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Nickajack Elementary School

Summary:

Nickajack Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Smyrna, Georgia, serving grades PK-5 with a total enrollment of 1,111 students. It is part of the Cobb County School District, which is ranked 52 out of 203 school districts in Georgia and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. Nickajack Elementary has received a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger in recent years, with its highest ranking being 334 out of 1,244 Georgia elementary schools in the 2021-2022 school year.

Nickajack Elementary consistently outperforms the Cobb County and Georgia state averages in the Milestones Assessment for English Language Arts and Mathematics across grades 3-5. For example, in 2023-2024, Nickajack's 3rd-grade ELA proficiency rate was 55%, compared to 48.2% for Cobb County and 38.4% for Georgia. The school also has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 14.3 to 15.2 over the past three school years, which is lower than the ratios of many nearby schools. Additionally, Nickajack Elementary has a lower percentage of free/reduced lunch recipients (around 30%) compared to several nearby schools, such as Belmont Hills Elementary (88.89%), Norton Park Elementary (80.24%), and Russell Elementary (70.86%).

One of the nearby schools, King Springs Elementary, is a high-performing school that consistently outperforms Nickajack Elementary across all test subjects and grade levels. In 2023-2024, King Springs had 58.4% of 3rd-graders proficient in ELA, compared to 55% at Nickajack. This provides a useful benchmark for Nickajack to strive towards. Additionally, Nickajack Elementary's per-student spending has increased from $9,034 in 2016-2017 to $9,660 in 2018-2019, which is in line with the Cobb County district average and may have contributed to the school's consistent performance.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 4555 Mavell Rd SE
       Smyrna, GA  30082

(678) 842-5814

District: Cobb County

SchoolDigger Rank:
414th of 1,248 Georgia Elementary Schools


Students who attend Nickajack Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Campbell Middle School
High:    Campbell High School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.3 Help
Number of students:  1,111

Racial breakdown:

African American:
52.9%
White:
23.6%
Two or more races:
9.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  32.3% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Nickajack Elementary School ranks better than 66.8% of elementary schools in Georgia. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 63.74. (See more...)
Student Body
Teachers
Finance
Schooldigger Rankings:

Nickajack Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Cobb County:

SchoolDigger ranks Cobb County 52nd of 203 Georgia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Nickajack Elementary School?

Rank History for Nickajack Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools GA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 45.16 697th 1101 36.7%
2007 57.47 542nd 1125 51.8%
2008 58.85 514th 1134 54.7%
2009 59.08 506th 1133 55.3%
2010 47.32 733rd 1183 38.0%
2011 50.85 699th 1212 42.3%
2012 51.50 707th 1201 41.1%
2013 60.27 594th 1225 51.5%
2014 48.91 758th 1231 38.4%
2015 56.70 488th 1240 60.6%
2016 56.12 480th 1233 61.1%
2017 60.92 417th 1205 65.4%
2018 53.64 512th 1209 57.7%
2019 61.73 433rd 1234 64.9%
2021 64.91 386th 1214 68.2%
2022 71.04 334th 1244 73.2%
2023 64.83 400th 1242 67.8%
2024 63.74 414th 1248 66.8%
See the entire list of Georgia Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Georgia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Nickajack Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    





Data source: Georgia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.9)
86%

14%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, July 24, 2017

Open Quote I love Nickajack! I have 2 boys... going into our 4th year. Teachers, PTA, Foundation and the Parents are all awesome. My boys ride the school bus, eat at school, attend ASP (after school), love the clubs. I was worried about public school in Georgia but Nickajack is a wonderful place to send your children. Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, August 3, 2013

Open Quote There's something to be said when teachers allow their children to be taught at their school of employment... Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, January 20, 2012

Open Quote My son has just completed the first half of Kindergarten at Nickajack. Let me highlight just a few things that have impressed me:

- Reading: the teachers have been working VERY well with the children on their reading skills. My son is now beyond 1st grade level and progressing every week. For a while, I could not believe how quickly he was progressing. This was my top priority going into the school year and I am very happy - more than I was even hoping for.

- Math: let's just put it this way, he is already doing multiplication (he has done 7 x 7 but I can't remember if he's done higher than that). I am not sure if match is getting as much focus as reading (which makes sense to me, since reading is the foundation for everything else) but for a kindergartener to be doing so well in match is quite encouraging

- After School Program (ASP): My wife and I both work so our son doesn't ride the bus home, but he stays at ASP until we can pick him up (closes at 6 PM). There are lots of adults there and they have various activities for the kids to enjoy

- Administration: we have never had any trouble getting in touch with the administration to discuss any issue and we have even been able to arrive un-announced and still have face-to-face meetings with them.

- Other - Okay, so, this is crazy. There is a chess club for an hour each week where they learn the basic strategies of chess. I am playing chess with my five year old on the weekends. Seriously. I mean you can't make this stuff up.

If you have any questions about this, call me at 404-941-4538. If I can't answer right away, leave a message with what you are calling about and I will call you back as soon as I can. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Open Quote The principal and teachers at Nickajack have surpassed my expectations! After several years at private school, we decided to take a chance on the public school. I was worried that my children would "backtrack" in public school but they are actually being more challenged because the school is required to take each child at their current level, and then push them to go farther. The teachers quickly started finding supplemental services for my children to keep them progressing at a "private school" pace. Mrs. Parks, the principal, is really a class act and the PTA and foundation are very strong. The foundation (only in its 2nd year) has already paid for 2 years of a computer lab instructor. I can only imagine that more "extras" will be in the future. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Open Quote Amazing principal, great teachers - Behavior at school by the kids is great - check out those quiet halls! This is year 2 and we're happy! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Nickajack Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1999 178 232 7 13 7 n/a n/a 0 437
2000 220 266 9 21 11 n/a n/a 0 527
2001 213 335 17 23 9 n/a n/a 0 597
2002 242 444 23 37 7 n/a n/a 0 753
2003 242 444 23 37 7 n/a n/a 0 753
2004 233 481 22 41 7 n/a n/a 0 784
2005 194 506 24 49 11 n/a n/a 38 822
2006 192 535 29 33 8 n/a n/a 45 842
2007 173 488 31 42 5 n/a n/a 51 790
2008 142 378 44 25 2 n/a n/a 47 638
2009 183 404 55 39 4 n/a n/a 46 731
2010 226 450 53 60 4 1 0 0 794
2011 263 441 43 72 2 1 58 0 880
2012 330 462 38 65 2 3 60 0 960
2013 341 523 59 73 1 2 47 0 1046
2014 327 577 48 71 2 0 47 0 1072
2015 319 618 44 99 6 0 40 0 1126
2016 266 590 42 94 2 0 53 0 1047
2017 271 585 40 99 2 0 61 0 1058
2018 243 685 50 88 2 0 55 0 1123
2019 274 672 59 89 2 1 66 0 1163
2020 303 655 59 92 3 0 75 0 1187
2021 269 619 46 108 5 0 84 0 1131
2022 274 608 47 120 4 0 92 0 1145
2023 262 588 52 100 4 0 105 0 1111

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Nickajack Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1999 437 31.8 13.7 33.6
2000 527 37.5 14.1 38.1
2001 597 44.8 13.3 32.8
2002 753 51.3 14.7 40
2003 753 51.3 14.7 40
2004 784 54.5 14.4 41.7
2005 822 56.6 14.5 48
2006 842 53.5 15.7 49.4
2007 790 56.0 14.1 49.9
2008 638 52.5 12.2 48.7
2009 731 56.0 13.1 42.5
2010 794 58.5 13.5 38.7
2011 880 63.0 13.9 43.9
2012 960 62.6 15.3 39.6
2013 1046 64.0 16.3 40.4
2014 1072 69.0 15.5 39.7
2015 1126 75.0 15.0 40.5
2016 1047 74.0 14.1 40.1
2017 1058 75.4 14.0 38.8
2018 1123 77.4 14.5 37.2
2019 1163 79.0 14.7 34.9
2020 1187 80.0 14.8 31.4
2021 1131 76.2 14.8 28.8
2022 1145 74.9 15.2 n/a
2023 1111 77.5 14.3 32.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Nickajack Elementary School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1999 437 31.8 13.7 33.6
2000 527 37.5 14.1 38.1
2001 597 44.8 13.3 32.8
2002 753 51.3 14.7 40
2003 753 51.3 14.7 40
2004 784 54.5 14.4 41.7
2005 822 56.6 14.5 48
2006 842 53.5 15.7 49.4
2007 790 56.0 14.1 49.9
2008 638 52.5 12.2 48.7
2009 731 56.0 13.1 42.5
2010 794 58.5 13.5 38.7
2011 880 63.0 13.9 43.9
2012 960 62.6 15.3 39.6
2013 1046 64.0 16.3 40.4
2014 1072 69.0 15.5 39.7
2015 1126 75.0 15.0 40.5
2016 1047 74.0 14.1 40.1
2017 1058 75.4 14.0 38.8
2018 1123 77.4 14.5 37.2
2019 1163 79.0 14.7 34.9
2020 1187 80.0 14.8 31.4
2021 1131 76.2 14.8 28.8
2022 1145 74.9 15.2 n/a
2023 1111 77.5 14.3 32.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Nickajack Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2017 $270 (3.0%) $8,764 (97.0%) $9,034
2018 $290 (3.1%) $9,019 (96.9%) $9,308
2019 $255 (2.6%) $9,406 (97.4%) $9,660

Data source: Georgia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Nickajack Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 433rd of 1234 Elementary schoolsRanks 400th of 1242 Elementary schools
 2.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Nickajack Elementary School)47.850
 2.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Cobb County)48.547.2
 1.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4238.6
 3.4%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Nickajack Elementary School)54.851
 3.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Cobb County)58.150.4
 7.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Georgia)5245.6
 6.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Nickajack Elementary School)43.448
 4.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Cobb County)50.846.3
 4.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4236.1
 5.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Nickajack Elementary School)53.849.2
 4.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Cobb County)57.452.8
 4.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4945.7
 3.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Nickajack Elementary School)53.446.7
 6.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Cobb County)54.951
 3.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4541.6
 3.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Nickajack Elementary School)43.137.6
 5.5%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Cobb County)47.244.2
 3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4137.4
 3.6%
5th Grade Science (Nickajack Elementary School)4234.8
 7.2%
   5th Grade Science (Cobb County)4744.1
 2.9%
   5th Grade Science (Georgia)4340
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students11631111
 4.5%
African American672588
 12.5%
American Indian24
 100%
Asian5952
 11.9%
Hispanic89100
 12.4%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White274262
 4.4%
Two or More Races66105
 59.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients34.9%32.3%
 2.6%

Schools Near Nickajack Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Nickajack Elementary School

Students who attend Nickajack Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Campbell Middle School
High : Campbell High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,111 students attended Nickajack Elementary School.

Students at Nickajack Elementary School are 53% African American, 24% White, 9% Two or more races, 9% Hispanic, 5% Asian.

Nickajack Elementary School ranks 414th of 1248 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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