5 Major Updates And Achievements That Define Northside Middle School's 2025-2026 School Year
Northside Middle School (NMS) in West Columbia, South Carolina, is currently experiencing a period of significant positive change and renewed focus on student achievement, marked by impressive academic gains on the 2025 SC School Report Cards and new administrative leadership. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, the school, part of the high-performing Lexington School District Two, continues to build on its foundation of educational excellence for students in Grades 6 through 8. These recent developments highlight NMS's commitment to creating a supportive and results-driven learning environment for its approximately 500 students.
The latest updates from the 2025-2026 school year paint a picture of a middle school deeply engaged with its community and dedicated to continuous improvement. From new after-school opportunities like the "Be Great Academy" to notable performances by the Concert Choir, NMS is setting a high bar for middle school education in the region. The recent administrative transition has brought a fresh perspective, further energizing the faculty and student body at the 157 Cougar Drive campus.
Meet the Leadership: Principal Dr. Tiffany Hall and School Biography
Northside Middle School, located at 157 Cougar Drive in West Columbia, SC, is a public middle school serving students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. It operates within Lexington School District Two (Lexington Two), a district known for its focus on innovation and strong community ties. The school's history is rooted in providing a comprehensive middle school experience that prepares students for the transition to high school and beyond.
The school’s administration has seen recent changes, with Dr. Tiffany Hall stepping into the role of Principal. Dr. Hall is a veteran South Carolina educator, bringing a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the school's future. Her leadership is focused on driving innovation, community engagement, and sustained academic growth, building upon the accomplishments of previous leaders like Matt Schilit.
Biography of Principal Dr. Tiffany Hall
- Current Role: Principal, Northside Middle School (West Columbia, SC)
- School District: Lexington School District Two (Lexington Two)
- Experience: A seasoned educational leader with over two decades in the field.
- Principal Tenure: Entering her seventh year as a principal, demonstrating extensive experience in top administrative roles.
- Focus Areas: Driven by innovation, building strong community engagement, and fostering a culture of student achievement.
- Previous Roles: Has held impactful positions such as Assistant Principal at various schools, contributing to the success of programs like Early College and Leader in Me initiatives.
Dr. Hall's commitment to fostering a positive and rigorous academic environment is evident in the school's recent successes. Her message to the community emphasizes a collaborative approach, welcoming parents and guardians to partner with the school for the 2025-2026 school year.
Academic Excellence: Northside’s 2025 Growth Gains
The most compelling and current news from Northside Middle School centers on its strong academic performance, as detailed in the most recent South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) data. The release of the 2025 SC School Report Cards confirmed that Northside Middle School is a leader in student achievement and academic performance within Lexington Two.
Lexington School District Two students, as a whole, made significant gains on the 2025 Report Cards, and NMS was a key contributor to this success. Specifically, Northside Middle School has posted growth gains over consecutive years, a testament to the consistency and effectiveness of its instructional strategies.
This sustained academic growth is a critical metric, indicating that students are progressing well year-over-year, regardless of their starting point. The school's focus on targeted instruction and a supportive learning environment has paid off, reinforcing its status as a top middle school in the West Columbia area. The approximately 500 students at NMS benefit from a favorable student-teacher ratio, which has been reported to be as low as 13:1, allowing for more personalized attention in core subjects.
Key Programs and Community Engagement in 2025-2026
Beyond the core curriculum, Northside Middle School is deeply invested in enriching student life through a variety of programs and community events, which serve as essential LSI keywords for the school's holistic approach to education. These initiatives strengthen topical authority by demonstrating a commitment to the whole child.
1. After-School Enrichment: The Be Great Academy
NMS partners with the "Be Great Academy" to offer a robust after-school program. This program provides students with structured activities, academic support, and opportunities for social development outside of regular school hours. The Be Great Academy is a vital resource for working families in West Columbia, ensuring students have a safe and engaging environment to continue their learning and exploration.
2. Performing Arts and Community Showcase
The arts remain a strong focus at NMS. In a notable recent event, the Northside Middle School Concert Choir was invited to perform at the City of West Columbia's 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in December 2025. This high-profile performance showcases the talent of NMS students and highlights the school’s deep integration with local community events.
3. Commitment to Student Achievement Recognition
The school places a significant emphasis on recognizing and celebrating student achievement. Principal Matt Schilit, during his tenure, was noted for celebrating the induction of 59 Northside Middle School students into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), a clear demonstration of the school's commitment to academic excellence. This tradition of high-level academic recognition continues under the new leadership, motivating students across all grade levels.
4. Athletics and Extracurriculars
Northside Middle School maintains a strong presence in middle school athletics, offering a variety of sports that promote teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. The school’s mascot, the Cougar, is a symbol of pride and energy across the campus, particularly in its competitive sports programs.
Future Outlook and Enrollment Updates
The future of Northside Middle School, under the leadership of Dr. Tiffany Hall and the support of Lexington Two, looks promising, with a clear trajectory for continued academic growth and program expansion. The district is already planning for future enrollment, with registration for new and returning students for the 2026-2027 school year opening well in advance, demonstrating proactive administrative planning.
The school's administrative team continues to prioritize transparent communication with parents, utilizing channels like the "Parent Friendly Standards" initiative to keep families informed about educational goals and expectations. The combination of a veteran educational leader, demonstrated academic excellence in the 2025 data, and robust extracurricular programs ensures that Northside Middle School remains a cornerstone of middle school education in West Columbia, SC, for the coming years.
For families considering enrollment or seeking the latest information, Northside Middle School is a dynamic institution focused on preparing its students for success in high school and beyond, as evidenced by its consistent growth on the SC School Report Cards and its vibrant student life.
Detail Author:
- Name : Eleonore Lemke DDS
- Username : pstanton
- Email : ramon67@kutch.com
- Birthdate : 1989-04-07
- Address : 24105 Farrell Station Suite 407 South Lamontmouth, SD 85732-7903
- Phone : +1-434-474-2576
- Company : Will-Dickens
- Job : Real Estate Broker
- Bio : Ea molestias consectetur quis sapiente. Qui amet est eveniet in voluptas veniam odio. Voluptatem tempore voluptatem qui suscipit. Harum debitis non autem eaque voluptatum temporibus cum ea.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/trever.russel
- username : trever.russel
- bio : Impedit in repellat nesciunt ad. Voluptate alias ipsum est ratione ea esse. Ullam vero voluptatem pariatur qui expedita.
- followers : 4151
- following : 1968
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/trever_real
- username : trever_real
- bio : Sunt vel quaerat quia suscipit iste molestiae.
- followers : 1506
- following : 2300
