Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 39114

Zip code 39114 is served by two public elementary schools — Mendenhall Elementary School (PK–6, 598 students) and Simpson Central School (K–8, 388 students) — both within the Simpson County School District, a 1-star district ranked in the 18th percentile statewide. The schools serve predominantly economically disadvantaged populations, with 86.6% and 84.0% free/reduced lunch eligibility, respectively. Simpson Central is the clear standout in this area, holding a higher state ranking every recent year: it currently ranks in the 34th percentile (2 stars) for 2025-26, while Mendenhall Elementary School sits in the 21st percentile (1 star). Simpson Central also posted a stronger overall MAAP proficiency average of 44.6% compared to Mendenhall's 38.7%.

The widest gap between the two schools is in mathematics and attendance. Simpson Central School's math proficiency averaged 49.2% in 2025-26 versus just 33.9% at Mendenhall Elementary School, including a standout 5th grade score of 68.8% proficiency versus the state average of 49.6%. Mendenhall's math struggles are most pronounced in upper grades, with 6th grade math at only 15% proficiency in 2024-25 against a state average of 52.9%. Chronic absenteeism likely explains much of the divide: Mendenhall's rate is 35.7%, far above the state's 23.9%, while Simpson Central's 21.7% is actually below the state average. Both schools operate within a district chronic absenteeism rate of 41.0%, making Simpson Central's attendance record especially notable.

Despite its lower overall ranking, Mendenhall has isolated bright spots, including 4th grade ELA proficiency of 50.8% and 5th grade science proficiency of 62.4%, both near or above district and state comparisons. Simpson Central likewise posted a 7th grade ELA proficiency of 52.2%, well above the district's 27.6% and the state's 36.7%. One trend worth monitoring is Simpson Central's ranking slide from the 58th percentile in 2023-24 to the 34th percentile in 2025-26, even as its math scores remain strong. Since both schools serve similar poverty levels yet produce very different outcomes, school-level factors such as attendance, instructional focus, and intervention programs appear to play an important role in this district.