Summary:
Zip code 31539 in Hazlehurst, Georgia, is served by two elementary schools—Jeff Davis Primary School (grades PK-2) and Jeff Davis Elementary School (grades 3-5)—which together educate about 1,564 students in a high-poverty community where every student qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
These two schools show a striking contrast in attendance and resources. Jeff Davis Primary School has a chronic absenteeism rate of 26.5%—nearly 9 points above the state average—while Jeff Davis Elementary School sits at a much healthier 16.7%, below the district average of 20.5%. Interestingly, the primary school spends more per student ($13,927 vs. $11,647) yet has a higher student-teacher ratio (17:1 vs. 15.4:1), suggesting that extra funding hasn't solved its attendance challenges. The elementary school has maintained a steady 3-star rating for three consecutive years, ranking in the 56th-58th percentile statewide, while the Jeff Davis County district overall earns a strong 4-star rating and ranks 42nd out of 201 Georgia districts.
Academically, Jeff Davis Elementary School shows a clear pattern: 3rd and 4th graders beat the state in math (57.3% and 55.2% proficient vs. 48.3% and 50.1% statewide), but 5th graders fall behind (38.7% vs. 44.1%). Science scores also trail the state (36.7% vs. 44.2%). English Language Arts proficiency lags at every grade level, with the widest gap in 4th grade (31.1% vs. 39.3% statewide). The early-grade math success is a genuine bright spot given the 100% poverty rate, but the decline by 5th grade and persistent literacy gaps suggest parents should watch for transition challenges and advocate for targeted support in upper elementary reading and math.
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