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Test scores delayed: 2026 rankings for Georgia do not yet include English Language Arts scores, which will not be released by the Georgia Department of Education until winter 2026.

George W. Whitlow Elementary

Q: Is George W. Whitlow Elementary a good school?

George W. Whitlow Elementary ranks 146 th of 1222 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

146^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,222 Georgia Elementary Schools

Better than 88% of Georgia elementary schools

Summary

George W. Whitlow Elementary is a large school in Cumming, GA, serving 1,247 students in grades PK through 5 as part of the highly rated Forsyth County district, which ranks in the 97th percentile statewide.

Whitlow is a solid, above-average school that earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 88th percentile of Georgia elementary schools. One of its standout strengths is how well it supports English Language Learners—it ranks in the top 15% of schools statewide for this group. The school also shines in science, with 5th-grade proficiency rates that have beaten the district average for three straight years (70.6% vs. 65.1% in the most recent year). Math scores show a nice upward trend as students advance: proficiency climbs from 64.5% in 3rd grade to 71.8% in 5th grade, with the 5th-grade score matching the district average. Whitlow also maintains a lower student-teacher ratio (13.1:1) than most nearby schools, and it has made dramatic progress on attendance—chronic absenteeism has dropped from 18.1% to just 7.1%, now below the district average.

What makes Whitlow particularly noteworthy is that it achieves these results while serving a more economically diverse population than most of its neighbors. About 32.6% of students receive free/reduced lunch—more than double the rate at nearby Daves Creek Elementary (7.8%) or Vickery Creek Elementary (6.9%). Despite this, Whitlow's 5th-grade science scores actually beat Vickery Creek's. The school also ranks in the 79th percentile for its work with special education students. While it sits behind some elite neighbors like New Hope Elementary (ranked 39th statewide), that comparison is heavily shaped by demographics—New Hope serves far fewer economically disadvantaged students. Whitlow's ranking dipped from 5-star to 4-star in 2022-2023, but it has stabilized since, and the school continues to deliver strong outcomes for its community.

1,247

Students ?

13.1

Student/teacher ratio ?

$14,605

Per pupil spending ?

32.6%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

3655 Castleberry Rd
Cumming, GA 30040

(678) 965-5090

District: Forsyth County

Students who attend George W. Whitlow Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	Otwell Middle School
High:	Forsyth Central High School

Racial breakdown:

Asian:

40.2%

White:

29.0%

Hispanic:

21.1%

See top rated Georgia elementary schools

Compare George W. Whitlow Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 93rd percentile in 2016 → 88th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Georgia average (69% vs 47% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 12% of Georgia elementary schools

Worth a look

!Ranking has slipped — down 5 percentile points since 2016

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school69%

District avg71%

Georgia avg47%

146^th of 1,222

Georgia public elementary schools ?

Top 12%▼ down 5 pts since 2016

From top 7% (2016) to top 12% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Georgia Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

14^th of 23Elementary Schools in the Forsyth County

8^th of 202Forsyth County among Georgia districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	88.4	146 of 1222	88.1%	★★★★☆
2025	89.0	137 of 1238	88.9%	★★★★☆
2024	89.8	140 of 1236	88.7%	★★★★☆
2023	86.0	171 of 1223	86.0%	★★★★☆
2022	93.7	87 of 1220	92.9%	★★★★★
2021	93.9	80 of 1214	93.4%	★★★★★
2019	92.6	90 of 1234	92.7%	★★★★★
2018	93.5	76 of 1209	93.7%	★★★★★
2017	85.4	151 of 1205	87.5%	★★★★☆
2016	92.1	88 of 1233	92.9%	★★★★★
2015	93.2	79 of 1240	93.6%	★★★★★
2014	78.2	226 of 1231	81.6%	★★★★☆
2013	83.5	108 of 1225	91.2%	★★★★★
2012	83.5	114 of 1201	90.5%	★★★★★
2011	81.3	184 of 1212	84.8%	★★★★☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	65.4	42 of 107	60.7%	★★★☆☆
2025	69.1	38 of 120	68.3%	★★★☆☆
2024	64.6	48 of 121	60.3%	★★★☆☆
2023	69.0	40 of 115	65.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	74.8	20 of 106	81.1%	★★★★☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	71.7	30 of 215	86.0%	★★★★☆
2025	77.5	40 of 317	87.4%	★★★★☆
2024	65.7	57 of 304	81.3%	★★★★☆
2023	58.5	83 of 286	71.0%	★★★★☆
2022	76.2	34 of 283	88.0%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	87.5	141 of 1189	88.1%	★★★★☆
2025	87.5	143 of 1224	88.3%	★★★★☆
2024	90.6	119 of 1223	90.3%	★★★★★
2023	87.5	144 of 1212	88.1%	★★★★☆
2022	93.8	81 of 1206	93.3%	★★★★★

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	49.5	222 of 504	56.0%	★★★☆☆
2025	51.9	241 of 583	58.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	70.6	114 of 565	79.8%	★★★★☆
2023	51.2	229 of 535	57.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	70.2	118 of 516	77.1%	★★★★☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	87.4	146 of 1186	87.7%	★★★★☆
2025	88.3	138 of 1225	88.7%	★★★★☆
2024	87.2	155 of 1220	87.3%	★★★★☆
2023	82.6	191 of 1210	84.2%	★★★★☆
2022	92.3	94 of 1209	92.2%	★★★★★

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	72.9	96 of 466	79.4%	★★★★☆
2025	76.8	85 of 565	85.0%	★★★★☆
2024	79.7	67 of 487	86.2%	★★★★☆
2023	64.6	108 of 455	76.3%	★★★★☆
2022	80.6	50 of 415	88.0%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	58.9	281 of 703	60.0%	★★★☆☆
2025	63.9	264 of 769	65.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	59.4	310 of 772	59.8%	★★★☆☆
2023	57.6	312 of 775	59.7%	★★★☆☆
2022	78.4	160 of 779	79.5%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Female (2026)88th percentile~ school

Male (2026)88th percentile~ school

English Language Learner (2026)86th percentile~ school

Special Education (2026)79th percentile-9 vs school

Asian (2026)61st percentile-27 vs school

White (2026)60th percentile-28 vs school

Hispanic (2026)56th percentile-32 vs school

By subject vs Georgia (2025-2026) ?

Science71%+26 vs state

Mathematics68%+20 vs state

3.7

10 ratings · 4 written reviews

5★6

4★1

3★0

2★0

1★3

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What people are saying

by a parent
Thursday, March 4, 2021

Math teachers are the worst, which is ironic, since it is a STEAM school. LOL Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, March 2, 2020

My son attended Whitlow from 4th to 5th grade and my daughter is currently enrolled in her 3rd year of special education pre-K.

Having moved from out of state when my son was in the 4th grade, I can tell you that Whitlow was LIGHT YEARS ahead of my sons highly rated school in Tennessee. He was utterly lost in math and science when we moved because of the higher level of learning at Whitlow Elementary. He caught up quickly with the help of several talented teachers and is in AP classes in high school.

My daughter has developmental delays but has blossomed at Whitlow Pre-K. Her teachers and paras are compassionate AND passionate about learning. It is too much to describe, but know that it seems like they truly care about her development as much as I do, which is almost impossible.

Administration is responsive and forward thinking. They’ve responded professionally in the couple emails I’ve sent with concerns (mainly about drop off and pickup-nothing to do with the academic atmosphere or specific teachers or issues)

I can’t say enough about Whitlow and will support this school forever. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, January 20, 2017

My child transferred here from another Forysth County school. I don't like how they run the school or deal with children. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, February 9, 2012

We have had very good experiences with the fairly new WES since moving into the district about 3 years ago. The teachers care about their impact on the children they teach by addressing their needs, as well as those of their parents. The school nurse is very helpful and accommodates both the child and his or her family in a prompt manner. In other words, they take the business of educating our children very seriously which extends even to the bus drivers whom we have learned to love and respect. Close Quote

Schools Near George W. Whitlow Elementary

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				Milestones Assessment Mathematics (2026)			Milestones Assessment Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/reduced lunch (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 3rd Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 4th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
George W. Whitlow Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	3655 Castleberry Rd	Cumming	30040	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(678) 965-5090	1,247	95	13.1	32.6%	362 (29.0%)	77 (6.2%)	263 (21.1%)	501 (40.2%)	7 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	36 (2.9%)	88.4	146^th of 1222 public elementary schools	88.1%		89	137^th of 1238 public elementary schools	88.9%	9	64.5	68.0	71.8	70.6	$14,605	$201	$14,404
New Hope Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	4810 Castleberry Road	Cumming	30040	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(678) 965-5101	1,175	76	15.4	14.6%	336 (28.6%)	33 (2.8%)	125 (10.6%)	639 (54.4%)	5 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	37 (3.1%)	96.8	39^th of 1222 public elementary schools	96.8%		95.9	64^th of 1238 public elementary schools	94.8%	25	83.6	84.9	81.8	73.1	$12,137	$201	$11,936
Kelly Mill Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1180 Chamblee Gap Rd	Cumming	30040	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(678) 965-4953	1,104	69	16.0	14.9%	495 (44.8%)	45 (4.1%)	126 (11.4%)	385 (34.9%)	7 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	46 (4.2%)	92.3	105^th of 1222 public elementary schools	91.4%		89.2	134^th of 1238 public elementary schools	89.2%	29	84.5	79.0	65.5	65.0	$12,983	$200	$12,783
Cumming Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	540 Dahlonega St	Cumming	30040	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	Yes	(770) 887-7749	900	78	11.5	59.8%	311 (34.6%)	65 (7.2%)	426 (47.3%)	62 (6.9%)	8 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (3.1%)	61.2	415^th of 1222 public elementary schools	66.0%		56.9	479^th of 1238 public elementary schools	61.3%	64	45.5	54.7	52.7	46.4	$17,217	$705	$16,512
Shiloh Point Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	8145 Majors Rd	Cumming	30041	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(678) 341-6481	955	66	14.4	12.3%	188 (19.7%)	37 (3.9%)	86 (9.0%)	601 (62.9%)	10 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (3.5%)	95.6	60^th of 1222 public elementary schools	95.1%		93.8	87^th of 1238 public elementary schools	93.0%	27	75.3	82.7	80.6	73.5	$13,785	$200	$13,585
Mashburn Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3777 Samples Rd	Cumming	30041	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(770) 889-1630	976	62	15.7	23.2%	326 (33.4%)	31 (3.2%)	156 (16.0%)	423 (43.3%)	4 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	35 (3.6%)	95.7	59^th of 1222 public elementary schools	95.2%		91.8	110^th of 1238 public elementary schools	91.1%	51	77.1	80.5	80.6	76.0	$12,380	$258	$12,122
Daves Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3740 Melody Mizer Ln	Cumming	30041	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(770) 888-1222	881	67	13.1	7.8%	85 (9.6%)	25 (2.8%)	34 (3.9%)	711 (80.7%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	22 (2.5%)	99.1	5^th of 1222 public elementary schools	99.6%		99.2	5^th of 1238 public elementary schools	99.6%		94.1	91.1	92.4	86.9	$14,306	$200	$14,106
Vickery Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6280 Post Rd	Cumming	30040	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(770) 346-0040	982	62	15.8	6.9%	613 (62.4%)	23 (2.3%)	50 (5.1%)	259 (26.4%)	4 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (3.4%)	93.5	91^st of 1222 public elementary schools	92.6%		93.2	98^th of 1238 public elementary schools	92.1%	7	80.1	76.2	74.7	66.6	$12,259	$202	$12,058
Sawnee Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1616 Canton Hwy	Cumming	30040	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(770) 887-6161	1,591	100	15.9	21.5%	594 (37.3%)	50 (3.1%)	223 (14.0%)	659 (41.4%)	15 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	50 (3.1%)	86.5	161^st of 1222 public elementary schools	86.8%		85.8	176^th of 1238 public elementary schools	85.8%	15	65.7	73.2	67.9	58.7	$12,234	$200	$12,034
Haw Creek Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2555 Echols Rd	Cumming	30041	Forsyth County	Forsyth County	No	No	No	No	(678) 965-5070	926	65	14.2	12.0%	425 (45.9%)	34 (3.7%)	73 (7.9%)	357 (38.6%)	3 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (3.7%)	95.1	73^rd of 1222 public elementary schools	94.0%		94.1	81^st of 1238 public elementary schools	93.5%	8	72.5	79.6	85.1	74.5	$14,180	$224	$13,956

Frequently Asked Questions about George W. Whitlow Elementary

What schools do graduates of George W. Whitlow Elementary attend?

Students who attend George W. Whitlow Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Otwell Middle School
High : Forsyth Central High School

Is George W. Whitlow Elementary a good school?

George W. Whitlow Elementary ranks 146^th of 1222 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What district is George W. Whitlow Elementary in?

Forsyth County

What is the racial makeup of George W. Whitlow Elementary?

Students at George W. Whitlow Elementary are 40% Asian, 29% White, 21% Hispanic, 6% African American, 3% Two or more races.

How many students attend George W. Whitlow Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,247 students attended George W. Whitlow Elementary.

Rate George W. Whitlow Elementary!

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Latest Georgia data All new data »

2024–25 school spending data (updated)NewNov 2, 2026

2025–26 attendance dataAug 6, 2026

2025–26 Milestones Assessment scoresAug 6, 2026

2021–22 through 2024–25 Milestones Assessment scores (updated)Aug 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.