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Average

#667 of 863 schools in MS

Dawson Elementary School

Elementary School · JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

4215 SUNSET DRIVE, Jackson, MS 39213

Enrollment

194

Student-Teacher

12.9:1

Score

5.0

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Mississippi schools

#667 of 863

In Jackson

#23 of 55

public schools

In district

#15 of 46

JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Dawson Elementary School

5.0/10

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

Smith Elementary School

2.7/10

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

Powell Middle School

2.8/10

1.2 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 Jackson, MS, part of JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. Dawson Elementary School serves approximately 194 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Dawson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #667 of 863 schools in MS.

Structured state assessment records for Dawson Elementary School show 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 5.0 · Average
  • District avg 4.4
  • MS avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

At 194 students, Dawson Elementary School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at Dawson Elementary School sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

40% of students at Dawson Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.4Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data11
Annual Change-1.13 pts/yr
Data Period2012–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics2.2Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency12% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency27% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency20% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)40% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-20.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
Resources & Environment5.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,713
Chronic Absenteeism39.7%

Dawson Elementary School — Students at Dawson Elementary School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

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 MS EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 20.4% (multi-year average, 2012-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 25.2% (multi-year average, 2012-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 22 test records from MS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2012
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2015
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2016
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
12%
ELA
27%

* 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: 6.4/10.

How Dawson Elementary School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.0/10
23th percentile in MS
Academic
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
6.4/10
Average
Environment
5.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
39.7%

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

4215 SUNSET DRIVE, Jackson, MS 39213

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dawson Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. NORTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Ambition Preparatory Charter School (rated 6.9/10, 3.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MOTHER GOOSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 5.3/10, 3.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Jackson, see our Jackson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 1.0 mi 2.7
POWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL Jackson 1.2 mi 2.8
JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 1.4 mi 3.4
WALTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 1.9 mi 3.8
LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 2.4 mi 4.7
PECAN PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 2.6 mi 3.5
LANIER HIGH SCHOOL Jackson 2.7 mi 5.6
GALLOWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 2.6 mi 3.8
NORTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL Jackson 2.7 mi 9.5
GREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 2.6 mi 4.0
MAGNOLIA SPEECH SCHOOL Jackson 2.5 mi 8.6
RAINES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 2.7 mi 2.6
PROVINE HIGH SCHOOL Jackson 3.2 mi 4.6
Ambition Preparatory Charter School Jackson 3.0 mi 6.9
CARES SCHOOL Jackson 3.1 mi 6.9
BLACKBURN MIDDLE SCHOOL Jackson 3.7 mi 3.0
CLAUSELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 3.7 mi 4.6
MOTHER GOOSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Jackson 3.6 mi 5.3
BAILEY MIDDLE APAC SCHOOL Jackson 3.4 mi 7.9
NORTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 3.5 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 39213 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$28,115

Median Home Value

$73,600

Median Rent

$773/mo

Population

18,831

College Educated

14.6%

Homeownership

46.6%

Avg Commute

22.7 min

Poverty Rate

33.4%

Median Age

40.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
KEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson, MS 5.0
NEW HEBRON ATTENDANCE CENTER New Hebron, MS 5.0
DUNDEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dundee, MS 4.9
H. W. BYERS ELEMENTARY (K-4) Holly Springs, MS 5.2
HARTFIELD ACADEMY EAST Brandon, MS 4.8
KOSCIUSKO UPPER ELEM Kosciusko, MS 5.2

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 194 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Dawson Elementary School is 12.9:1. 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 MS?

Dawson Elementary School ranks #667 of 863 schools in MS.

What is Dawson Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dawson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2022).

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
23 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
22 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
194
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Hinds County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
39.7%

District

JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
17,747
Schools in District
52
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,713
District Rank
#15 of 46

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