Summary:
The 29048 zip code area has only one school, St. James-Gaillard Elementary, a public elementary school serving grades PK-5 with a total enrollment of 235 students. The school's student population is predominantly African American (78.3%), with smaller percentages of White, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students.
Academically, St. James-Gaillard Elementary faces significant challenges, with student performance on state standardized tests falling well below state and district averages across multiple grade levels and subject areas. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of students proficient or better in English Language Arts ranged from 26.7% (3rd grade) to 48.7% (5th grade), compared to state averages of 53.8% to 57.2%. In Mathematics, proficiency rates ranged from 19.4% (3rd grade) to 41% (5th grade), compared to state averages of 45.8% to 54.5%. The school also has a high rate of free/reduced lunch recipients, with 100% of students qualifying in the 2022-2023 school year.
Despite the relatively high per-student spending of $14,639 for the 2022-2023 school year, the academic performance data suggests that these resources may not be effectively translated into improved student outcomes. This raises questions about the allocation and utilization of these funds, and whether they are being directed towards the most impactful interventions and support for students. Additionally, the racial demographics of the school, combined with the low academic performance, may indicate potential equity issues that need to be further investigated to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students in the Orangeburg district.
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