Summary:
Zip code 31042, serving the Irwinton, Georgia area, is home to two elementary schools within the Wilkinson County district, together educating roughly 483 students across grades PK through 5, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
Wilkinson County Elementary School (grades 3-5) is the only school in the area with state test data, and it shows a promising upward trajectory in its overall ranking, jumping from the 7th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 18th-23rd percentile range in subsequent years. However, proficiency rates remain well below state averages across all subjects. In 2025-2026, math proficiency ranged from 14.1% (3rd grade) to 28.4% (4th grade), compared to state averages near 48-50%. Science is a relative strength at 32.8% proficiency, closely trailing the state's 44.2%. The school also shows notable year-to-year volatility, particularly in 3rd grade math, which dropped from 28.9% to 14.1% proficiency, while 5th grade math improved from 20.7% to 27.7%. Wilkinson County Primary School (grades PK-2) has no ranking data since standardized testing begins in 3rd grade, but it serves as the foundational entry point for the district's youngest learners.
The most striking finding is the exceptional attendance at both schools, with chronic absenteeism rates of just 4.8-4.9%—roughly one-quarter of the state average of 17.7%—despite the high level of economic disadvantage. This suggests strong family engagement and effective attendance initiatives. Both schools also spend generously, at $16,693 and $17,280 per student respectively, though these investments have not yet translated into proficiency rates near state averages. With only about 65-70 students per grade level at the elementary school, individual cohort characteristics can significantly sway year-to-year results. The district's scores exactly mirror the elementary school's scores, confirming these two schools represent the entirety of the district's elementary footprint, leaving no internal comparison schools for identifying best practices.
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