Summary:
Zip code 31513 in Baxley, Georgia is served by two elementary schools—Appling County Elementary School and Altamaha Elementary School—both part of the Appling County school district, which holds a 4-star rating and ranks 45th out of 201 districts in Georgia. Together, these schools serve roughly 1,494 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, indicating high economic need across the community.
Appling County Elementary School is the clear standout, having jumped 174 spots in state ranking to 282nd (77th percentile) for 2025-2026, earning a 4-star rating. It outperforms both district and state averages in most subjects, particularly 4th grade math (63.3% proficient vs. 50.1% state) and 5th grade science (54.7% vs. 44.2% state). The school also spends more per student ($15,303 vs. $13,813) and has a slightly better student-teacher ratio (12.5:1 vs. 13.7:1) than its smaller counterpart. Altamaha Elementary School, with 381 students, holds a 3-star rating and ranks 500th (59th percentile). It shows notable strengths in 5th grade math (58.4% proficient, beating Appling's 50.7%) but struggles in 4th grade math (36.6%) and 5th grade science (35.8%, well below the 47.8% district average).
Both schools share a positive trait: chronic absenteeism rates of 10.3% and 11.2%, dramatically lower than the state average of 17.7%, despite serving 100% economically disadvantaged students. This suggests strong community engagement and effective attendance programs. However, the schools show divergent grade-level patterns—Appling excels in 4th grade while Altamaha shines in 5th grade—and Altamaha's smaller enrollment makes its scores more volatile year to year. For families, Appling County Elementary School currently offers the strongest overall academic outcomes and a clear upward trajectory, while Altamaha Elementary School may appeal to those seeking a smaller school environment with specific grade-level strengths.
Thank you for your feedback!