Summary:
Key Elementary School is a public elementary school in Jackson, Mississippi, serving 199 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Jackson Public School District, which is ranked 110 out of 130 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. Key Elementary has a predominantly African American student population, with over 97% of students identifying as such.
Key Elementary School has consistently underperformed compared to state and district averages in standardized test scores for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, only 35.9% of 3rd graders, 32.1% of 4th graders, and 39.3% of 5th graders were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state averages of 57.7%, 57.1%, and 51.7%, respectively. Similarly, in Mathematics, only 20.5% of 3rd graders, 10.7% of 4th graders, and 25% of 5th graders were proficient or better, compared to the state averages of 53.3%, 55%, and 53.7%. The school has also experienced a significant decline in its statewide ranking and SchoolDigger rating, dropping from a 4-star rating in 2017-2018 to a 1-star rating in the 2023-2024 school year.
When comparing Key Elementary School to nearby schools within the Jackson Public School District, such as Bates Elementary, Pecan Park Elementary, and Shirley Elementary, it becomes evident that the academic performance challenges are not unique to Key Elementary. Many of these surrounding schools also struggle with low proficiency rates in ELA and Mathematics, with scores often well below the state averages. The high rates of economic disadvantage, as evidenced by the 100% free and reduced lunch rates, may be a significant factor contributing to the academic challenges faced by Key Elementary School and its surrounding schools.
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