Elementary Schools in Jefferson County School District

Jefferson County Elementary is the only elementary school in the Jefferson County School District, serving grades PK–5 in Fayette, Mississippi, with an enrollment of 512 students. This high-poverty school (100% free/reduced lunch) stands out for its remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 12.4%, roughly half the state average of 23.9%, which suggests strong engagement despite economic challenges. The school also shows impressive recent gains in 5th grade, with proficiency jumping by 18.8 points in ELA, 22.7 points in math, and 23.5 points in science from 2024–2025 to 2025–2026. Overall, the school narrowed its achievement gap with the state from -9.9 points to -5.4 points year over year, and its 3rd grade ELA has remained above the state average for two consecutive years.

However, there are clear warning signs. The most alarming is the collapse in 3rd grade math: proficiency fell from 57.4% (above the state) in 2024–2025 to just 35.9% (12.9 points below the state) in 2025–2026. Tracking the same cohort of students from 3rd to 4th grade shows sliding scores in both ELA (-13.4 points) and math (-5.4 points), indicating that strong early-grade performance may not carry forward. Science remains a persistent weakness, especially in 5th grade, where proficiency in 2024–2025 was 33.4% versus a 66.3% state average. Although the gap narrowed dramatically by 2025–2026 (56.9% vs. 71.5%), science is still the lowest-performing subject relative to the state.

On a positive note, the school's statewide rank has improved steadily from 247th (37th percentile) in 2023–2024 to 215th (43rd percentile) in 2025–2026, maintaining a 2-star rating. Meanwhile, the district as a whole is ranked in the 25th percentile with a 1-star rating, suggesting this school is outperforming the broader district. For parents, this means Jefferson County Elementary offers a supportive, engaged environment with strong attendance, but families should be aware of the volatility in grade-level performance, particularly the 3rd grade math drop and the ongoing challenge in science. The school appears to be on an upward trajectory, but continued focus on upper elementary core subjects will be essential.