Summary:
The 74538 zip code area is home to 4 schools, including 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. While one school, Cottonwood Public School, stands out as a high-performing institution, the other schools in the area appear to be struggling academically.
Cottonwood Public School consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. In the 2024-2025 school year, it had significantly higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts (39%) and Mathematics (40%) compared to the state averages (26% for both subjects). In contrast, Emerson Elementary School, Coalgate High School, and Wallace Byrd Middle School all have relatively low proficiency rates and low rankings compared to other schools in the state.
The schools in the 74538 zip code area face several challenges, including high rates of chronic absenteeism (19% across all schools) and a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (ranging from 68.86% at Coalgate High School to 75.78% at Cottonwood Public School). These factors suggest that the student population in this area faces significant economic disadvantages, which can have a significant impact on academic performance and other outcomes. Further investigation into the specific factors contributing to these patterns would be necessary to develop targeted interventions and support for the struggling schools in the Coalgate and Cottonwood districts.
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