Summary:
The schools in zip code 63879 serve a small student population, with only one high school and one elementary school in the area. These schools, operated by the North Pemiscot County R-I district, are struggling academically, with very low proficiency rates on state assessments compared to state averages.
North Pemiscot Senior High has a relatively high 4-year graduation rate of 93.3%, but only 5.9% of 7th graders were proficient in math compared to 40.6% statewide. The school also has a high chronic absenteeism rate of 17.9%. In contrast, Ross Elementary has similarly low academic proficiency, with only 14.3% of 3rd graders proficient in math and ELA, and also a high chronic absenteeism rate of 17.9%.
Both schools serve a high-poverty student population, with nearly all students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite the high per-student spending, the schools are ranked in the bottom 10-16% of Missouri schools, indicating that factors beyond funding, such as curriculum, teacher quality, and support services, may be contributing to the poor academic performance. With limited school choice in the area, addressing the root causes of these challenges will be critical to improving educational outcomes for students in this community.
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