Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 39031

Zip code 39031 in Meridian, Mississippi is served by a single elementary school: Clarkdale Elementary School, which enrolls 527 students in grades PK–6 within the Lauderdale County School District. This school stands out as a consistently high-performing institution, earning 5-star ratings for three consecutive years and ranking 22nd out of 377 elementary schools statewide (94th percentile) for 2025–2026. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.5 and a free/reduced lunch rate of 45.35%, Clarkdale serves a moderately diverse economic population while delivering results that far exceed both district and state averages.

Academically, Clarkdale outperforms the district and state in every tested subject and grade level. Average math proficiency across grades 3–6 is approximately 71.4%, while ELA proficiency averages about 77.4%. The most impressive result is 5th grade science, where 93.7% of students are proficient—22.2 percentage points above the state average. Notably, 6th grade ELA jumped from 63.7% to 81.7% proficiency in one year, and 6th grade math rose by 10.7 points. However, 3rd grade math (60.0%) and 5th grade math (68.3%) are relative weak points that declined year-over-year, suggesting areas that may benefit from targeted support. The school's chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6% is lower than both the district (29.7%) and state (23.9%), which likely contributes to its strong academic trajectory.

For parents, the key takeaway is that Clarkdale Elementary offers exceptional academic consistency and strength across most subjects. Its 94th-percentile state ranking, paired with standout science achievement and a remarkable 6th grade ELA turnaround, makes it a top choice in the region. While 3rd and 5th grade math show some volatility, the school's overall performance profile is highly positive, and its success despite moderate economic disadvantage underscores the effectiveness of its instructional environment. Families in zip code 39031 have access to a school that consistently ranks among the best elementary schools in Mississippi.