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Needs Improvement

#824 of 863 schools in MS

Pearl River Central Elementar

Elementary School · PEARL RIVER CO SCHOOL DIST

116 Alphabet Ave, Carriere, MS 39426

Enrollment

1,491

Student-Teacher

14.6:1

Score

3.4

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Mississippi schools

#824 of 863

In Carriere

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

PEARL RIVER CO SCHOOL DIST

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Pearl River Central Elementar

3.4/10

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

Pearl River Central Junior High

4.5/10

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

Pearl River Central High School

6.1/10

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

About Pearl River Central Elementar

Pearl River Central Elementar is a public elementary school in Carriere, MS, part of PEARL RIVER CO SCHOOL DIST. Pearl River Central Elementar serves approximately 1,491 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Pearl River Central Elementar has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #824 of 863 schools in MS.

Structured state assessment records for Pearl River Central Elementar show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares3.2 pts below MS schools
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • MS avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Pearl River Central Elementar sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

33% of students at Pearl River Central Elementar 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 Progress2.5Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.52 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency46% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency48% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency47% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)57% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-10.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
Resources & Environment2.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,031
Chronic Absenteeism32.9%

Pearl River Central Elementar — Students at Pearl River Central Elementar score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

66.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MS EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 52.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 49.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from MS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
74%
ELA
64%
2010
Math
74%
ELA
64%
2011
Math
74%
ELA
64%
2012
Math
79%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
60%
2014
Math
31%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
33%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
38%
ELA
36%
2017
Math
41%
ELA
45%
2018
Math
44%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
44%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
40%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
40%
ELA
41%
2022
Math
46%
ELA
48%

* 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 Pearl River Central Elementar Compares

See how Pearl River Central Elementar performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
5th percentile in MS
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
66%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
102 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

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

116 Alphabet Ave, Carriere, MS 39426

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pearl River Central Elementar may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. WEST HANCOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Picayune), which scores notably higher. Another option is SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Picayune), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Picayune), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Carriere, see our Carriere schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.3 mi
School Distance Rating
PEARL RIVER CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH Carriere 2.8 mi 4.5
PEARL RIVER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Carriere 2.9 mi 6.1
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Picayune 8.3 mi 5.2
UNION BAPTIST ACADEMY Picayune 8.0 mi 5.4
UNION BAPTIST KINDERGARTEN Picayune 8.0 mi
ROSELAND PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 8.9 mi 5.0
PICAYUNE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Picayune 9.6 mi 5.9
ST CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL Picayune 9.6 mi 7.5
PICAYUNE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Picayune 9.7 mi 4.8
WEST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 9.8 mi 5.3
SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 10.4 mi 7.6
SOUTH SIDE LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 10.4 mi 5.3
EARLY HEAD START ROSA STREET Picayune 10.5 mi 5.2
EARLY HEAD START NICHOLSON Picayune 13.0 mi 5.2
NICHOLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 13.1 mi 6.3
WEST HANCOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 12.8 mi 8.0
MIDDLE SCHOOL OF POPLARVILLE Poplarville 13.3 mi 5.6
POPLARVILLE JR SR HIGH SCHOOL Poplarville 13.5 mi 7.4
POPLARVILLE LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Poplarville 13.6 mi 6.5
POPLARVILLE UPPER ELEMENTARY SCH Poplarville 14.3 mi 7.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 39426 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,000

Median Home Value

$202,200

Median Rent

$848/mo

Population

17,555

College Educated

20.6%

Homeownership

91.1%

Avg Commute

34.9 min

Poverty Rate

11.8%

Median Age

42.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CORINTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Corinth, MS 4.3
NORTH GULFPORT ELEMENTARY AND MIDDL Gulfport, MS 4.3
SOUTHAVEN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Southaven, MS 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pearl River Central Elementar

What grades does Pearl River Central Elementar serve?

Pearl River Central Elementar serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Pearl River Central Elementar?

Pearl River Central Elementar has an enrollment of approximately 1,491 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pearl River Central Elementar?

The student-teacher ratio at Pearl River Central Elementar is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pearl River Central Elementar rank in MS?

Pearl River Central Elementar ranks #824 of 863 schools in MS.

What is Pearl River Central Elementar's MySchoolScout rating?

Pearl River Central Elementar has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 Pearl River Central Elementar?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pearl River Central Elementar has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Pearl River Central Elementar a charter school?

No, Pearl River Central Elementar is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Pearl River Central Elementar a Title I school?

No, Pearl River Central Elementar is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pearl River Central Elementar?

66.3% of students at Pearl River Central Elementar 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
12 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
1,491
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
102
Free/Reduced Lunch
66.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Pearl River County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

District

PEARL RIVER CO SCHOOL DIST
District Enrollment
3,263
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,031
District Rank
#3 of 3

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