Best Public Schools in Waycross, GA

The city of Waycross, Georgia, is home to 10 schools, including 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools. The schools in this area serve a student population that faces significant economic challenges, with consistently high rates of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Among the standout schools in Waycross, Ware County High School has the highest enrollment with 1,618 students and a respectable 85.4% four-year graduation rate, though its statewide ranking has declined in recent years. Wacona Elementary School and Waresboro Elementary School also stand out, with the former having the second-highest enrollment and the latter boasting the highest 5th-grade Science proficiency rate in the district.

However, the data also reveals stark disparities in academic performance across the elementary schools in Waycross, with some, like Ruskin Elementary and Waresboro, performing significantly better than others, such as Center Elementary and Wacona. The high levels of economic disadvantage across the district, as evidenced by the consistently high free and reduced-price lunch rates, may be contributing to these performance gaps and suggest the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to support student success in the Ware County school district.