Gainesville Middle School West

Gainesville Middle School West sits in the growing northwest corner of Gainesville, a city that has transformed dramatically over the past decade thanks to an influx of families drawn to Lake Lanier and the foothills of North Georgia. The school shows some real strength in math relative to its other scores, but families considering it should go in with clear eyes — it ranks in the lower fifth of Georgia middle schools overall, and English and science scores reflect the challenges common to many schools serving a diverse, working-class community. That said, Gainesville itself has a tight-knit, multicultural feel, and families who get involved and advocate for their kids can find a lot to work with here.