Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 29351

Zip code 29351 is home to a single elementary school, Joanna-Woodson Elementary, which serves grades Kindergarten through 5th grade with an enrollment of 293 students in the Laurens 56 school district.

For parents considering this area, the most important takeaway is that Joanna-Woodson Elementary has some notable strengths but is facing significant academic challenges. The school has a very favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.2, meaning smaller class sizes that can allow for more individual attention. Additionally, its chronic absenteeism rate of 14.5% is much better than both the district (20.4%) and state (22.3%) averages, indicating that students are consistently showing up to school. However, the school's academic performance tells a different story. Its state ranking has declined sharply over the past three years, falling from the 52nd percentile in 2023-2024 to just the 27th percentile in the most recent 2025-2026 school year, earning it a 1-star rating. Proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics are generally below district and state averages, with particularly concerning results in 4th grade—only 22% of 4th graders are proficient in math compared to 52.3% statewide, and 40.7% are proficient in ELA versus 65.4% statewide.

One of the most striking findings is the disconnect between spending and outcomes. Joanna-Woodson Elementary spends $17,683 per student, which is a substantial investment, yet this high level of funding is not translating into academic success. The data also reveals a significant "4th-grade slump," where performance drops dramatically between 3rd and 4th grade in both subjects. Year-over-year results are inconsistent, with some grades improving while others decline sharply, suggesting a lack of a stable, effective academic program. While the school's attendance and class sizes are positive factors, parents should be aware that the school appears to be struggling to convert its resources and student presence into strong academic outcomes, and may want to investigate the instructional strategies and support systems in place.