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West Elementary School

Summary:

West Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Gulfport, Mississippi, serving grades PK-5 with a student population of 523. The school is part of the Gulfport School District, which is ranked 41 out of 130 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

West Elementary School has a significantly higher percentage of African American students (74.95%) compared to the nearby schools, which have a more diverse racial composition. While the school's test scores are generally below the district and state averages, it shows some areas of strength, such as a 5th grade Science proficiency rate (82.9%) that is significantly higher than the district (78.3%) and state (71.2%) averages. However, the school has an extremely high percentage of students (100%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.

West Elementary School's statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, ranging from 50th out of 406 schools in 2016-2017 (4-star rating) to 216th out of 381 schools in 2020-2021 (2-star rating), suggesting some instability in its performance. When compared to the nearby schools, such as Harrison Central Elementary and Bayou View Elementary School, West Elementary School generally underperforms in terms of test scores, particularly in Mathematics. However, the school's strong 5th grade Science proficiency rate provides a foundation for potential improvement, and addressing the school's socioeconomic challenges may help enhance its overall academic outcomes.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 4051 15th Street
       Gulfport, MS  39501

(228) 870-1025

District: Gulfport School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
142nd of 390 Mississippi Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,920 Help


Students who attend West Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Gulfport Central Middle School
High:    Gulfport High School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.3 Help
Number of students:  523

Racial breakdown:

African American:
75.0%
White:
12.8%
Hispanic:
5.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  100% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details West Elementary School ranks better than 63.6% of elementary schools in Mississippi. It also ranks 4th among 6 ranked elementary schools in the Gulfport School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 63.59. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (75%), White (12.8%), Hispanic (5.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Gulfport School District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at West Elementary School is 12.3, which is the 2nd best among 6 elementary schools in the Gulfport School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare West Elementary School employs 42.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at West Elementary School is $8,920, which is the 3rd highest among 6 elementary schools in the Gulfport School District.
Schooldigger Rankings:

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

Gulfport School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Gulfport School District 41st of 130 Mississippi school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for West Elementary School?

Rank History for West Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MS State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2008 85.59 36th 394 90.9%
2009 80.78 59th 392 84.9%
2010 68.14 121st 403 70.0%
2011 68.80 122nd 418 70.8%
2012 64.04 146th 414 64.7%
2015 69.96 103rd 402 74.4%
2016 79.62 67th 394 83.0%
2017 82.10 50th 406 87.7%
2018 64.12 143rd 404 64.6%
2019 57.87 170th 397 57.2%
2021 42.47 216th 381 43.3%
2022 49.73 191st 382 50.0%
2023 62.32 139th 377 63.1%
2024 63.59 142nd 390 63.6%
See the entire list of Mississippi Elementary School Rankings!

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

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





Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.9)
90%

10%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a teacher
Sunday, April 14, 2013

Open Quote West Elementary is an amazing school where teachers and administrators care about their students. West Elementary has an active PTA and its members strive to make the home to school connection effective. I am proud to be part of the West team! Close Quote


by a teacher
Friday, April 12, 2013

Open Quote West Elementary school has great teachers that are willing to go above and beyond for the students. They work long hours preparing the students for their future. They work each day by the mission statement of the Gulfport School District. "The mission of the Gulfport School District is to inspire each student to become a problem solver, lifelong learner, and productive member of society." Close Quote


by a citizen
Friday, April 12, 2013

Open Quote West Elementary is a great school. This school has a great staff.Among this great staff are some on the best teachers :Mrs. Zanders 1st grade,Mrs. Drake 3rd grade, and Ms. Daniels 5th grade. Close Quote


by a teacher
Friday, April 12, 2013

Open Quote The administration and teachers are very dedicated. We maintain a positive learning environment for all students. We have high expectations for all students. Close Quote


by a citizen
Friday, April 12, 2013

Open Quote West Elementary is an outstanding school! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, April 11, 2013

Open Quote The administration and teachers at West are dedicated to providing their students with the best possible education that they can. They work diligently to see that the needs of their children are met and that the children meet their academic goals. Way to go West!! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Open Quote This school adheres to all the strict requirements of the USDA when preparing/serving their meals. Close Quote


by a teacher
Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Open Quote This is a wonderful school with great educators and staff! Close Quote


by a teacher
Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Open Quote In 2011, the Mississippi Department of Education selected the Gulfport School District as one of three school districts to participate in a pilot program called Excellence for All. As part of this program, selected school districts were given the opportunity to develop innovative programs for their students that would prepare them to compete on a national and global setting in the core subjects as well as improve students' career and college readiness. Due to a major shift from Mississippi Curriculum Standards to Common Core State Standards, the data on this site does not reflect this shift. Please see the Gulfport School District's website to see actual testing information for the Gulfport School District. (You may also sign up to follow us on Twitter.)

A highly functional school district, the District's selection as a pilot program represents the progressive and passionate commitment to be internationally competitive as the community and district work to meet the mission of the Gulfport School District.

The mission of the Gulfport School District is to inspire each student to become a problem solver, lifelong learner, and productive member of society. Close Quote



Enrollment information for West Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1990 219 335 14 0 0 n/a n/a 0 568
1991 192 303 14 3 0 n/a n/a 0 512
1992 182 328 12 2 0 n/a n/a 0 524
1993 211 288 16 2 0 n/a n/a 0 517
1994 223 331 19 4 1 n/a n/a 0 578
1995 217 356 11 8 1 n/a n/a 0 593
1996 217 356 11 8 1 n/a n/a 0 593
1997 196 301 14 1 1 n/a n/a 0 513
1998 145 237 13 2 0 n/a n/a 0 397
1999 157 273 5 6 2 n/a n/a 0 443
2000 128 288 6 11 1 n/a n/a 0 434
2001 118 283 6 7 1 n/a n/a 0 415
2002 129 248 9 3 0 n/a n/a 0 389
2003 129 248 9 3 0 n/a n/a 0 389
2004 116 263 3 5 0 n/a n/a 0 387
2005 123 267 7 4 0 n/a n/a 0 401
2006 56 188 3 2 2 n/a n/a 0 251
2007 92 265 8 5 2 n/a n/a 0 372
2008 94 284 8 7 0 n/a n/a 0 393
2009 79 284 8 6 0 0 0 0 377
2010 78 285 9 10 0 1 1 0 384
2011 69 238 8 14 0 0 2 0 331
2012 78 253 8 7 0 0 2 0 348
2013 89 243 5 9 1 0 4 0 351
2014 85 292 3 17 0 0 12 0 409
2015 68 294 2 13 2 0 16 0 395
2016 63 272 5 14 1 0 16 0 371
2017 57 277 4 20 0 0 1 0 359
2018 63 260 5 23 0 1 12 0 364
2019 64 270 5 26 1 1 21 0 388
2020 75 450 5 41 0 2 26 0 599
2021 71 443 3 38 1 3 22 0 581
2022 70 425 5 43 1 2 23 0 569
2023 67 392 3 31 1 3 26 0 523

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 West Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1990 568 28.7 19.7 n/a
1991 512 26.7 19.1 n/a
1992 524 24.2 21.6 51.9
1993 517 26.6 19.4 54.9
1994 578 29.5 19.6 54.8
1995 593 34.9 17.0 56.5
1996 593 34.9 17.0 56.5
1997 513 32.0 16.0 56.7
1998 397 28.6 13.9 58.2
1999 443 26.8 16.5 64.6
2000 434 32.0 13.6 60.8
2001 415 29.1 14.3 65.1
2002 389 28.2 13.8 66.8
2003 389 28.2 13.8 66.8
2004 387 25.9 14.9 84.2
2005 401 25.5 15.7 86.3
2006 251 5.6 44.8 98.8
2007 372 22.0 16.9 89.2
2008 393 25.6 15.4 87.3
2009 377 24.5 15.4 84.4
2010 384 26.7 14.3 88.8
2011 331 19.5 16.9 92.4
2012 348 21.9 15.8 90.5
2013 351 20.4 17.1 93.7
2014 409 18.6 21.9 96.3
2015 395 22.0 17.9 95.7
2016 371 20.0 18.5 95.7
2017 359 21.8 16.4 88.3
2018 364 20.9 17.3 96.7
2019 388 21.2 18.2 95.4
2020 599 32.7 18.2 98.2
2021 581 29.8 19.4 99.5
2022 569 37.0 15.3 99.5
2023 523 42.3 12.3 100

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 West Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1990 568 28.7 19.7 n/a
1991 512 26.7 19.1 n/a
1992 524 24.2 21.6 51.9
1993 517 26.6 19.4 54.9
1994 578 29.5 19.6 54.8
1995 593 34.9 17.0 56.5
1996 593 34.9 17.0 56.5
1997 513 32.0 16.0 56.7
1998 397 28.6 13.9 58.2
1999 443 26.8 16.5 64.6
2000 434 32.0 13.6 60.8
2001 415 29.1 14.3 65.1
2002 389 28.2 13.8 66.8
2003 389 28.2 13.8 66.8
2004 387 25.9 14.9 84.2
2005 401 25.5 15.7 86.3
2006 251 5.6 44.8 98.8
2007 372 22.0 16.9 89.2
2008 393 25.6 15.4 87.3
2009 377 24.5 15.4 84.4
2010 384 26.7 14.3 88.8
2011 331 19.5 16.9 92.4
2012 348 21.9 15.8 90.5
2013 351 20.4 17.1 93.7
2014 409 18.6 21.9 96.3
2015 395 22.0 17.9 95.7
2016 371 20.0 18.5 95.7
2017 359 21.8 16.4 88.3
2018 364 20.9 17.3 96.7
2019 388 21.2 18.2 95.4
2020 599 32.7 18.2 98.2
2021 581 29.8 19.4 99.5
2022 569 37.0 15.3 99.5
2023 523 42.3 12.3 100

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 West Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $875 (9.8%) $8,045 (90.2%) $8,920

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

Impact of COVID-19 on West 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 170th of 397 Elementary schoolsRanks 139th of 377 Elementary schools
 6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (West Elementary School)47.260
 12.8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Gulfport School District)59.964.1
 4.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)48.351.6
 3.3%
3rd Grade Mathematics (West Elementary School)56.665.7
 9.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Gulfport School District)65.469.5
 4.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)51.454.8
 3.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (West Elementary School)41.354.7
 13.4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Gulfport School District)55.661.9
 6.3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)48.553.4
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (West Elementary School)52.260
 7.8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Gulfport School District)6163.8
 2.8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)48.856.7
 7.9%
5th Grade English Language Arts (West Elementary School)44.662.7
 18.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Gulfport School District)50.463.7
 13.3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)4351.9
 8.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (West Elementary School)4326.7
 16.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Gulfport School District)46.345.5
 0.8%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)38.944.3
 5.4%
5th Grade Science (West Elementary School)53.864
 10.2%
   5th Grade Science (Gulfport School District)61.164
 2.9%
   5th Grade Science (Mississippi)55.964.3
 8.4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students388523
 34.8%
African American270392
 45.2%
American Indian11
Asian53
 40%
Hispanic2631
 19.2%
Pacific Islander13
 200%
White6467
 4.7%
Two or More Races2126
 23.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients95.4%100%
 4.6%

Schools Near West Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about West Elementary School

West Elementary School ranks 142nd of 390 Mississippi elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 523 students attended West Elementary School.

Students at West Elementary School are 75% African American, 13% White, 6% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races.

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

Middle : Gulfport Central Middle School
High : Gulfport 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 Mississippi 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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