Summary:
Tylertown, Mississippi, is served by the Walthall County School District, which includes five schools spanning grades PK–12 and enrolling roughly 1,695 students in a high-poverty area where nearly 79% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The district's unusual grade configuration includes Salem (K–12), Tylertown High School (7–12), Dexter Elementary School (K–8), Tylertown Primary School (PK–3), and Tylertown Elementary School (4–6).
Academically, Salem is an unexpected standout. Despite being classified as an alternative school, it posts the district's strongest MAAP scores, exceeding state averages in 3rd and 8th grade ELA, 8th grade science, Biology, and English II, while also having a low student–teacher ratio of 10.7:1. Dexter Elementary School is another bright spot, improving from the 23rd to 54th percentile in state rankings despite having the highest poverty rate (91.9%) and highest chronic absenteeism (27.0%). Tylertown Primary School made dramatic one-year gains in 3rd grade math (+23.3 points) and ELA (+20.3 points). Meanwhile, Tylertown High School shows a red flag: English II proficiency plunged from 46.8% to 30.8%, well below the state average of 49.3%.
The most concerning academic weakness is at Tylertown Elementary School, where only 19.5% of 4th graders are proficient in math versus 51.5% statewide, and all tested subjects fall below state averages. The school also has the district's highest student–teacher ratio (17.8:1). Graduation rates trail the state: Tylertown High School graduates 81.3% and Salem 76.6%, compared to 89.2% statewide. Chronic absenteeism is mixed, with Dexter exceeding the state average and the other schools faring better. Overall, this district faces serious challenges but shows genuine pockets of progress, particularly at Salem, Dexter, and Tylertown Primary.
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