Summary:
ZIP code 38643, located in the Lambert, Mississippi area, is served by exactly one school: Quitman County Elementary, which enrolls 331 students in grades PK through 4th grade and is part of the Quitman County School District. With 100% of its students eligible for free/reduced lunch, this elementary school serves an entirely economically disadvantaged population, yet it has carved out some notable strengths. The district is ranked 103rd out of 134 districts in Mississippi (23rd percentile, 1 star), but the school itself has historically performed better than that district rating would suggest.
In terms of academics, math has been the school's clear strength. In 2024-2025, 3rd and 4th grade math proficiency rates (62.0% and 65.4%) outpaced the state by roughly 9 points each. However, by 2025-2026, those advantages shrank dramatically, with 3rd grade at 53.2% and 4th grade dropping 13 points to 52.4%. English Language Arts (ELA) remains a persistent challenge, with proficiency in the mid-30s to low-40s, consistently about 10 points behind the state average. On a positive note, the school's chronic absenteeism rate of 19.6% in 2023-2024 was better than both the district (25.7%) and the state (23.9%) averages.
The school's state ranking has slipped from the 57th percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 44th percentile (2 stars) in 2025-2026, driven largely by the recent math declines. Still, Quitman County Elementary remains a potential bright spot within a struggling district, outperforming the district's own 1-star rating. The combination of strong attendance, a former math advantage, and the challenges of 100% poverty make this school one to watch. Parents considering this school should note that while literacy gaps need attention, the school has demonstrated resilience and areas of genuine academic success.
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