Washington-Wilkes Elementary School

Washington-Wilkes Elementary School in Washington, GA, serves 244 students in grades 4-5 within the Wilkes County district, and it stands out for its steady climb from the bottom fifth of Georgia schools to near the state average over the past five years.

For parents, the most encouraging news is the school’s trajectory. After ranking in the 18th percentile in 2021-2022, the school improved for five straight years, reaching the 47th percentile by 2025-2026. That means a school where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch is now performing essentially at the state median—a notable achievement. The school also excels at keeping kids in class: its chronic absenteeism rate is just 11.3%, far better than the district (14.8%) and state (17.7%) averages. In math, 5th graders scored 41.6% proficient, within striking distance of the state’s 44.1%, while 4th graders hit 43% versus the state’s 50.1%. One interesting strength: male students rank in the 54th percentile statewide, outperforming the school’s overall ranking—a pattern that reverses the typical gender gap.

Compared to nearby Lincoln County Elementary School, which sits in a higher-performing district, Washington-Wilkes trails in math (e.g., 43% vs. 60% in 4th grade) but actually posts a lower chronic absenteeism rate. The school also spends more per student ($17,468) than either Lincoln County ($13,707) or the feeder Washington-Wilkes Primary School ($14,904). Notably, 4th graders at this school outperform the primary school’s 3rd graders in math, suggesting students make gains during their two years here. Science scores have been volatile—peaking above the state average in 2023-2024 before dipping—but the overall picture is of a school that, despite economic challenges, has found ways to improve attendance and lift student performance.