During the 2025–2026 school year, Blue Ridge Middle School fostered the World Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing students and staff with opportunities to excel academically, artistically, athletically, and through leadership.
In the visual arts, students earned first, second, and third place honors in the Blue Ridge Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest and first and second place honors in the Blue Ridge Public Library Bookmark Contest. At the South Carolina Junior Beta Club Convention, students earned first place in 3D Collaborative Design and second place in both Pottery and 3D Sculpture.
Our performing arts programs also celebrated outstanding accomplishments. Eighth-grade orchestra students earned a Superior with Distinction rating at the 2026 Concert Performance Assessment (CPA). At the Solo and Ensemble Festival, four students earned Superior with Distinction, 20 earned Superior, and six earned Excellent ratings.
The chorus program enjoyed another successful year. Seventh-grade students received a Superior rating at the Carowinds Festival of Music, while eighth-grade chorus students earned a Superior rating at the Concert Performance Assessment (CPA), including the highest sight-reading score. Several students also successfully auditioned for and performed in the All-County Spring Sing.
The band program continued its tradition of excellence, with eighth-grade students earning an Excellent rating at the Concert Performance Assessment (CPA).
Blue Ridge Middle School athletics experienced another successful year. The volleyball, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, baseball, and softball teams all qualified for the playoffs. The Lady Tiger Basketball Team captured the Region Championship, and the Lady Tiger Softball Team completed an undefeated season while also earning the Region Championship.
The Robotics program demonstrated exceptional teamwork and innovation throughout the season. Blue Ridge Middle School sponsored multiple VEX Robotics teams across all grade levels, with every team competing in local competitions. Four teams advanced to the state championship, and two qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, where they competed against middle school teams from around the world. Throughout the season, the program earned numerous individual and team awards.
Academically, students continued to achieve at high levels. In the fall of 2025, more than 100 eighth-grade students qualified to take the PSAT, with 30 earning South Carolina Junior Scholar recognition. During spring 2025 state assessments, two students earned perfect scores on the SC READY English Language Arts assessment, one student earned a perfect score on the SC READY Mathematics assessment, three students earned perfect scores on the SC READY Science assessment, and 19 students earned perfect scores on the Algebra 1 End-of-Course Examination.
Each spring, more than 95% of eighth-grade students and their parents participate in Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) conferences. During these meetings, school counselors help students develop educational and career plans that prepare them for success in high school and beyond.
Student leadership remains a cornerstone of our school culture. In addition to Student Council and Junior Beta Club, the Tiger PAC (Principal Advisory Council) provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their school, represent their peers, and offer valuable input to school leadership. These organizations encourage civic responsibility, leadership, and service within both the school and the broader community.
Blue Ridge Middle School is also proud to be a Unified Champion School. Through unified classes, students with disabilities are paired with peer buddies during related arts courses, fostering inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful relationships. Peer buddies also support student-athletes during Special Olympics events.
We are proud of the accomplishments of our students, staff, and school community. With the continued support of our families and community partners, Blue Ridge Middle School will remain committed to providing opportunities for students and staff to develop their talents, achieve excellence, and positively impact the Blue Ridge community.
SIC Chairperson: Loren Todd
Principal: Sandra Taylor
