 1 n/a n/a 0 350
1996 292 50 3 4 1 n/a n/a 0 350
1997 328 57 2 5 2 n/a n/a 0 394
1998 370 62 0 7 0 n/a n/a 0 439
1999 368 65 0 4 1 n/a n/a 0 438
2000 385 55 1 0 1 n/a n/a 0 442
2001 414 45 1 2 3 n/a n/a 0 465
2002 441 70 1 2 1 n/a n/a 0 515
2003 441 70 1 2 1 n/a n/a 0 515
2004 480 69 2 5 1 n/a n/a 0 557
2005 515 67 2 11 1 n/a n/a 0 596
2006 568 65 3 19 1 n/a n/a 0 656
2007 617 57 1 18 3 n/a n/a 28 724
2008 618 50 4 20 1 n/a n/a 27 720
2009 641 83 5 16 4 n/a n/a 0 749
2010 671 75 9 16 4 n/a n/a 0 775
2011 737 47 4 15 6 3 15 0 827
2012 740 41 6 15 3 2 14 0 821
2013 806 48 4 28 3 0 16 0 905
2014 819 50 6 38 3 1 20 0 937
2015 883 43 6 43 4 1 20 0 1000
2016 895 36 8 48 4 1 24 0 1016
2017 922 26 11 48 2 0 29 0 1038
2018 871 19 10 62 2 0 41 0 1005
2019 469 10 9 36 0 0 23 0 547
2020 487 13 10 41 0 0 38 0 589
2021 538 12 4 45 0 0 28 0 627
2022 664 13 3 66 1 0 38 0 785
2023 667 17 8 71 3 0 41 0 807
2024 714 22 7 69 2 1 40 0 855

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Topsail Middle

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 312 13.0 24.0 28.8
1989 312 13.0 24.0 100
1990 324 17.0 19.0 87
1991 358 21.0 17.0 78.8
1992 360 21.0 17.1 20
1993 297 17.0 17.5 29.3
1994 307 18.0 17.1 20.5
1995 350 21.0 16.7 14.9
1996 350 21.0 16.7 14.9
1997 394 22.0 17.9 38.1
1998 439 28.0 15.7 n/a
1999 438 28.0 15.6 n/a
2000 442 28.0 15.8 29.9
2001 465 32.0 14.5 28.8
2002 515 24.0 21.5 31.5
2003 515 24.0 21.5 31.5
2004 557 29.0 19.2 26.6
2005 596 29.0 20.6 30.2
2006 656 29.0 22.6 30.6
2007 724 39.3 18.4 32.3
2008 720 41.1 17.5 29.1
2009 749 41.5 18.0 28.8
2010 775 43.3 17.9 33.4
2011 827 46.2 17.9 34.7
2012 821 44.0 18.6 33
2013 905 47.0 19.2 35.4
2014 937 51.0 18.3 30.7
2015 1000 55.0 18.1 30.2
2016 1016 58.0 17.5 28.9
2017 1038 57.0 18.2 26.3
2018 1005 56.0 17.9 21.1
2019 547 31.3 17.4 26.5
2020 589 30.4 19.3 14.6
2021 627 30.5 20.5 13.9
2022 785 38.0 20.6 12.1
2023 807 41.0 19.6 19.7
2024 855 43.7 19.5 20.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Topsail Middle

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 312 13.0 24.0 28.8
1989 312 13.0 24.0 100
1990 324 17.0 19.0 87
1991 358 21.0 17.0 78.8
1992 360 21.0 17.1 20
1993 297 17.0 17.5 29.3
1994 307 18.0 17.1 20.5
1995 350 21.0 16.7 14.9
1996 350 21.0 16.7 14.9
1997 394 22.0 17.9 38.1
1998 439 28.0 15.7 n/a
1999 438 28.0 15.6 n/a
2000 442 28.0 15.8 29.9
2001 465 32.0 14.5 28.8
2002 515 24.0 21.5 31.5
2003 515 24.0 21.5 31.5
2004 557 29.0 19.2 26.6
2005 596 29.0 20.6 30.2
2006 656 29.0 22.6 30.6
2007 724 39.3 18.4 32.3
2008 720 41.1 17.5 29.1
2009 749 41.5 18.0 28.8
2010 775 43.3 17.9 33.4
2011 827 46.2 17.9 34.7
2012 821 44.0 18.6 33
2013 905 47.0 19.2 35.4
2014 937 51.0 18.3 30.7
2015 1000 55.0 18.1 30.2
2016 1016 58.0 17.5 28.9
2017 1038 57.0 18.2 26.3
2018 1005 56.0 17.9 21.1
2019 547 31.3 17.4 26.5
2020 589 30.4 19.3 14.6
2021 627 30.5 20.5 13.9
2022 785 38.0 20.6 12.1
2023 807 41.0 19.6 19.7
2024 855 43.7 19.5 20.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Topsail Middle

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $489 (5.9%) $7,855 (94.1%) $8,344

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Topsail Middle

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 74th of 737 Middle schoolsRanks 120th of 784 Middle schools
 5.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Topsail Middle)71.765.2
 6.5%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Pender County Schools)62.755.9
 6.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)58.852.3
 6.5%
6th Grade Reading (Topsail Middle)73.963.1
 10.8%
   6th Grade Reading (Pender County Schools)67.349.8
 17.5%
   6th Grade Reading (North Carolina)6049.3
 10.7%
7th Grade Mathematics (Topsail Middle)76.362.6
 13.7%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Pender County Schools)55.750.4
 5.3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)58.450.1
 8.3%
7th Grade Reading (Topsail Middle)76.365.7
 10.6%
   7th Grade Reading (Pender County Schools)60.153.1
 7%
   7th Grade Reading (North Carolina)58.850.2
 8.6%
8th Grade Mathematics (Topsail Middle)76.868.4
 8.4%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Pender County Schools)56.951.5
 5.4%
   8th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)52.644.8
 7.8%
8th Grade Reading (Topsail Middle)77.367.5
 9.8%
   8th Grade Reading (Pender County Schools)57.454.6
 2.8%
   8th Grade Reading (North Carolina)55.651
 4.6%
8th Grade Science (Topsail Middle)92.985.3
 7.6%
   8th Grade Science (Pender County Schools)84.672
 12.6%
   8th Grade Science (North Carolina)78.670.3
 8.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students547807
 47.5%
African American1017
 70%
American Indian03
Asian98
 11.1%
Hispanic3671
 97.2%
Pacific Islander00
White469667
 42.2%
Two or More Races2341
 78.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients26.5%19.7%
 6.8%


Schools Near Topsail Middle









Frequently Asked Questions about Topsail Middle

In the 2023-24 school year, 855 students attended Topsail Middle.

Students at Topsail Middle are 84% White, 8% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 3% African American.

Students who attend Topsail Middle usually go on to attend Pender Early College High

Topsail Middle ranks 116th of 793 North Carolina middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.


Rate Topsail Middle!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Topsail Middle!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 2805 milliseconds.