Summary:
ZIP code 38759 (Merigold, Mississippi) contains just one school—Hayes Cooper Center, a PK–6 elementary serving 304 students in the Cleveland School District. Despite being part of a district ranked 89th of 134 in Mississippi (2 stars), Hayes Cooper Center consistently earns a 3-star rating and ranks in the top third of elementary schools statewide, including a 2025–2026 rank of 120 out of 377 (68th percentile). The school outperforms its district in 17 of 18 subject/grade/test combinations across two school years, making it a clear bright spot in the area.
The school's upper-grade math performance is especially impressive. In 2025–2026, 5th grade math proficiency reached 78.8% and 6th grade math hit 82.8%, compared to state averages of 49.6% and 52.7%; the prior year was even stronger at 83.9% and 86.7%, respectively. Fifth grade science proficiency was 72.7% in 2025–2026, above both district and state averages. The main concern is 4th grade math, which fell sharply from 45.2% to 29.0% in 2025–2026, landing below the district (38.9%) and state (51.5%) averages. ELA results are mixed: 6th grade ELA dropped from 86.7% to 58.6% year over year, while 3rd and 5th grade ELA remain strong.
Hayes Cooper Center serves a 100% free/reduced lunch population, yet posts proficiency rates that often exceed state averages, showing that high poverty does not define outcomes here. Chronic absenteeism is just 7.0% (2022–2023), compared to 22.7% for the district and 23.9% for the state, indicating a strong attendance culture. With a 14.7:1 student-teacher ratio, the school appears to punch well above its weight given its socioeconomic context, likely reflecting effective leadership and instruction. The clearest area for attention is 4th grade math, which warrants targeted intervention to maintain the school's otherwise strong record.
Thank you for your feedback!