Summary:
Zip code 31558 in Saint Marys, Georgia, is home to four elementary schools—Sugarmill Elementary, Saint Marys Elementary School, Crooked River Elementary School, and Mary Lee Clark Elementary School—all serving grades PK-5 within the highly ranked Camden County district, which sits at #11 in Georgia (95th percentile, 5 stars).
These schools are uniformly strong, with every one exceeding state averages in math and science at nearly all grade levels. Crooked River Elementary is the standout for momentum, surging from 272nd to 119th in the state (90th percentile, 5 stars) in one year, including a stunning 30-point jump in 5th grade math proficiency. Saint Marys Elementary is the most consistent climber, improving its state rank every year to 127th (90th percentile), while also posting the highest 3rd grade math score (73.7%) in the group. Mary Lee Clark Elementary is a science powerhouse, leading the group with 81.9% 5th grade science proficiency in 2024-2025, though it also has the highest chronic absenteeism rate (26.4%). Sugarmill Elementary, the largest school, is the efficiency leader with the lowest spending per student ($12,406) and the only chronic absenteeism rate (14.5%) below the state average.
Families here have excellent options, but there are nuances. A consistent "3rd grade dip" appears across all schools, with math proficiency notably lower in 3rd grade than in 4th or 5th—Sugarmill shows a 20.7-point gap. Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide concern, with three of four schools above the state average of 17.7%. Economic diversity is present, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 40.4% to 59.1%, yet academic results remain strong across all socioeconomic levels. While rankings fluctuate year to year, the overall picture is one of high achievement and steady improvement in this top-tier district.
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