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Average

#337 of 862 schools in MS

Top 39% in state

Joel E Smilow Collegiate

Elementary School · JOEL E SMILOW COLLEGIATE

787 E Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39206

Charter

Enrollment

569

Student-Teacher

19:1

Score

6.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Jackson

#2 of 8

public schools

Mississippi elementary schools

#160 of 436

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Joel E Smilow Collegiate

Joel E Smilow Collegiate is a charter elementary school located in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi. Serving kindergarten through fourth grade, this school has an enrollment of 569 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19:1 with 30 full-time equivalent teachers. Located in a mid-size city setting, Joel E Smilow Collegiate offers a regular public education experience tailored to the needs of its community.

The MySchoolScout rating for Joel E Smilow Collegiate is 4.0 out of 10, placing it at the 24th percentile among Mississippi schools with a state ranking of #662 out of 865 schools. Academically, the school scores an overall score of 2.9/10, with only 19% of students proficient or above in ELA and Reading, and 13% proficient or above in Math. While these statistics highlight areas for improvement, Joel E Smilow Collegiate is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where every student can grow and develop.

The school's setting in Jackson provides access to community resources that can enhance the educational experience beyond the classroom walls.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Joel E Smilow Collegiate are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Joel E Smilow Collegiate is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress10.0Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+17.75 pts/yr
Data Period2021–2022
TrendImproving
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24%
Reading/ELA Proficiency26%
Overall Proficiency25%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected-7.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment1.7Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,691

Joel E Smilow Collegiate — Students at Joel E Smilow Collegiate score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

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 13.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 19.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from MS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2022
Math
24%
ELA
26%

* 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: 10.0/10.

How Joel E Smilow Collegiate Compares

See how Joel E Smilow Collegiate performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
61th percentile in MS
Academic
4.4/10
4.4/10
Growth
10.0/10
Above average
Environment
1.7/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers

Location

787 E Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39206

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Joel E Smilow Collegiate may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. MCWILLIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST RICHARD CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, IDA B. WELLS APAC SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Jackson, see our Jackson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
JOEL E. SMILOW PREP Jackson 0.0 mi 4.5
THE REDEEMER'S SCHOOL Jackson 0.2 mi 6.9
CHASTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Jackson 0.3 mi 5.2
ST RICHARD CATHOLIC SCHOOL Jackson 0.3 mi 8.5
BOYD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 0.3 mi 5.0
THE EDUCATION CENTER, INC. D/B/A EDUCATION CENTER Jackson 0.6 mi 5.5
MIDTOWN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL Jackson 0.6 mi 5.3
MCWILLIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 0.7 mi 8.6
MS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND Jackson 1.0 mi 5.8
MS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF Jackson 1.0 mi 5.9
SPANN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 1.2 mi 6.0
CASEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 1.4 mi 5.5
GREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 1.6 mi 7.5
KIRKSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL Jackson 1.9 mi 5.6
NORTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson 2.0 mi 6.2
MURRAH HIGH SCHOOL Jackson 2.1 mi 6.6
CALLAWAY HIGH SCHOOL Jackson 2.2 mi 8.2
REVIVE Jackson 2.0 mi 8.1
IDA B. WELLS APAC SCHOOL Jackson 2.2 mi 8.2
BAILEY MIDDLE APAC SCHOOL Jackson 2.3 mi 6.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 39206 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$41,611

Median Home Value

$117,400

Median Rent

$1,084/mo

Population

21,878

College Educated

28.4%

Homeownership

47.1%

Avg Commute

18.5 min

Poverty Rate

25.5%

Median Age

37.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Joel E Smilow Collegiate has a median household income of $41,611. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $117,400, with a median rent of $1,084/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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
NORTHSHORE ELEMENTARY Brandon, MS 6.7
PEARL LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pearl, MS 6.7
ST MARTIN N ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Biloxi, MS 6.7
WEST MARION PRIMARY SCHOOL Foxworth, MS 6.7
BEECHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Vicksburg, MS 6.8
CANTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Canton, MS 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Joel E Smilow Collegiate

What grades does Joel E Smilow Collegiate serve?

Joel E Smilow Collegiate serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.

How many students attend Joel E Smilow Collegiate?

Joel E Smilow Collegiate has an enrollment of approximately 569 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Joel E Smilow Collegiate?

The student-teacher ratio at Joel E Smilow Collegiate is 19:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Joel E Smilow Collegiate rank in MS?

Joel E Smilow Collegiate is ranked #337 out of 862 schools in MS.

What is Joel E Smilow Collegiate's MySchoolScout rating?

Joel E Smilow Collegiate has a composite rating of 6.7 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 Joel E Smilow Collegiate?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Joel E Smilow Collegiate has 13.3% math proficiency and 19.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Joel E Smilow Collegiate a charter school?

Yes, Joel E Smilow Collegiate is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Joel E Smilow Collegiate a Title I school?

No, Joel E Smilow Collegiate is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Joel E Smilow Collegiate?

100.0% of students at Joel E Smilow Collegiate 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 →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
569
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Hinds County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

JOEL E SMILOW COLLEGIATE
District Enrollment
569
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,513
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

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