Elementary Schools in Bulloch County

Bulloch County is home to nine elementary schools serving Pre-K through 5th grade, with a combined enrollment of roughly 5,400 students in a predominantly rural, high-poverty region of southeast Georgia.

For parents, the district presents a clear two-tier picture. Brooklet Elementary School is the standout academic leader, ranking in the 86th percentile statewide with 4 stars. It posts the district’s best math and science scores—70.5% of 3rd graders and 69.6% of 5th graders are proficient in math, and 70.6% are proficient in science—while also having the lowest chronic absenteeism (13.7%) and the lowest poverty rate (70.17% free/reduced lunch). Nevils Elementary School is the most consistent performer, earning 4 stars for three straight years, with strong science (65.7% proficient) despite a 79% poverty rate. Stilson Elementary School and Portal Elementary School have both surged dramatically—Stilson jumped from the 51st to the 78th percentile in two years, and Portal climbed to the 78th percentile as well. These four schools all exceed state averages in most subjects.

At the other end, Langston Chapel Elementary School faces the steepest challenges: it ranks in the 16th percentile, has 100% poverty, the highest absenteeism (24.1%), and only 13.3% of 5th graders are proficient in math and 12.2% in science. Mill Creek Elementary School has declined sharply, dropping from the 33rd to the 22nd percentile, with 5th grade science proficiency falling to just 15.8%. Sallie Zetterower Elementary School also struggles, with science proficiency at 23.6%. Notably, Mattie Lively Elementary School spends the most per student ($17,734) yet ranks only in the 55th percentile, while Brooklet spends the least ($13,623) and achieves the best results—a reminder that money alone doesn’t drive success. Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide issue (20.3% vs. 17.7% statewide), and it closely tracks performance, making attendance a key lever for improvement.