Serving 822 students in grades 6-8, Holly Shelter Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 822 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 71% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Holly Shelter Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Holly Shelter Middle School's student population of 822 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
822 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
School Rankings
Holly Shelter Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Holly Shelter Middle School is 0.67, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1438 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
22%
21%
Black
21%
25%
White
49%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holly Shelter Middle School's ranking?
Holly Shelter Middle School is ranked #1438 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Holly Shelter Middle School often compared to?
Holly Shelter Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Emma B Trask Middle School, M C S Noble Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Holly Shelter Middle School?
822 students attend Holly Shelter Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Holly Shelter Middle School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Holly Shelter Middle School?
Holly Shelter Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Holly Shelter Middle School offer ?
Holly Shelter Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Holly Shelter Middle School part of?
Holly Shelter Middle School is part of New Hanover County Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review Holly Shelter Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.