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Needs Improvement

#2131 of 2,268 schools in GA

Dawson Elementary School

Elementary School · Muscogee County

180 Northstar Dr, Columbus, GA 31907

Enrollment

311

Student-Teacher

14.1:1

Score

3.5

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Georgia schools

#2,131 of 2,268

In Columbus

#36 of 49

public schools

In district

#40 of 53

Muscogee County

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Dawson Elementary School

3.5/10

Elementary School in Columbus · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

St. Marys Video and Communication Technology

2.9/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Pinehurst Christian School

Nearby

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Dawson Elementary School

Dawson Elementary School is a public elementary school in Columbus, GA, part of Muscogee County. Dawson Elementary School serves approximately 311 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Dawson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,131 of 2,268 schools in GA.

Structured state assessment records for Dawson Elementary School show 27% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts below district
  • This school 3.5 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.1
  • GA avg 6.5

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-5.39 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10.4% (2024 GA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency16% (2024 GA)
Math vs. State Avg-31.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-25.8 pts
Overall Proficiency13% (2024 GA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)20% (model expectation from 2024 GA)
vs. Expected-6.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,792
Chronic Absenteeism29.9%

Dawson Elementary School — Students at Dawson Elementary School score 13% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores GA GA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 27.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.1% (2024 GA)
ELA Proficiency 36.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
41.8% (2024 GA)

Based on 30 test records from GA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
62%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
57%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2015
Math
12%
ELA
12%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2017
Math
12%
ELA
12%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2020*
Math
2.5%
ELA
2.5%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
2.5%
2022
Math
2.5%
ELA
7.5%
2024
Math
10.4%
ELA
16%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.9/10.

How Dawson Elementary School Compares

See how Dawson Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.5/10
6th percentile in GA
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.2/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

180 Northstar Dr, Columbus, GA 31907

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dawson Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Dorothy Height Elementary School (rated 6.7/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wesley Heights Elementary School (rated 5.1/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Forrest Road Elementary School (rated 5.0/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
St. Marys Video and Communication Technology Columbus 0.8 mi 2.9
PINEHURST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Columbus 0.9 mi
Dimon Elementary Columbus 1.1 mi 4.7
Rothschild Leadership Academy School Columbus 1.7 mi 2.2
Lonnie Jackson Academy Columbus 1.7 mi 4.0
Georgetown Elementary School Columbus 1.9 mi 3.3
Kendrick High School Columbus 1.9 mi 2.9
East Columbus Magnet Academy Columbus 1.9 mi 2.7
Spencer High School Columbus 2.0 mi 3.8
Wesley Heights Elementary School Columbus 2.4 mi 5.1
Carver High School Columbus 2.5 mi 5.0
Baker Middle School Columbus 2.5 mi 2.8
Martin Luther King- Jr. Elementary School Columbus 2.4 mi 3.9
Dorothy Height Elementary School Columbus 2.5 mi 6.7
Brewer Elementary School Columbus 2.5 mi 2.7
Fort Middle School Columbus 3.0 mi 3.0
ST ANNE-PACELLI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Columbus 3.1 mi 5.8
Rainey McCullers School of the Arts Columbus 3.0 mi 8.9
Rigdon Road Elementary School Columbus 3.0 mi 3.9
Forrest Road Elementary School Columbus 3.3 mi 5.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 31907 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$52,620

Median Home Value

$142,000

Median Rent

$1,103/mo

Population

61,544

College Educated

22.6%

Homeownership

56.7%

Avg Commute

20.9 min

Poverty Rate

18.2%

Median Age

35.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Conley Hills Elementary School East Point, GA 3.5
Key Elementary School Columbus, GA 3.5
Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School Ellenwood, GA 3.5
Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary School Athens, GA 3.6
Browns Mill Elementary School Lithonia, GA 3.6
Cascade Elementary School Atlanta, GA 3.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dawson Elementary School

What grades does Dawson Elementary School serve?

Dawson Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Dawson Elementary School?

Dawson Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 311 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dawson Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Dawson Elementary School is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dawson Elementary School rank in GA?

Dawson Elementary School ranks #2,131 of 2,268 schools in GA.

What is Dawson Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dawson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Dawson Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dawson Elementary School has 27% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 36% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Dawson Elementary School a charter school?

No, Dawson Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Dawson Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Dawson Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dawson Elementary School?

100.0% of students at Dawson Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
13 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
14 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
311
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
22
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Muscogee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.9%

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