Wacona Elementary School

Summary:

Wacona Elementary School is a public elementary school serving 937 students in grades PK-5 in Waycross, Georgia, which is part of the Ware County School District. Despite serving a high-poverty student population, with 93.7% to 97.8% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, Wacona Elementary generally outperforms the Ware County and Georgia averages on the Milestones Assessments, particularly in 5th grade English Language Arts and 3rd/4th grade Mathematics.

Wacona Elementary spends more per student ($10,223 in 2018-2019) compared to the other Ware County elementary schools, and has a higher student-teacher ratio (18.9-19.6) than the other schools in the district (10.3-14.0). This suggests that the school's relatively stronger academic performance may be attributed to its higher level of resources and funding. In contrast, the elementary schools in the neighboring Pierce County district significantly outperform Wacona and the other Ware County schools on the Milestones Assessments, despite having lower free/reduced lunch rates, indicating potential opportunities for the Ware County district to learn from higher-performing districts and further improve educational outcomes.

Overall, Wacona Elementary School appears to be a solid performing school within the Ware County district, providing a quality education to its high-poverty student population. The school's test scores, particularly in 5th grade ELA and 3rd/4th grade Math, stand out as key strengths, and the school's higher spending per student and student-teacher ratio compared to other Ware County schools may be contributing factors to its relatively stronger academic performance.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 3101 State St
       Waycross, GA  31503


(912) 287-2362

District: Ware County

SchoolDigger Rank:
504th of 1,248 Georgia Elementary Schools


Students who attend Wacona Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Ware County Middle School
High:    Ware County High School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.9 Help
Number of students:  937

Racial breakdown:

White:
56.4%
African American:
31.1%
Two or more races:
6.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  93.7% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Wacona Elementary School ranks better than 59.6% of elementary schools in Georgia. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 55.05. (See more...)
Finance
Schooldigger Rankings:

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

Ware County:

SchoolDigger ranks Ware County 77th of 203 Georgia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Wacona Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools GA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 61.74 478th 1101 56.6%
2007 53.41 608th 1125 46.0%
2008 64.47 423rd 1134 62.7%
2009 66.69 398th 1133 64.9%
2010 54.93 626th 1183 47.1%
2011 65.11 487th 1212 59.8%
2012 70.41 380th 1201 68.4%
2013 57.82 640th 1225 47.8%
2014 67.89 442nd 1231 64.1%
2015 50.33 574th 1240 53.7%
2016 49.88 568th 1233 53.9%
2017 47.77 585th 1205 51.5%
2018 64.08 386th 1209 68.1%
2019 71.43 316th 1234 74.4%
2021 45.80 610th 1214 49.8%
2022 51.32 556th 1244 55.3%
2023 47.04 590th 1242 52.5%
2024 55.05 504th 1248 59.6%
See the entire list of Georgia Elementary School Rankings!

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

Wacona 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: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Wacona Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 909 909
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 902 902
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 893 893
1993 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 930 930
1994 862 68 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 933
1995 544 272 4 4 0 n/a n/a 0 824
1996 544 272 4 4 0 n/a n/a 0 824
1997 579 315 2 4 2 n/a n/a 0 902
1998 609 241 2 6 0 n/a n/a 0 858
1999 605 257 2 12 0 n/a n/a 0 876
2000 595 234 1 15 0 n/a n/a 0 845
2001 598 226 7 7 4 n/a n/a 0 842
2002 615 196 3 8 0 n/a n/a 0 822
2003 615 196 3 8 0 n/a n/a 0 822
2004 607 192 5 10 0 n/a n/a 0 814
2005 592 203 3 10 0 n/a n/a 27 835
2006 621 190 0 10 3 n/a n/a 21 845
2007 595 228 1 15 3 n/a n/a 22 864
2008 606 233 5 16 2 n/a n/a 24 886
2009 611 223 4 19 0 n/a n/a 30 887
2010 613 255 2 32 3 0 26 0 931
2011 612 264 4 32 1 0 30 0 943
2012 623 286 1 32 2 0 29 0 973
2013 635 258 1 40 4 0 28 0 966
2014 584 319 0 49 1 0 43 0 996
2015 633 302 6 45 0 1 59 0 1046
2016 620 291 2 48 0 1 62 0 1024
2017 594 316 5 59 2 1 55 0 1032
2018 552 327 3 42 0 1 63 0 988
2019 566 294 2 43 0 1 71 0 977
2020 603 283 3 46 4 0 78 0 1017
2021 557 273 3 52 0 0 70 0 955
2022 531 283 2 45 0 0 59 0 920
2023 528 291 3 51 2 0 62 0 937

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 Wacona Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 909 45.0 20.2 21.6
1991 902 51.0 17.6 23.5
1992 893 50.0 17.8 29.8
1993 930 55.0 16.9 32.4
1994 933 61.0 15.3 35
1995 824 46.0 17.9 37.4
1996 824 46.0 17.9 37.4
1997 902 43.0 21.0 60.5
1998 858 48.3 17.8 64.6
1999 876 49.2 17.8 59.4
2000 845 46.0 18.4 59.1
2001 842 40.2 20.9 56.4
2002 822 40.4 20.3 56.8
2003 822 40.4 20.3 56.8
2004 814 41.7 19.5 59.5
2005 835 44.3 18.8 60
2006 845 43.2 19.6 59
2007 864 48.2 17.9 62.2
2008 886 51.1 17.3 62.5
2009 887 49.4 18.0 65.6
2010 931 44.7 20.8 68.9
2011 943 47.0 20.0 65.1
2012 973 46.8 20.7 69.1
2013 966 47.7 20.2 69.3
2014 996 46.6 21.3 74.6
2015 1046 48.0 21.7 90.1
2016 1024 48.0 21.3 90
2017 1032 47.5 21.7 90.1
2018 988 46.2 21.3 90.2
2019 977 47.0 20.7 97.7
2020 1017 49.0 20.7 97.8
2021 955 48.5 19.6 97.8
2022 920 48.5 18.9 n/a
2023 937 49.5 18.9 93.7

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 Wacona Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 909 45.0 20.2 21.6
1991 902 51.0 17.6 23.5
1992 893 50.0 17.8 29.8
1993 930 55.0 16.9 32.4
1994 933 61.0 15.3 35
1995 824 46.0 17.9 37.4
1996 824 46.0 17.9 37.4
1997 902 43.0 21.0 60.5
1998 858 48.3 17.8 64.6
1999 876 49.2 17.8 59.4
2000 845 46.0 18.4 59.1
2001 842 40.2 20.9 56.4
2002 822 40.4 20.3 56.8
2003 822 40.4 20.3 56.8
2004 814 41.7 19.5 59.5
2005 835 44.3 18.8 60
2006 845 43.2 19.6 59
2007 864 48.2 17.9 62.2
2008 886 51.1 17.3 62.5
2009 887 49.4 18.0 65.6
2010 931 44.7 20.8 68.9
2011 943 47.0 20.0 65.1
2012 973 46.8 20.7 69.1
2013 966 47.7 20.2 69.3
2014 996 46.6 21.3 74.6
2015 1046 48.0 21.7 90.1
2016 1024 48.0 21.3 90
2017 1032 47.5 21.7 90.1
2018 988 46.2 21.3 90.2
2019 977 47.0 20.7 97.7
2020 1017 49.0 20.7 97.8
2021 955 48.5 19.6 97.8
2022 920 48.5 18.9 n/a
2023 937 49.5 18.9 93.7

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 Wacona Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2017 $735 (8.5%) $7,952 (91.5%) $8,687
2018 $872 (9.1%) $8,756 (90.9%) $9,628
2019 $974 (9.5%) $9,249 (90.5%) $10,223

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Wacona 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 316th of 1234 Elementary schoolsRanks 590th of 1242 Elementary schools
 21.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Wacona Elementary School)41.735
 6.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ware County)40.430.6
 9.8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4238.6
 3.4%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Wacona Elementary School)54.235
 19.2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Ware County)40.539
 1.5%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Georgia)5245.6
 6.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Wacona Elementary School)6136.6
 24.4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Ware County)46.932.5
 14.4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4236.1
 5.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Wacona Elementary School)63.846.4
 17.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Ware County)48.742.8
 5.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4945.7
 3.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Wacona Elementary School)55.436.4
 19%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Ware County)45.138.6
 6.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4541.6
 3.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Wacona Elementary School)52.233
 19.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Ware County)41.137
 4.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4137.4
 3.6%
5th Grade Science (Wacona Elementary School)60.930.7
 30.2%
   5th Grade Science (Ware County)4743.4
 3.6%
   5th Grade Science (Georgia)4340
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students977937
 4.1%
African American294291
 1%
American Indian02
Asian23
 50%
Hispanic4351
 18.6%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White566528
 6.7%
Two or More Races7162
 12.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients97.7%93.7%
 4%


Schools Near Wacona Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Wacona Elementary School

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

Middle : Ware County Middle School
High : Ware County High School

Wacona Elementary School ranks 504th of 1248 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 937 students attended Wacona Elementary School.

Students at Wacona Elementary School are 56% White, 31% African American, 7% Two or more races, 5% Hispanic.


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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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