John W. Ligon GT/AIG Basics Magnet Middle School, formerly John W. Ligon Junior-Senior High School, is a public magnet middle school in the Wake County Public School System located in the Chavis Heights neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Serving 904 students in grades 6-8, Ligon Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher 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 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 904 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 65% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 83% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ligon Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Ligon Middle School's student population of 904 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
904 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Year Founded
1953
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
School Rankings
Ligon Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ligon Middle School is 0.68, 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
#461 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)65%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
83%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
4%
Hispanic
14%
21%
Black
29%
25%
White
47%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
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 Ligon Middle School's ranking?
Ligon Middle School is ranked #461 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Ligon Middle School often compared to?
Ligon Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Carnage Middle School, Moore Square Middle School, Martin Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Ligon Middle School?
904 students attend Ligon Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Ligon Middle School students are White, 29% of students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ligon Middle School?
Ligon Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Ligon Middle School offer ?
Ligon Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ligon Middle School part of?
Ligon Middle School is part of Wake County Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is Ligon Middle School located?
Ligon Middle School is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Raleigh, NC. There are 12 other public schools located in Downtown.
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