7 Shocking Facts And Major Updates About Dacula Middle School's 2025-2026 Academic Year

Contents

Dacula Middle School (DMS) is currently navigating one of its most significant administrative and community changes in recent history, making the 2025-2026 academic year a period of intense focus for students, parents, and the wider Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) community. Based on the most current information available in December 2025, the school is simultaneously celebrating major academic distinctions while preparing for a massive boundary shift and addressing recent high-profile incidents.

The school, known for its high enrollment of over 1,800 students and a dedication to student progress, operates within the larger Dacula Cluster. This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the key facts, academic standings, and critical developments that are shaping the future of DMS.

Dacula Middle School: Key Profile and Administrative Facts

Dacula Middle School is a central institution in the Dacula, Georgia community, serving students in grades 6 through 8. Its profile is defined by a large, diverse student body and a commitment to academic excellence under the Gwinnett County Public Schools system. The school's leadership and core structure are as follows:

  • Location: Dacula, Georgia (Gwinnett County)
  • Grades Served: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade
  • Principal: Kimberly Bussey
  • Assistant Principals: Includes Dr. Bonnie Mondesir (6th Grade Assistant Principal)
  • Enrollment: Approximately 1,813 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Cluster: Dacula Cluster (Feeds into Dacula High School)
  • Feeder Elementary Schools: Alcova Elementary School, Dacula Elementary School, and Mulberry Elementary School
  • Minority Enrollment: Approximately 84%
  • Distinction: 2024-2025 GCPS PBIS Distinguished School

Principal Kimberly Bussey and the administrative team maintain regular communication with families through the "News from the Nest" Friday Newsletter, ensuring the community stays informed on all major announcements and events.

The Critical Impact of the 2026 GCPS Redistricting

The most pressing and current issue for Dacula Middle School is the looming 2026 GCPS Redistricting. This major administrative decision is set to significantly alter the school's boundaries and student population, a change updated as recently as September 2025.

Addressing Overcrowding in Gwinnett County

The redistricting is a county-wide effort by Gwinnett County Public Schools to address severe overcrowding in several areas. Dacula Middle School is one of the key middle schools affected, alongside McConnell Middle School and Bay Creek Middle School.

The Dacula Cluster Shift

The 2026 boundary changes are specifically targeting parts of the Dacula Cluster, the Archer Cluster, and the Grayson Cluster. The redistricting plan proposes shifting some students currently zoned for the Dacula Middle School and Dacula High School attendance zones to the Archer Cluster.

For some families, this could mean a change in the entire educational path, moving from the Dacula MS/Dacula HS track to a new path that includes Lovin Elementary School, McConnell Middle School, and Archer High School. This shift is a crucial development for current and prospective residents in the Dacula area, necessitating close attention to the official Gwinnett County Public Schools boundary maps and informational meetings.

Academic Performance, New Programs, and Recent Achievements

Despite the administrative changes on the horizon, Dacula Middle School continues to maintain a strong academic profile, positioning itself in the top tier of Georgia schools.

A Top-Tier Academic Ranking

For the 2025-2026 school year, Dacula Middle School is ranked in the Top 30% of all middle schools in Georgia. This exceptional academic performance is particularly noteworthy when compared to the broader Gwinnett County School District. The school's overall testing rank reflects a strong commitment to student achievement across all grades.

Focus on Literacy and Math Proficiency

Academic planning for the 2024-2025 school year, outlined in the "Plan The Promise," emphasizes a core goal: to provide strategies that families and students can use to improve student achievement in reading. While the school has a Math Proficiency rate of around 42%, the Gwinnett County Public Schools system has recognized schools like DMS for their focused efforts to grow student achievement in mathematics, highlighting ongoing commitment to STEM education.

GCPS PBIS Distinguished School Status

A major positive achievement for the school is its recognition as a 2024-2025 GCPS PBIS Distinguished School. PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is a framework that promotes positive school culture and behavior, demonstrating a commitment to the overall well-being and social-emotional learning of its students.

Extracurricular Life: Sports, Clubs, and Student Organizations

The extracurricular offerings at Dacula Middle School are extensive, providing a wide range of opportunities that help students develop well-rounded skills, leadership, and community involvement. These programs are essential in fostering topical authority and a strong DMS Falcon identity.

Diverse Student Clubs and Organizations

DMS offers a robust list of clubs catering to varied interests, including:

  • Arts & Performance: Art Club, Drama Club, and the highly popular "Falcon Fever" Show Choir.
  • STEM & Academics: 3D Printing Club, Engineering Club, First Lego League, and the Chess Club.
  • Leadership & Service: Junior Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Student Council.
  • Community & Support: Buddies Club and the Dacula Dads organization, which focuses on positive male involvement in the school.

DMS Athletics

The school's athletic programs are competitive and promote teamwork and physical fitness. The main sports include:

  • Basketball (Boys and Girls)
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross Country
  • Soccer
  • Girls Volleyball
  • Intramurals (for general student participation)

Addressing Sensitive News and Community Challenges

A comprehensive, up-to-date overview of Dacula Middle School must also address the challenges and sensitive incidents that have made headlines, ensuring a balanced perspective on the current school climate.

High-Profile Incidents

In April 2024, the school faced media attention regarding students who brought edibles to school. Separately, a video of a teacher's outburst at students also circulated, leading to public discussion about classroom management and staff conduct. Gwinnett County Public Schools, as the governing body, is committed to upholding its strategic priorities of Empathy, Equity, Effectiveness, and Excellence, and these incidents underscore the ongoing effort to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Focus on Equity and Student Support

With an 84% minority enrollment, the school’s focus on Equity is a critical component of its mission, aligning with GCPS's core strategic priorities. As a Title I school, Dacula Middle School receives federal funding to assist students from low-income families, further emphasizing its role in providing equitable opportunities and resources to all students for academic progress. The goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the support needed to succeed in the rigorous curriculum.

7 Shocking Facts and Major Updates About Dacula Middle School's 2025-2026 Academic Year
dacula middle school
dacula middle school

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