Summary:
In zip code 38740, there is one elementary school, Casper E Hall in Duncan, MS, serving grades PK through 6 with 194 students in the North Bolivar Consolidated district. This school stands out for its remarkably low chronic absenteeism of just 5.5% compared to 18.7% for the district and 23.9% statewide, and it has improved its state ranking from the 49th percentile in 2023–2024 to the 53rd percentile in 2025–2026, earning a 3-star rating. It also scores above the state average in English Language Arts at 53.0% vs. 51.2%, and 5th grade science proficiency soared to 85.7%, well above the state’s 71.5%. With a favorable 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio, the school appears to be using its resources well despite 98.45% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
Math performance is the most inconsistent area. In 2024–2025, Casper E Hall averaged 56.3% proficiency in math, above the state’s 52.8%, but dropped to 39.3% in 2025–2026, well below the 50.7% state average. This drop was driven by sharp declines in 3rd grade (from 70.8% to 25%) and 4th grade (from 95% to 50%). Similarly, 4th grade ELA tumbled from 80% to 30% between those same years, while 5th grade ELA reached 76.2% in 2025–2026. Given the small enrollment of roughly 30–50 students per grade, these swings likely reflect individual cohort differences rather than broad school-wide trends.
Overall, Casper E Hall is a high-poverty school that outperforms its district in most measures and is now competitive with the state in reading and science. Its greatest strengths are attendance, improving statewide ranking, and recent 5th grade science and ELA results. The main concern is math, particularly in the lower and upper elementary grades, which will need attention to ensure consistent progress. For parents, this is a small school showing clear signs of improvement, with dedicated support and strong attendance, though year-to-year test results can vary significantly due to small class sizes.
Thank you for your feedback!