West Pender Middle School
Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone: (910) 283-5626
Fax: (910) 283-9537
District: Pender County School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 6,7,8 • 206 students
West Pender Middle School, a public school located in Burgaw, NC, serves grades 6-8 in the Pender County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
West Pender Middle School is a public school located in Burgaw, NC. 206 students attend West Pender Middle School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 2/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 4/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
Posted: November 3, 2025
The principal is rude to the staff members especially too the custodian she has said a lot of rude things to them Ive heard and seen it
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: September 29, 2020
West Pender has come a long way since 2013. Yes, we are still low performing but we are making incredible strides in meeting the needs of each and every student.
Posted: December 14, 2014
This year 2014-2015 is my daughters first year at WPM, I am very disappointed in the administration. Mr. Whitaker, the principal, is very receptive UNTIL you have a different opinion than his. At that point he crosses his arms and says " I guesess we will have to agree to disagree " and all discussion with him stops, he will no longer listen to you. He acts as if he ultimately knows what is best for your child. It is a shame that the school board (under Dr. Cobb) dose nothing to help resolve issues regarding the administration. To date I have called the school bard and tried to talk to someone three times, requesting to speak to someone other than Beth, Dr Cobb's secretary. I still have not heard from anyone! And have been told by Beth that Mr Whitaker has the last say. It is as if the principal of this school out ranks the county superintendent of schools.
Posted: December 12, 2014
West Pender Middle School is a small school with a large family feel to it. I have the ability to truly get to know my students, their families and the community they live in. The administration at WPMS is more supportive than any other "boss" I have ever worked for. This is not a job to me, this is what I love to do. Mr. Whitaker makes it possible for me to walk in every day and make magic happen. He loves the school, staff and students so much that he will battle for us at the drop of a hat. In the past year the changes that have taken place at WPMS are extremely positive and the proof is seen in the students every day. Our students know that they can count on their teachers, principals and other staff members for anything that they may need. I am proud to be a West Pender Warrior!
Posted: December 6, 2014
West Pender Middle School is an up and coming school that has a committed staff that is caring, challenging, and holding students accountable as well as themselves. Students have all core classes daily for the first times, as well as three electives and Physical Education daily. PBIS truly being implemented last year has been a major player in the transformation along with a young quality staff that chose to teach at the school and be change agents. Students are provided with many additional extra-curricular offerings and have opportunities to be leaders in the school and community. The PTO is now active and providing a growing partnership that holds the school and county accountable for WPMS success.
Posted: August 2, 2014
I have family at this school & until the 2013-2014 school year, this was a productive little school. The leadership until this past school year was wonderful. They created a warm, welcome, and nurturing environment. The new administration which took over in August of 2013 is the most disdainful, negative, combative, and confrontational unprofessional mess I have ever seen. The principal attacks students, staff, & parents and is hostile unless you agree with him. He is vindictive and disrespectful. Several of the really great teachers who helped keep this school moving ahead have left (some left the comments in 2012). The atmosphere now is nothing less than TOXIC! I would never send my child to this school under this leadership. The School Board & Superintendent are aware of everything and will do nothing to help this school. It is criminal to see how one person has torn apart a once nice little school. I'm disgusted! It is a shame the State can't investigate this...
Posted: September 13, 2012
As a teacher at West Pender Middle, I am proud of my school. The administration creates a welcoming and safe environment for teachers and students. The teachers are encourage to grow and develop instruction that is cutting-edge. At West Pender Middle, students are being prepared for the future.
Posted: September 12, 2012
I am a teacher at West Pender Middle, and I can tell you honestly that it is a wonderful place to be. The students are amazing individuals who make teaching exciting and rewarding each day. The administration is the most forward thinking and student-centered that I have ever worked with and my fellow teachers are motivated, highly qualified, and care deeply about our children's futures. We are preparing the next generation of leaders with the 21st century skills and knowledge they need to be globally competitive. Come visit! I would love to show you what we do!
Posted: September 12, 2012
I absolutely adore this school! The staff go above and beyond the call of duty to create a positive, nurturing, and safe learning environment for students at West Pender Middle. The vast technological tools ranging from a nearly 1 to 1 computer to student ratio to iPad classroom sets to gaming technology is something to boast about. Beyond having access to 21st century tools, the staff has proven time and time again a willingness to utilize these tools in the classroom to promote student motivation and achievement. It's a great place to be!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cypress Pond at Porters Neck | Apartment Complex | Wilmington | NC | 23.6 mi | |
| 2 | West River | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 35.5 mi | |
| 3 | Mallard Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 37.2 mi | |
| 4 | Countrywood Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 37.7 mi | |
| 5 | The Landing at Mill Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Sneads Ferry | NC | 38 mi | |
| 6 | The Bluffs on The New River | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 41.5 mi | |
| 7 | WilliamsburgPlantation | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 41.9 mi | |
| 8 | Timber Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 42.1 mi | |
| 9 | Killis Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Richlands | NC | 42.5 mi | |
| 10 | Wildflowers | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Richlands | NC | 43.1 mi | |
| 11 | Carolina Forest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 43.7 mi | |
| 12 | Country Club Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 45.8 mi | |
| 13 | Carolina Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Jacksonville | NC | 47.1 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porters Neck | Wilmington | NC | 25.5 mi | |
| 2 | Richlands Area | Beulaville | NC | 32.9 mi | |
| 3 | Sneads Ferry | Sneads Ferry | NC | 40.3 mi | |
| 4 | Richlands | Richlands | NC | 40.7 mi | |
| 5 | Piney green | Jacksonville | NC | 46.3 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Coast Guard Wilmington | 24.8 mi. |
| Stone Bay | 34.8 mi. |
| Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) | 36.8 mi. |
| New River MCAS | 39.4 mi. |
| Camp Lejeune | 45.3 mi. |
