Jefferson Academy

Summary:

Jefferson Academy is an exemplary elementary school serving grades 3-5 in Jefferson, Georgia, part of the highly-ranked Jefferson City School District. With consistently outstanding academic performance, a low student-teacher ratio, and efficient use of resources, this school stands out as one of the top-performing elementary schools in the state.

Jefferson Academy's academic achievements are truly impressive. Students consistently outperform the state average on the Georgia Milestones Assessments, with 73.9% of 5th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 48.2%. In mathematics, 76.4% of 3rd graders, 78.2% of 4th graders, and 73.9% of 5th graders were proficient or better, significantly higher than the state averages. The school's student-teacher ratio, ranging from 15.8 to 16.3, is lower than nearby Jefferson Elementary School and the state average, indicating more individualized attention for students.

While Jefferson Academy outperforms many of the surrounding schools, including West Jackson Elementary and Commerce Elementary, it does so with relatively efficient spending, ranging from $6,717 to $7,312 per student, lower than the higher-spending Maysville Elementary. Additionally, the school serves a student population with a relatively low percentage of free or reduced-price lunch recipients, suggesting a higher socioeconomic status that may contribute to its academic success.

Detail:

Public 3-5

99 Dragon Dr
Jefferson, GA 30549

(706) 367-2300

District: Jefferson City

SchoolDigger Rank:
107^th of 1,248 Georgia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $7,312

Students who attend Jefferson Academy usually attend:

Middle:	Jefferson Middle School
High:	Jefferson High School

Student/teacher ratio: 15.4

Number of students: 939

Racial breakdown:

White:

76.3%

Hispanic:

9.2%

African American:

6.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 33.5%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Jefferson Academy ranks better than 91.4% of elementary schools in Georgia. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 92.06. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (76.3%), Hispanic (9.2%), African American (6.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 33.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Jefferson Academy is 15.4. (See more...)

Compare Jefferson Academy employs 60.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Jefferson Academy is $7,312.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Jefferson Academy was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Jefferson City:

SchoolDigger ranks Jefferson City 6^th of 203 Georgia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Jefferson Academy.

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Rank History for Jefferson Academy

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	GA State Percentile
2008	85.48	98^th	1134	91.4%
2009	85.61	100^th	1133	91.2%
2010	88.99	40^th	1183	96.6%
2011	86.31	75^th	1212	93.8%
2012	86.84	48^th	1201	96.0%
2013	85.71	57^th	1225	95.3%
2014	83.86	95^th	1231	92.3%
2015	86.20	152^nd	1240	87.7%
2016	85.34	152^nd	1233	87.7%
2017	85.17	157^th	1205	87.0%
2018	89.72	113^th	1209	90.7%
2019	90.51	112^th	1234	90.9%
2021	96.19	51^st	1214	95.8%
2022	94.84	75^th	1244	94.0%
2023	94.35	81^st	1242	93.5%
2024	92.06	107^th	1248	91.4%

See the entire list of Georgia Elementary School Rankings!

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

Data source: Georgia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)

50%

Reviews:

by a parent
Saturday, July 28, 2018

Jefferson Academy is a wonderful school. The reviews that are so negative are made by someone who can’t spell princiPAL correctly which makes me wonder if they were made by the same person. The teachers are caring and the current principal communicates and responds to my concerns within the day and genuinely listens to my perspective and ideas. I feel like I am a partner with my child’s teachers and the administration in the building and I am so thankful. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, June 16, 2015

School has a military, openly hostile attitude. Students are crowded, very stressful environment with teachers yelling constantly. My son was picked on and the teacher joined in with the students doing the picking. The principle doesn't care and reigns over everything like a dictator. You better not bother her with your kid's problems. I withdrew my son because he was afraid. Nobody from the school ever asked me anything. They absolutely have no caring at all for the students. Horrible experience here, especially since everything has been so wonderful and nurturing at our new school. The damage they did has been reversed by the great teachers we have now. My son has a terrific group of friends for life. I know things don't have to be like they are at Jefferson. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, May 25, 2014

Don't believe the hype about this school, look up college readiness statistics from this district. The culture here is one of browbeating, starting from the principle on down so that the kids are mean to each other because there is so much yelling,and the school is uncomfortably overcrowded. 9 year olds here are eloquent in all usage of the "f" word. Teachers will tell you they can't do anything because it all comes from home.My child told me he would have to "be like them" in order to stay here. There is open resentment towards out of district families, yet the school is packed with paying kids from out of district to jack up test scores. It is interesting that Jeffersonians have an air of superiority, considering the new CVS in town is a big deal.We are now at another public school where the teachers care about the children, and the kids are nice and look out for each other. At our new school they also teach kids how to be decent human beings. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Jefferson Academy

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2008	449	51	13	40	1	n/a	n/a	22	576
2009	492	52	10	46	0	n/a	n/a	21	621
2010	491	41	13	60	0	3	18	0	626
2011	503	52	11	56	0	3	25	0	650
2012	508	52	9	52	0	2	24	0	647
2013	525	56	10	67	0	0	15	0	673
2014	558	68	11	65	0	0	11	0	713
2015	568	73	10	62	0	0	16	0	729
2016	580	69	14	56	1	0	27	0	747
2017	617	76	15	58	1	0	34	0	801
2018	664	76	18	53	3	0	36	0	850
2019	708	76	12	62	1	0	38	0	897
2020	731	74	13	55	0	0	36	0	909
2021	709	63	14	65	1	0	42	0	894
2022	717	63	17	66	1	0	46	0	910
2023	718	55	24	80	1	0	53	0	931
2024	716	60	24	86	2	0	51	0	939

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 Jefferson Academy

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2008	576	39.6	14.5	30.3
2009	621	42.0	14.8	33.2
2010	626	40.0	15.6	33.7
2011	650	38.0	17.1	34.9
2012	647	39.0	16.5	34.9
2013	673	38.2	17.6	34.8
2014	713	37.8	18.8	33.5
2015	729	39.0	18.6	35.1
2016	747	46.0	16.2	32.3
2017	801	48.8	16.4	32.7
2018	850	51.8	16.4	26.2
2019	897	56.0	16.0	27
2020	909	56.5	16.0	24.8
2021	894	56.5	15.8	23.5
2022	910	55.5	16.3	n/a
2023	931	58.7	15.8	19.8
2024	939	60.9	15.4	33.5

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 Jefferson Academy

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2008	576	39.6	14.5	30.3
2009	621	42.0	14.8	33.2
2010	626	40.0	15.6	33.7
2011	650	38.0	17.1	34.9
2012	647	39.0	16.5	34.9
2013	673	38.2	17.6	34.8
2014	713	37.8	18.8	33.5
2015	729	39.0	18.6	35.1
2016	747	46.0	16.2	32.3
2017	801	48.8	16.4	32.7
2018	850	51.8	16.4	26.2
2019	897	56.0	16.0	27
2020	909	56.5	16.0	24.8
2021	894	56.5	15.8	23.5
2022	910	55.5	16.3	n/a
2023	931	58.7	15.8	19.8
2024	939	60.9	15.4	33.5

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 Jefferson Academy

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2017	$264 (3.9%)	$6,453 (96.1%)	$6,717
2018	$330 (4.7%)	$6,724 (95.3%)	$7,054
2019	$277 (3.8%)	$7,034 (96.2%)	$7,312

Data source: Georgia Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Jefferson Academy

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 112^th of 1234 Elementary schools	Ranks 81^st of 1242 Elementary schools	2.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson Academy)	64.4	66.4	2%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson City)	64.4	66.4	2%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)	42	38.6	3.4%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Jefferson Academy)	77.6	84.3	6.7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Jefferson City)	77.6	84.3	6.7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Georgia)	52	45.6	6.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson Academy)	58.1	59.4	1.3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson City)	58.1	59.4	1.3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)	42	36.1	5.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Jefferson Academy)	69	77	8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Jefferson City)	69	77	8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)	49	45.7	3.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson Academy)	70.9	64.5	6.4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson City)	70.9	64.5	6.4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)	45	41.6	3.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Jefferson Academy)	74.4	76.3	1.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Jefferson City)	74.4	76.3	1.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)	41	37.4	3.6%
5th Grade Science (Jefferson Academy)	71.8	66.2	5.6%
5th Grade Science (Jefferson City)	71.8	66.2	5.6%
5th Grade Science (Georgia)	43	40	3%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	897	931	3.8%
African American	76	55	27.6%
American Indian	1	1
Asian	12	24	100%
Hispanic	62	80	29%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	708	718	1.4%
Two or More Races	38	53	39.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	27%	19.8%	7.2%

Schools Near Jefferson Academy

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				Milestones Assessment English Language Arts (2024)			Milestones Assessment Mathematics (2024)			Milestones Assessment Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Milestones Assessment English Language Arts 3rd Grade	Milestones Assessment English Language Arts 4th Grade	Milestones Assessment English Language Arts 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 3rd Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 4th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Jefferson Academy	Public	3-5	99 Dragon Dr	Jefferson	30549	Jackson County	Jefferson City	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 367-2300	939	61	15.4	33.5%	716 (76.3%)	60 (6.4%)	86 (9.2%)	24 (2.6%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	51 (5.4%)	92.1	107^th of 1248 public elementary schools	91.4%		94.3	81^st of 1242 public elementary schools	93.5%	26	56.6	55.8	73.9	76.4	78.2	73.9	68.1	$7,312	$277	$7,034
Jefferson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-2	415 Hoschton St	Jefferson	30549	Jackson County	Jefferson City	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 367-8242	982	74	13.2	35.6%	748 (76.2%)	60 (6.1%)	104 (10.6%)	16 (1.6%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	51 (5.2%)								(n/a)								$8,903	$319	$8,583
Gum Springs Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	600 Gum Springs Church Rd	Jefferson	30549	Jackson County	Jackson County	No	No	No	No	(706) 654-5580	1,181	82	14.4	36.2%	880 (74.5%)	65 (5.5%)	135 (11.4%)	48 (4.1%)	2 (0.2%)	2 (0.2%)	49 (4.1%)	74.6	288^th of 1248 public elementary schools	76.9%		73	302^nd of 1242 public elementary schools	75.7%	14	49.1	54.7	52.3	55.4	74.0	45.2	51.3	$8,953	$258	$8,696
East Jackson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1531 Hoods Mill Rd	Commerce	30529	Jackson County	Jackson County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 336-7900	658	55	11.9	64.7%	471 (71.6%)	35 (5.3%)	88 (13.4%)	5 (0.8%)	4 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	55 (8.4%)	74.2	293^rd of 1248 public elementary schools	76.5%		65.8	382^nd of 1242 public elementary schools	69.2%	89	48.5	34.4	59.5	65.0	56.7	55.9	54.1	$9,670	$554	$9,116
South Jackson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1630 New Kings Bridge Rd	Athens	30607	Clarke County	Jackson County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 208-3552	701	61	11.4	71.6%	471 (67.2%)	63 (9.0%)	128 (18.3%)	5 (0.7%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (4.7%)	50.6	559^th of 1248 public elementary schools	55.2%		55.6	504^th of 1242 public elementary schools	59.4%	55	35.6	35.8	44.4	46.5	44.3	41.4	36.4	$11,924	$722	$11,203
North Jackson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1880 Old Gainesville Hwy	Talmo	30575	Jackson County	Jackson County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 693-2246	764	51	15.0	66.4%	351 (45.9%)	120 (15.7%)	219 (28.7%)	29 (3.8%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	43 (5.6%)	54.1	517^th of 1248 public elementary schools	58.6%		67.5	364^th of 1242 public elementary schools	70.7%	153	36.0	41.0	38.2	43.0	44.3	47.1	47.1	$10,949	$572	$10,377
Maysville Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	9270 Highway 82 Spur	Maysville	30558	Banks County	Jackson County	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 652-2241	482	41	11.9	79.3%	335 (69.5%)	16 (3.3%)	97 (20.1%)	7 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (5.6%)	48.7	574^th of 1248 public elementary schools	54.0%		60.2	443^rd of 1242 public elementary schools	64.3%	131	27.5	37.3	38.1	39.1	70.1	38.1	33.3	$13,578	$765	$12,813
Commerce Elementary School	Public	3-4	825 Lakeview Dr	Commerce	30529	Jackson County	Commerce City	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 335-1801	282	19	14.6	62.1%	180 (63.8%)	30 (10.6%)	46 (16.3%)	6 (2.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (7.1%)	78.2	248^th of 1248 public elementary schools	80.1%		82.4	202^nd of 1242 public elementary schools	83.7%	46	53.6	46.3		60.9	60.4			$9,175	$621	$8,554
Commerce Primary	Public	PK, KG-2	395 Minish Dr	Commerce	30529	Jackson County	Commerce City	No	No	No	Yes	(706) 335-5587	487	34	14.5	62.2%	316 (64.9%)	45 (9.2%)	86 (17.7%)	8 (1.6%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	29 (6.0%)								(n/a)								$11,177	$1,016	$10,162
Holsenbeck Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	445 Holsenbeck School Rd	Winder	30680	Barrow County	Barrow County	No	No	No	Yes	(770) 307-1540	789	60	13.1	67.2%	428 (54.2%)	59 (7.5%)	205 (26.0%)	42 (5.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	54 (6.8%)	47.4	597^th of 1248 public elementary schools	52.2%		48.6	565^th of 1242 public elementary schools	54.5%	32	24.6	37.7	45.7	31.7	63.9	42.5	29.9	$9,241	$612	$8,630

Frequently Asked Questions about Jefferson Academy

What is the racial makeup of Jefferson Academy?

Students at Jefferson Academy are 76% White, 9% Hispanic, 6% African American, 5% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

How many students attend Jefferson Academy?

In the 2023-24 school year, 939 students attended Jefferson Academy.

Is Jefferson Academy a good school?

Yes. Jefferson Academy ranks in the top 8.6% of Georgia elementary schools.

What district is Jefferson Academy in?

Jefferson City

What schools do graduates of Jefferson Academy attend?

Students who attend Jefferson Academy usually go on to attend:

Middle : Jefferson Middle School
High : Jefferson High School

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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.