Schools in Zip Code 39120

ZIP code 39120 in the Natchez, Mississippi area contains 7 public schools—3 elementary schools, 2 middle-level schools, and 2 high schools—all serving highly impoverished student populations with 98–100% free/reduced lunch eligibility. Six of the seven schools belong to the Natchez-Adams School District, which is ranked 94th out of 134 Mississippi districts (2 stars), while Instant Impact Global Prep operates as its own district and is ranked near the bottom at 133rd out of 134. Enrollment ranges from 160 students at Instant Impact Global Prep to 642 students at McLaurin Elementary.

The standout school in this area is clearly Natchez Early College @ County-Lin, which boasts a 3-star rating, ranks in the 55th percentile of high schools, and achieved a 100% graduation rate. Its students far exceed district and often state proficiency rates, with 71% proficient in English II compared to 49.3% statewide. By contrast, Natchez High School is one of the lowest-ranked high schools in Mississippi (2nd percentile, 0 stars), with just 26.6% proficient in English II and a 29% proficiency rate in Algebra I. At the elementary level, Instant Impact Global Prep is the lowest performer, ranking in the 2nd percentile with only 4.3% of 4th graders proficient in math versus 51.5% statewide.

Across the ZIP code, math is the weakest subject, with proficiency rates consistently far below state averages at every grade level. Chronic absenteeism also tracks closely with low performance—Instant Impact Global Prep has the highest rate at 37.4% and Natchez High School follows at 29.2%, while the better-performing Natchez Middle (14.5%) and McLaurin Elementary (17.7%) have much lower rates. There are some bright spots, including Natchez Middle's 8th grade science proficiency of 64.2% (above the state's 57.8%) and Natchez Early College's English II results. The gaps between schools in the same community—especially between the two high schools—demonstrate that school model, culture, and instructional effectiveness matter more than poverty alone.