Summary:
Zip code 39213 in Jackson, Mississippi, is served by two public elementary schools—Walton Elementary School and Johnson Elementary School—both serving grades PK through 5 within the Jackson Public Schools district, where every student qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
Walton is the clear standout. It ranks 249th out of 377 Mississippi elementary schools, improving steadily from 328th to 317th to 249th over three years, while Johnson has fallen to 363rd. Walton’s chronic absenteeism rate is just 8.9%—remarkably below the district’s 30.1% and even the state’s 23.9%—whereas Johnson’s rate is 37.4%. Test scores tell a similar story. Walton’s 5th graders post exceptional results: 60.8% proficient in ELA and math, and 74.5% in science, exceeding state averages. Johnson, by contrast, sees proficiency drop sharply by 4th and 5th grade, with only 12.5% proficient in 4th grade math and 23.1% in 5th grade math. Johnson’s 3rd graders, however, are close to district averages in ELA and slightly above in math, hinting at some early promise that fades in later grades.
The comparison highlights how attendance and upper-grade instruction drive outcomes. Walton’s 5th grade science proficiency jumped nearly 31 points in one year, and its strong attendance likely supports that growth. Johnson struggles most where absenteeism is high, and its declining ranking reflects that challenge. Both schools operate in a high-poverty district ranked 112th out of 134 in Mississippi, yet Walton proves that meaningful progress is possible under the same conditions. For parents, the choice is clear: Walton offers stronger overall academics, far better attendance, and positive momentum, while Johnson faces serious hurdles in the upper grades despite some early-grade potential.
Thank you for your feedback!