Is Simpson Central School a good school?

Simpson Central School ranks 162 nd of 390 Mississippi elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Simpson Central School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 433 students attended Simpson Central School.

What is the racial makeup of Simpson Central School?

Students at Simpson Central School are 59% White, 37% African American, 2% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.

What schools do graduates of Simpson Central School attend?

Students who attend Simpson Central School usually go on to attend: High : Mendenhall High School

Simpson Central School

Summary:

Simpson Central School is an elementary school located in Pinola, Mississippi, serving grades K-8 with a total enrollment of 433 students. This school stands out as a relatively strong-performing institution within the Simpson County School District, which is ranked 95 out of 130 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Simpson Central School consistently outperforms the district and state averages in standardized test scores across multiple grade levels and subjects. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 61.8% of 3rd graders were proficient or better in ELA, compared to 43.8% for the district and 57.7% for the state. The school's performance in Science is also noteworthy, with 69% of 5th graders and 53.1% of 8th graders proficient or better, outpacing the district and state. Additionally, Simpson Central School has a relatively diverse student population, with 59.35% White, 36.95% African American, and smaller percentages of other races, which is higher than the nearby Magee Elementary School and Mendenhall Elementary School.

Despite the significant socioeconomic challenges faced by the student population, with 99.31% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, Simpson Central School has consistently ranked in the top half of Mississippi elementary schools, with a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger in recent years. This is higher than the nearby Magee Elementary and Mendenhall Elementary, which have lower rankings and ratings. The school's consistent academic performance and diversity suggest it may have effective practices or resources that could be shared with other schools in the region to help improve their performance.

Detail:

Public K-8

755 Simpson Hwy 28 West
Pinola, MS 39149

(601) 847-2630

District: Simpson County School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
162^nd of 390 Mississippi Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $12,630

Students who attend Simpson Central School usually attend:

High:

Mendenhall High School

Student/teacher ratio: 12.4

Number of students: 433

Racial breakdown:

White:

59.4%

African American:

37.0%

Two or more races:

1.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 99.3%

See top rated Mississippi elementary schools

Compare Simpson Central School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Simpson Central School ranks better than 58.5% of elementary schools in Mississippi. It also ranks first among 3 ranked elementary schools in the Simpson County School District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 58.46. (See more...)

Compare Details Simpson Central School ranks worse than 53% of middle schools in Mississippi. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 48.17. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Simpson Central School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the Simpson County School District. Racial makeup is: White (59.4%), African American (37%), two or more races (1.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 99.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Simpson County School District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Simpson Central School is 12.4, which is the lowest among 3 elementary schools in the Simpson County School District! (See more...)

Compare Simpson Central School employs 34.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Simpson Central School is $12,630, which is the highest among 3 elementary schools in the Simpson County School District!

Schooldigger Rankings:

Simpson Central School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Simpson Central School 140^th of 264 Mississippi public middle schools. (See Simpson Central School in the ranking list.)

Simpson County School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Simpson County School District 95^th of 130 Mississippi school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Simpson Central School.

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Your rating for Simpson Central School?

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Rank History for Simpson Central School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MS State Percentile
2008	55.27	184^th	394	53.3%
2009	48.31	209^th	392	46.7%
2010	58.57	163^rd	403	59.6%
2011	64.29	146^th	418	65.1%
2012	80.52	63^rd	414	84.8%
2013	78.89	76^th	408	81.4%
2014	90.69	15^th	394	96.2%
2015	86.69	41^st	402	89.8%
2016	82.67	53^rd	394	86.5%
2017	77.97	72^nd	406	82.3%
2018	70.43	111^th	404	72.5%
2019	71.92	99^th	397	75.1%
2021	50.82	191^st	381	49.9%
2022	54.77	167^th	382	56.3%
2023	55.46	161^st	377	57.3%
2024	58.46	162^nd	390	58.5%

See the entire list of Mississippi Elementary School Rankings!

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

Rank History for Simpson Central School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MS State Percentile
2008	66.50	77^th	244	68.4%
2009	49.81	132^nd	247	46.6%
2010	66.92	80^th	255	68.6%
2011	54.44	133^rd	264	49.6%
2012	67.68	87^th	270	67.8%
2013	82.23	39^th	269	85.5%
2014	90.02	8^th	264	97.0%
2015	87.90	24^th	266	91.0%
2016	81.79	35^th	260	86.5%
2017	83.67	37^th	272	86.4%
2018	73.76	61^st	252	75.8%
2019	76.99	53^rd	264	79.9%
2021	69.43	75^th	257	70.8%
2022	63.27	99^th	257	61.5%
2023	34.71	153^rd	243	37.0%
2024	48.17	140^th	264	47.0%

See the entire list of Mississippi Elementary School Rankings!

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

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4)

50%

by a parent
Tuesday, September 18, 2012

My children have been in this school for a few years and its getting better. Still needs work in the level of education. When my children first got there they were using books from previous years in other schools they attended. Also need more lockers for the students or stop requesting a lot of items that they have to carry all day. Backpacks are to heavy full of items. To many innappropriate comments and actions that didnt get taken care of properly also. New year and im hoping for a better one. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Simpson Central School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1990	268	262	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	530
1991	256	248	0	0	3	n/a	n/a	507
1992	227	265	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	492
1993	248	252	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	502
1994	259	234	1	0	2	n/a	n/a	496
1995	233	273	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	506
1996	233	273	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	506
1997	359	352	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	711
1998	375	351	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	728
1999	350	349	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	699
2000	356	315	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	673
2001	346	320	2	0	1	n/a	n/a	669
2002	346	287	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	634
2003	346	287	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	634
2004	302	296	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	599
2005	282	300	1	0	1	n/a	n/a	584
2006	279	281	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	561
2007	288	287	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	576
2008	278	251	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	530
2009	257	243	0	1	0	0	0	501
2010	281	228	0	0	0	0	0	509
2011	298	230	1	1	0	0	0	530
2012	325	214	0	2	0	0	0	541
2013	331	208	1	3	0	0	0	543
2014	343	184	0	4	0	0	0	531
2015	324	191	0	4	0	0	0	519
2016	353	194	0	4	0	0	4	555
2017	352	201	0	5	0	0	1	559
2018	369	202	0	4	0	0	3	578
2019	376	187	0	8	0	0	4	575
2020	381	192	0	7	0	0	4	584
2021	299	183	3	6	0	0	4	495
2022	293	177	4	5	0	0	4	483
2023	257	160	4	5	0	0	7	433

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 Simpson Central School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	530	27.2	19.4	n/a
1991	507	25.4	19.9	n/a
1992	492	24.3	20.2	59.6
1993	502	26.2	19.2	59
1994	496	25.1	19.8	59.9
1995	506	25.3	20.0	61.9
1996	506	25.3	20.0	61.9
1997	711	33.9	21.0	62.3
1998	728	35.4	20.6	62.6
1999	699	116.5	6.0	72.4
2000	673	37.3	18.0	73.3
2001	669	37.5	17.8	76.5
2002	634	39.0	16.3	73.8
2003	634	39.0	16.3	73.8
2004	599	41.4	14.5	75.3
2005	584	36.9	15.8	77.2
2006	561	39.2	14.3	72
2007	576	39.1	14.7	75.7
2008	530	41.5	12.8	76.2
2009	501	41.9	12.0	71.5
2010	509	42.0	12.1	76.4
2011	530	38.6	13.6	76.4
2012	541	38.5	14.0	75.4
2013	543	38.3	14.1	77.3
2014	531	39.5	13.4	77
2015	519	39.0	13.3	77.1
2016	555	39.0	14.2	78
2017	559	40.3	13.8	78.9
2018	578	37.4	15.4	78.4
2019	575	37.5	15.2	80.2
2020	584	33.9	17.1	80
2021	495	34.6	14.3	99.4
2022	483	35.8	13.4	99.4
2023	433	34.7	12.4	99.3

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 Simpson Central School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	530	27.2	19.4	n/a
1991	507	25.4	19.9	n/a
1992	492	24.3	20.2	59.6
1993	502	26.2	19.2	59
1994	496	25.1	19.8	59.9
1995	506	25.3	20.0	61.9
1996	506	25.3	20.0	61.9
1997	711	33.9	21.0	62.3
1998	728	35.4	20.6	62.6
1999	699	116.5	6.0	72.4
2000	673	37.3	18.0	73.3
2001	669	37.5	17.8	76.5
2002	634	39.0	16.3	73.8
2003	634	39.0	16.3	73.8
2004	599	41.4	14.5	75.3
2005	584	36.9	15.8	77.2
2006	561	39.2	14.3	72
2007	576	39.1	14.7	75.7
2008	530	41.5	12.8	76.2
2009	501	41.9	12.0	71.5
2010	509	42.0	12.1	76.4
2011	530	38.6	13.6	76.4
2012	541	38.5	14.0	75.4
2013	543	38.3	14.1	77.3
2014	531	39.5	13.4	77
2015	519	39.0	13.3	77.1
2016	555	39.0	14.2	78
2017	559	40.3	13.8	78.9
2018	578	37.4	15.4	78.4
2019	575	37.5	15.2	80.2
2020	584	33.9	17.1	80
2021	495	34.6	14.3	99.4
2022	483	35.8	13.4	99.4
2023	433	34.7	12.4	99.3

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 Simpson Central School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2017	$7,605
2018	$8,158
2019	$8,112
2020	$10,504
2021	$10,308
2022	$12,630

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Simpson Central 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 99^th of 397 Elementary schools	Ranks 161^st of 377 Elementary schools	17.8%
Ranks 53^rd of 264 Middle schools	Ranks 153^rd of 243 Middle schools	42.9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Simpson Central School)	41.5	29.7	11.8%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Simpson County School District)	34.9	38.7	3.8%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	48.3	51.6	3.3%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Simpson Central School)	49.3	40.5	8.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Simpson County School District)	41	44.8	3.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	51.4	54.8	3.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson Central School)	47.6	56.6	9%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson County School District)	43.7	45.3	1.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	48.5	53.4	4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Simpson Central School)	55.6	63.1	7.5%
4th Grade Mathematics (Simpson County School District)	53.2	55.2	2%
4th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	48.8	56.7	7.9%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson Central School)	58.9	52.7	6.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson County School District)	40.1	42.5	2.4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	43	51.9	8.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Simpson Central School)	51.8	58.5	6.7%
5th Grade Mathematics (Simpson County School District)	31.8	35.8	4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	38.9	44.3	5.4%
5th Grade Science (Simpson Central School)	78.5	81.8	3.3%
5th Grade Science (Simpson County School District)	44.2	52.7	8.5%
5th Grade Science (Mississippi)	55.9	64.3	8.4%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson Central School)	46.8	24.7	22.1%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson County School District)	24.7	22.7	2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	33.6	40.3	6.7%
6th Grade Mathematics (Simpson Central School)	80.4	46.2	34.2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Simpson County School District)	26.7	30.5	3.8%
6th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	47.6	45.5	2.1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson Central School)	43.6	31.3	12.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson County School District)	32.6	28.6	4%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	39	40.2	1.2%
7th Grade Mathematics (Simpson Central School)	52.1	35.3	16.8%
7th Grade Mathematics (Simpson County School District)	32.9	35.6	2.7%
7th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	51.1	55.6	4.5%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson Central School)	52.6	30.7	21.9%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Simpson County School District)	31.4	27.5	3.9%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	35.5	40.5	5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Simpson Central School)	44.1	42	2.1%
8th Grade Mathematics (Simpson County School District)	26	21.2	4.8%
8th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	44.8	46.1	1.3%
8th Grade Science (Simpson Central School)	67.7	37.1	30.6%
8th Grade Science (Simpson County School District)	48.9	35.6	13.3%
8th Grade Science (Mississippi)	52.7	53.3	0.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	575	433	24.7%
African American	187	160	14.4%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	4
Hispanic	8	5	37.5%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	376	257	31.6%
Two or More Races	4	7	75%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	80.2%	99.3%	19.1%

Schools Near Simpson Central School

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAAP English Language Arts (2024)						MAAP Mathematics (2024)						MAAP Science (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
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	MAAP English Language Arts 3rd Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 4th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 3rd Grade	MAAP Mathematics 4th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAAP Science 5th Grade	MAAP Science 8th Grade	Total
Simpson Central School	Public	K-8	755 Simpson Hwy 28 West	Pinola	39149	Simpson County	Simpson County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 847-2630	433	35	12.4	99.3%	257 (59.4%)	160 (37.0%)	5 (1.2%)	4 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (1.6%)	58.5	162^nd of 390 public elementary schools	58.5%		55.5	161^st of 377 public elementary schools	57.3%	1	61.8	47.0	66.6	30.4	36.2	34.7	61.8	67.6	42.9	58.7	63.2	42.8	69.0	53.1	$12,630
New Hebron Attendance Center	Public	K-8	120 Golden Bear Lane	Newhebron	39140	Lawrence County	Lawrence County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 694-2151	254	25	10.3	98.8%	99 (39.0%)	146 (57.5%)	3 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (2.4%)	35.8	260^th of 390 public elementary schools	33.3%		28.5	286^th of 377 public elementary schools	24.1%	26	45.2	60.7	22.2	18.0	36.0	17.3	45.2	64.3	48.1	28.9	68.0	17.4	66.6	34.8	$12,970
Mendenhall Elementary School	Public	K-5	814 East Street	Mendenhall	39114	Simpson County	Simpson County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 847-2621	579	42	13.7	99.5%	280 (48.4%)	270 (46.6%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (4.8%)	28.3	288^th of 390 public elementary schools	26.2%		34.1	260^th of 377 public elementary schools	31.0%	28	40.9	43.5	32.5				43.1	51.7	27.7				55.4		$10,666
Crystal Springs Elementary	Public	PK, KG-4	213 Newton Street	Crystal Springs	39059	Copiah County	Copiah County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 892-4795	397	31	12.8	100.0%	47 (11.8%)	298 (75.1%)	51 (12.8%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	36.1	258^th of 390 public elementary schools	33.8%					(n/a)	33.3	55.7					35.7	50.5							$10,078
Hazlehurst Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	112 Marvin Minor Drive	Hazlehurst	39083	Copiah County	Hazlehurst City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 574-2783	635	35	18.3	100.0%	8 (1.3%)	487 (76.7%)	117 (18.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.5%)	20 (3.1%)	26.4	299^th of 390 public elementary schools	23.3%		27.7	289^th of 377 public elementary schools	23.3%	10	32.8	40.8	40.5				20.9	37.8	41.7				69.6		$11,486
McLaurin Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	2693 Star Road	Florence	39073	Rankin County	Rankin County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 845-2127	581	45	12.9	99.5%	407 (70.1%)	95 (16.4%)	28 (4.8%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	48 (8.3%)	67	126^th of 390 public elementary schools	67.7%		59	149^th of 377 public elementary schools	60.5%	23	63.5	65.8	49.3	44.7			66.0	77.7	39.1	60.0			75.7		$10,288
Magee Elementary School	Public	K-5	1035 Goodwater Rd NW	Magee	39111	Simpson County	Simpson County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 849-3601	504	40	12.5	99.4%	179 (35.5%)	268 (53.2%)	6 (1.2%)	5 (1.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	45 (8.9%)	31.6	274^th of 390 public elementary schools	29.7%		33.5	266^th of 377 public elementary schools	29.4%	8	39.2	56.9	38.3				25.3	44.4	43.2				58.0		$11,632
Florence Elementary School	Public	3-5	285 Highway 469 North	Florence	39073	Rankin County	Rankin County School District	No	No	No	No	(601) 845-8164	542	35	15.6	99.4%	455 (83.9%)	60 (11.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (4.8%)	95.2	8^th of 390 public elementary schools	97.9%		95.9	7^th of 377 public elementary schools	98.1%	1	83.3	82.9	83.0				83.2	89.9	82.4				94.1		$9,702
Steen's Creek Elementary	Public	PK, KG-2	300 Highway 469 North	Florence	39073	Rankin County	Rankin County School District	No	No	No	No	(601) 845-5724	581	43	13.4	99.5%	486 (83.6%)	71 (12.2%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	21 (3.6%)								(n/a)															$10,302

Simpson Central School

Simpson County School District:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for Simpson Central School

Rank History for Simpson Central School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Simpson Central School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Simpson Central School

Student/Teacher Ratio Simpson Central School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Simpson Central School

Impact of COVID-19 on Simpson Central School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Simpson Central School