Summary:
Zip code 30735, serving the Resaca area of Gordon County, Georgia, is home to just one school: Tolbert Elementary School, a PK-5 school with 528 students, meaning families here will need to travel outside the zip code for middle and high school options.
Tolbert Elementary is a standout for its remarkable improvement and strong academics despite serving a student body where 99% qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school has climbed from a 2-star rating (47th percentile) in 2023-2024 to a 4-star rating (71st percentile) in 2025-2026, jumping 311 spots in state rankings. In the most recent testing year, the school outperformed both the Gordon County district and state averages in every subject and grade level tested. For example, 5th grade math proficiency is 54.8% compared to the state's 44.1%, and 5th grade science proficiency is 50.7% versus the state's 44.2%. Math scores are consistently strong across all grade levels—3rd grade at 56.3%, 4th at 51.2%, and 5th at 54.8%—suggesting a well-aligned curriculum rather than isolated success.
Beyond test scores, Tolbert Elementary shows healthy school climate indicators. Chronic absenteeism is 14.1%, lower than both the district (16.0%) and state (17.7%). The school maintains a favorable 13.8:1 student-teacher ratio and spends $13,203 per student. Year-over-year gains are notable, especially in 3rd grade math, which jumped 12.3 points from 44% to 56.3%. The school also outperforms its district by substantial margins in every subject, making it a potential model for other schools in Gordon County. For parents, this is a school that is clearly on an upward trajectory, delivering above-average results in a high-poverty setting—a compelling combination of equity and achievement.
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