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 959 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 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 959 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- 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 959 students has stayed relatively flat 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
959 students
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Year Founded
1953
Colors
Blue, Gold
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 0.72. 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
15:1
15:1
Asian
6%
5%
Hispanic
12%
22%
Black
32%
24%
White
45%
42%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
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 Moore Square Middle School, Carnage 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?
959 students attend Ligon Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Ligon Middle School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, and 5% 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 15:1, which is equal to 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.
In what neighborhood is Ligon Middle School located?
Ligon Middle School is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Raleigh, NC. There are 9 other public schools located in Downtown.
School Reviews
Review Ligon 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
