Summary:
Zip code 39327, serving the Decatur area of Mississippi, contains one elementary school: Newton County Elementary School, which serves grades PK–6 with an enrollment of 882 students. As the only elementary school in this zip code, it acts as the primary educational provider for the community, operating under the Newton County School District — a district ranked 12th out of 134 in Mississippi with a 5-star rating.
The school itself has been a consistently strong performer, earning a 4-star state ranking for three consecutive years and placing in the top 20% of Mississippi elementary schools. In 2025-2026, Newton County Elementary ranked 43rd out of 377 elementary schools statewide (89th percentile), and it outperformed state averages in every subject and grade level reported. The standout results came from 3rd graders, who posted exceptional proficiency rates of 85.5% in ELA and 81% in math — both more than 30 points above state averages. Fifth grade science proficiency has also remained consistently high at 78.5%, beating the state by 7 points.
With 61.79% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, the school serves a majority economically disadvantaged population, yet chronic absenteeism sits at just 14.4% — substantially lower than the state average of 23.9% — and a student-teacher ratio of 15.2 supports individualized instruction. However, there are areas to watch: proficiency drops sharply between 3rd and 4th grade (ELA falls 21.6 points, math falls 13 points), and year-to-year scores show notable volatility, especially in math. For parents, Newton County Elementary represents a high-performing, above-average school with strong early-grade foundations, excellent attendance, and a positive school climate — though upper elementary grades offer room for continued improvement.
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