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Below Average

#712 of 863 schools in MS

West Lowndes Elementary

Elementary School · LOWNDES CO SCHOOL DIST

1000 GILMER WILBURN ROAD, Columbus, MS 39701

Enrollment

253

Student-Teacher

10.5:1

Score

4.7

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Mississippi schools

#712 of 863

In Columbus

#7 of 13

public schools

In district

#8 of 8

LOWNDES CO SCHOOL DIST

School environment

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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West Lowndes Elementary

4.7/10

Elementary School in Columbus · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

West Lowndes High School

4.8/10

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

Franklin Academy

4.3/10

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

About West Lowndes Elementary

West Lowndes Elementary is a public elementary school in Columbus, MS, part of LOWNDES CO SCHOOL DIST. West Lowndes Elementary serves approximately 253 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio. West Lowndes Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #712 of 863 schools in MS.

Structured state assessment records for West Lowndes Elementary show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.7 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • MS avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

West Lowndes Elementary 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-2.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.7Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37.2% (2025 MAAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.2% (2025 MAAP)
Math vs. State Avg-16.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-18.6 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2025 MAAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)40% (model expectation from 2025 MAAP)
vs. Expected-5.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile28th
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,059
Chronic Absenteeism12.6%

West Lowndes Elementary — Students at West Lowndes Elementary score 34% 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 MAAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 45.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.0% (2025 MAAP)
ELA Proficiency 37.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
51.1% (2025 MAAP)

Based on 37 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
62%
ELA
52%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
57%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
22%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
32%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2025
Math
37.2%
ELA
31.2%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How West Lowndes Elementary Compares

See how West Lowndes Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
18th percentile in MS
Academic
4.7/10
Below Average
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
24 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
12.6%

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

1000 GILMER WILBURN ROAD, Columbus, MS 39701

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Lowndes Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 15.1 miles away, in nearby West Point), which scores notably higher. Another option is SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby West Point), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 10.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 15.6 mi
School Distance Rating
WEST LOWNDES HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 5.1 mi 4.8
FRANKLIN ACADEMY Columbus 8.5 mi 4.3
MS SCHOOL FOR MATH AND SCIENCE Columbus 8.6 mi 8.2
COOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 9.9 mi 5.2
STOKES BEARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 9.6 mi 4.3
HERITAGE ACADEMY Columbus 10.1 mi 6.1
ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Columbus 10.3 mi 7.0
FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 10.3 mi 4.3
COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 10.7 mi 3.1
COLUMBUS MIDDLE SCHOOL Columbus 12.0 mi 3.8
SALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 11.4 mi 3.7
NEW HOPE MIDDLE SCHOOL Columbus 12.2 mi 7.1
NEW HOPE HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 12.3 mi 6.8
WEST POINT HIGH SCHOOL West Point 14.1 mi 5.8
NEW HOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus 12.4 mi 6.8
SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL West Point 14.6 mi 7.4
CHURCH HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL West Point 14.6 mi 6.8
EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL West Point 15.1 mi 7.9
COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Steens 14.4 mi 6.6
OAK HILL ACADEMY West Point 15.6 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 39701 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$28,523

Median Home Value

$121,400

Median Rent

$849/mo

Population

12,591

College Educated

22.8%

Homeownership

46.2%

Avg Commute

17.7 min

Poverty Rate

33%

Median Age

43.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CRESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Meridian, MS 4.7
LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson, MS 4.7
TOPEKA TILTON ATTENDANCE CENTER Monticello, MS 4.7
HARTFIELD ACADEMY EAST Brandon, MS 4.8
SHIRLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson, MS 4.8
THREADGILL PRIMARY SCHOOL Greenwood, MS 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Lowndes Elementary

What grades does West Lowndes Elementary serve?

West Lowndes Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend West Lowndes Elementary?

West Lowndes Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 253 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Lowndes Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at West Lowndes Elementary is 10.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Lowndes Elementary rank in MS?

West Lowndes Elementary ranks #712 of 863 schools in MS.

What is West Lowndes Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

West Lowndes Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 West Lowndes Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Lowndes Elementary has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is West Lowndes Elementary a charter school?

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

Is West Lowndes Elementary a Title I school?

No, West Lowndes Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Lowndes Elementary?

100.0% of students at West Lowndes Elementary 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
20 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
24
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Lowndes County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
12.6%

District

LOWNDES CO SCHOOL DIST
District Enrollment
5,360
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,059
District Rank
#8 of 8

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