Summary:
The Essex County Public Schools district in Virginia has only one middle school, James H. Cary Intermediate, which serves students in grades 6-8. The school faces significant challenges, with mixed academic performance, a high rate of economic disadvantage, and a declining ranking compared to other middle schools in the state.
James H. Cary Intermediate has a student population of 333, with a majority of African American students (52.55%) and a high free/reduced lunch rate of over 100%. The school's academic performance is uneven, with proficiency rates in many subject areas well below the state averages, though it excels in Algebra I. The school's ranking has dropped from 266 out of 422 schools in 2022-2023 to 290 out of 417 schools in 2023-2024, suggesting it is struggling to keep pace with other middle schools in Virginia.
The high free/reduced lunch rate and the school's racial demographics, with a majority African American student population, may indicate underlying equity issues that need to be addressed. Addressing the challenges faced by James H. Cary Intermediate will likely require a multifaceted approach, including targeted interventions, resource allocation, and a focus on equity and inclusion to improve student outcomes across the board.
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