School History
James E. Holmes Junior High School was created by the consolidation of Leaksville-Spray Junior High and Draper Junior High in the fall of 1967. At that time, Holmes served seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students. In 1968, students from Douglass School joined the Holmes family. In 1991 Holmes Junior High School made the transition to James E. Holmes Middle School. At that time, sixth graders moved from the area's four elementary schools to Holmes, and ninth graders moved to Morehead High School.
Student Numbers for the 2012 - 2013 Academic Year
Number of students enrolled 798 White 61%
African American 25%
Asian 2%
American Indian 1%
Hispanic 11%
Multi-Racial 0%
Average Class Size
6th grade - 30
7th grade - 25
8th grade - 24
School Facts
| Grades served | 6-8 |
| Mascot | Mustang |
| Colors | Burgundy, Gray, and White
|
| Student Hours | 8:10 am - 3:10 pm |
| Office Hours | 7:30 am - 5:00 pm |
Holmes Middle School is the largest middle school in Rockingham County. Led by principal Brenda Nordan and assistant principals Dean Richardson and Tonya Jones, Holmes has 66 certified teachers, 9 teaching assistants, 2 guidance counselors, and 2 media coordinators. Thirty-seven percent of HMS teachers have earned advanced degrees. The school has 7 National Board Certified teachers. HMS has developed effective intervention strategies to assist students in achieving academic success on standardized tests. In 2011, HMS students met 19 out of 23 AYP goals.
