Baldwyn Elementary

Baldwyn Elementary is a small K–4 school in Baldwyn, Mississippi, serving 279 students as part of the Baldwyn School District. The school serves a high-poverty population, with about 77% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.6. Over the past decade, Baldwyn Elementary has seen a dramatic decline in its statewide ranking, falling from the 73rd percentile in 2015–16 to the 18th percentile in 2025–26, making it a 1-star school in the bottom fifth of Mississippi elementary schools.

Test scores tell a similar story. In the most recent state assessments, Baldwyn Elementary scored below the state average in every tested subject and grade. The gaps are especially large in math: only 25.5% of 3rd graders and 37.7% of 4th graders scored proficient, compared to state averages of 48.8% and 51.5%. Reading proficiency also trails, with 3rd grade ELA at 31.9% versus 48.5% statewide. This decline is not part of a regional trend. Nearby Mooreville Elementary and Marietta Elementary rank in the 78th and 82nd percentiles respectively, while Anderson Elementary, which serves a similar population with similar poverty levels, posts math scores roughly 40 points higher. Baldwyn is the only 1-star school among nearby elementary schools.

There are some positives to build on. Chronic absenteeism is a relative strength at 13.8%, well below the state average of 23.9% and lower than many neighboring schools. The school also has small class sizes and a stable attendance base that could support a turnaround. However, high poverty does not fully explain the low performance—nearby schools with nearly identical free/reduced lunch rates achieve far stronger results. The wide year-to-year swings in test scores, especially in math, suggest that targeted instructional support could help stabilize learning and reverse the downward trend. With the right interventions, this small school has the potential to improve, just as comparable schools in the area have shown.