Summary:
Zip code 30735, serving the Resaca area of Gordon County, Georgia, is home to a single elementary school: Tolbert Elementary School, a mid-sized PK-5 school with 528 students within the Gordon County district.
Tolbert Elementary School is a standout success story, showing remarkable academic growth despite serving a student body where 99% qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school has vaulted from a 2-star to a 4-star rating in just two years, climbing from the 47th percentile in state rankings (2023-2024) to the 71st percentile (2025-2026)—a jump of 311 positions. In the most recent testing year, Tolbert outperformed both the district and state averages in every grade level tested for mathematics. For example, 5th grade math proficiency hit 54.8%, outpacing the state average by 10.7 percentage points, while 3rd grade math jumped an exceptional 12.3 points year-over-year to 56.3%. Science scores are equally strong, with 5th grade proficiency at 50.7% versus 44.2% statewide.
While math and science are clear strengths, English Language Arts (ELA) scores remain more modest, hovering near state averages—a potential area for future focus. Encouragingly, chronic absenteeism sits at 14.1%, below both the district (16.0%) and state (17.7%) rates, suggesting strong student engagement despite economic challenges. With a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.8:1 and per-student spending of $13,203, Tolbert appears to be deploying resources effectively. This single-school zip code contains a compelling example of a high-poverty school achieving rapid, measurable gains—a trajectory well worth watching in the years ahead.
Thank you for your feedback!