Elementary Schools in Jones County School District

The Jones County School District in Mississippi is home to six elementary schools, each serving grades PK-6 and together enrolling roughly 4,868 students. The district ranks 34th out of 134 districts statewide with a 4-star rating, but the individual schools span a wide range of outcomes. Moselle Elementary School is the clear standout, ranking 59th in the state (84th percentile) with the highest overall proficiency average at 66.4%, including a spectacular 87.3% science score. That success is notable given its high poverty rate and the district's highest chronic absenteeism rate. South Jones Elementary School is the largest school in the district and a model of consistency, steadily improving its state rank over three years while posting strong math scores and the lowest poverty rate. Glade Elementary is quietly excellent in the early grades—boasting the district's best 3rd grade math score (85.7%) and the lowest student-teacher ratio—but suffers a sharp drop-off in 6th grade proficiency, suggesting a transition problem.

At the other end of the spectrum, North Jones Elementary School is the district's most urgent concern: it ranks in the 23rd percentile, has fallen 60 spots in two years, and produces the lowest scores across every subject, including a 24.4% proficiency in 3rd grade math. It also has the highest poverty rate (82.44%), while East Jones Elementary and West Jones Elementary sit in the middle—East Jones is improving (up 21 rank positions) while West Jones remains stable but unremarkable.

Two big takeaways stand out for parents. First, high poverty does not doom a school: Moselle and Glade both have high free/reduced lunch rates yet deliver some of the district's best results, proving that effective instruction can overcome economic challenges. Second, the 6th grade year is a district-wide soft spot, with several schools seeing scores plummet from 5th to 6th grade—though Moselle and South Jones manage to keep 6th grade math above 69%. Overall, this is a strong district with one exceptional school, one declining school in need of help, and plenty of room for families to find a great fit.