Summary:
Telfair County Elementary is the only elementary school in Telfair County, serving 793 students in grades PK through 5 in Mc Rae Helena, with 100% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch.
This school shows a clear pattern of declining proficiency as students advance. In math, 54% of 3rd graders are proficient—actually above the state average of 48.3%—but that drops to 36.9% in 4th grade and just 29.5% in 5th grade, a 24.5-point gap. Science proficiency in 5th grade is also below state levels at 32.8% versus 44.2%. English Language Arts scores from the most recent release (2024-2025) show significant challenges across all grades, with 5th grade at just 25% proficiency compared to the state's 43%. The school's state ranking has improved steadily over three years, climbing from 775th to 685th place, though it remains in the lower half of Georgia elementary schools.
Chronic absenteeism affects 20.9% of students, higher than the state rate of 17.7%, which likely compounds learning gaps in upper grades. The school spends $14,145 per student—above the national average—and maintains a favorable 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio, yet outcomes remain mixed. The standout bright spot is 3rd grade math, where the school outperforms the state despite universal economic disadvantage. For parents, this means early elementary instruction appears to be a relative strength, but the school needs targeted support to help students maintain those gains through 4th and 5th grade, particularly in math and reading. The improving state ranking suggests positive momentum, but the declining trajectory from 3rd to 5th grade indicates that interventions should focus on upper elementary grades to ensure students don't fall further behind as they approach middle school.
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