Below Average
#2100 of 2,268 schools in GA
Wacona Elementary School
Elementary School · Ware County
3101 State St, Waycross, GA 31503
Enrollment
963
Student-Teacher
19.3:1
Score
4.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
963
Student-Teacher
19.3:1
Score
4.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Waycross
#9 of 9
public schools
Georgia elementary schools
#1,224 of 1,301
In district
#9 of 9
Ware County
Equity
8.3 / 10
Very strong
About Wacona Elementary School
Wacona Elementary School serves 963 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Waycross, Georgia. With 50 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.3:1, providing a manageable classroom environment for learning. Academically, Wacona Elementary is working to strengthen student achievement, with 43% of students performing proficiently or above in English Language Arts and 41% in mathematics.
The school ranks in the 44th percentile among Georgia elementary schools, indicating room for academic growth as educators focus on supporting student development across all grade levels. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $50,559 and median home values are $105,400. About one in five families in the area faces economic challenges, with a poverty rate of 20.4%.
The surrounding neighborhood has a college graduation rate of 12%, reflecting the working-class character of this Ware County community. As a regular public school, Wacona Elementary provides foundational education during these crucial early learning years, helping young students build essential skills in reading, mathematics, and social development. The school is situated in Waycross, a remote town that offers a close-knit community atmosphere where families and educators work together to support student success.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Wacona Elementary School — Students at Wacona Elementary School score 42% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
86.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores GA GA (2023-24)
Based on 8 test records from GA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 2.5/10.
How Wacona Elementary School Compares
See how Wacona Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 58% (2019) to 41.4% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 55% (2019) to 42.7% (2024).
Location
3101 State St, Waycross, GA 31503
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Wacona Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ruskin Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 7.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bacon County Elementary School (rated 9.1/10, 20.3 miles away, in nearby Alma), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Waresboro Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 6.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Waycross, see our Waycross schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 20.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 31503 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,042
Median Home Value
$108,100
Median Rent
$823/mo
Population
23,173
College Educated
12.3%
Homeownership
67.7%
Avg Commute
20.9 min
Poverty Rate
17.7%
Median Age
37.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Wacona Elementary School has a median household income of $55,042. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $108,100, with a median rent of $823/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.7%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gould Elementary School Savannah, GA | 4.1 |
| Pleasantdale Elementary School Doraville, GA | 4.1 |
| River's Edge Elementary School Fayetteville, GA | 4.1 |
| Rock Spring Elementary Mcdonough, GA | 4.1 |
| Vickery Creek Elementary School Cumming, GA | 4.1 |
| Waldo Pafford Elementary School Hinesville, GA | 4.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wacona Elementary School
What grades does Wacona Elementary School serve?
Wacona Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Wacona Elementary School?
Wacona Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 963 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Wacona Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Wacona Elementary School is 19.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Wacona Elementary School rank in GA?
Wacona Elementary School is ranked #2100 out of 2,268 schools in GA.
What is Wacona Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Wacona Elementary School has a composite rating of 4.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Wacona Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Wacona Elementary School has 41.1% math proficiency and 42.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Wacona Elementary School a charter school?
No, Wacona Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Wacona Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Wacona Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wacona Elementary School?
86.6% of students at Wacona 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Waycross). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 963
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 50
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 86.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Ware County
- Phone
- (912) 287-2362
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Ware County- District Enrollment
- 5,977
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,387
- District Rank
- #9 of 9
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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