Best Public Schools in Zip Code 38723

Zip code 38723 in Avon, Mississippi is served by two public schools—Riverside Elementary School (PK–6) and Riverside High School (7–12)—both part of the Western Line Schools district and sharing the same campus. Nearly every student in both schools comes from an economically disadvantaged background, with free/reduced lunch eligibility at 99% or higher, and both schools maintain an identical student-teacher ratio of 13.9.

These two schools tell very different stories despite their shared demographics and location. Riverside Elementary School is the clear academic leader and has been improving steadily, climbing from a 1-star rating (21st percentile) in 2023–2024 to a 3-star rating (50th percentile) in 2025–2026. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 16.6% is well below the district and state averages of roughly 23.5%, and 6th-grade math stands out as a genuine strength, with 64.3% of students proficient—surpassing both the district (52.5%) and state (52.7%). By contrast, Riverside High School has experienced extreme volatility, swinging from a 4-star rating (76th percentile) in 2024–2025 down to a 1-star rating (18th percentile) in 2025–2026. The high school also faces a serious absenteeism crisis at 39.9% of students chronically absent, which is more than double the elementary school's rate and likely tied to its low test scores and a 72.9% graduation rate—more than 16 points below the state average.

For parents, the key takeaway is that the elementary school demonstrates what is possible even in a high-poverty setting, particularly in math and science. The high school, however, shows mixed results: science scores (8th-grade at 50% and Biology at 52.5%) are relative bright spots, while 7th-grade ELA proficiency sits at just 19.1%. The district overall ranks in the 38th percentile statewide, meaning the elementary school is helping pull the district upward while the high school struggles with attendance, engagement, and literacy. The elementary school's success suggests that the high school's challenges—while serious—are not inevitable and could improve with targeted interventions around attendance and student support.