Summary:
Zip code 39886 in Shellman, Georgia, is served by a single school, Southwest Georgia S.T.E.M. Charter Academy, a PK-12 alternative school within the State Specialty Schools II- Southwest Georgia S.T.E.M. Char district, enrolling 522 students from a 100% economically disadvantaged population.
This school is a standout in mathematics. In 8th grade math, 75% of students met proficiency in 2025-2026, a remarkable 28.7 points above the state average, and the school outperformed the state in five of seven tested grade levels in math. The most dramatic story is Algebra I: proficiency jumped 27.7 points in one year to 64.3%, now exceeding the state by 16.2 points. The school also shows strength in 8th grade science and social studies, both above state averages. However, results are mixed elsewhere. Biology proficiency sits 15.8 points below the state, and 5th grade science lags slightly. The school also saw a steep 19.6-point decline in 7th grade math, though it remains near the state average. With a 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio and $13,861 spent per student, the school invests heavily in its students, and its chronic absenteeism rate of 12.6% is notably better than the state's 17.7%.
Despite these academic wins, the graduation rate of 75% trails the state's 87.2%. The school's STEM identity is clear in math, but high school science support appears to be an area for growth. English Language Arts scores for 2025-2026 have not yet been released; they will arrive in December and are essential for a complete picture. Overall, Southwest Georgia S.T.E.M. Charter Academy is a school of contrasts—an exceptional math performer with strong attendance that still faces challenges in science and graduation outcomes.
Thank you for your feedback!