Benndale Elementary School

Q: Is Benndale Elementary School a good school?

Benndale Elementary School ranks 183 rd of 390 Mississippi elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Benndale Elementary School is a public elementary school serving grades PK-6 in Lucedale, Mississippi, with a student population of 158. The school is part of the George County School District, which is ranked 31 out of 130 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating.

Benndale Elementary stands out for its high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, with over 97% of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The school also has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 11.2 to 13.2 over the past three years, which is lower than the nearby schools like Stone Elementary School and Agricola Elementary School. However, Benndale Elementary's academic performance has been inconsistent, with its statewide ranking fluctuating significantly over the years and its proficiency rates on state assessments ranging from the low 30s to the mid-60s in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Compared to the George County School District and the state, Benndale Elementary's performance is generally on par or slightly below the district average, but often exceeds the statewide average, particularly in 3rd and 5th grade English Language Arts and 5th grade Science. The school struggles more with Mathematics proficiency, with rates often falling below the district and state averages, especially in the upper elementary grades. Additionally, Benndale Elementary has a significantly higher percentage of African American students compared to the nearby schools, which may contribute to the observed performance gaps. The high percentage of economically disadvantaged students at the school suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a significant role in its academic outcomes.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

5204 Hwy 26 West
Lucedale, MS 39452

(601) 766-6341

District: George County School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
183^rd of 390 Mississippi Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,454

Students who attend Benndale Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	George County Middle School
High:	George County High School

Student/teacher ratio: 9.8

Number of students: 147

Racial breakdown:

White:

76.2%

African American:

18.4%

Two or more races:

4.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Benndale Elementary School ranks better than 53.1% of elementary schools in Mississippi. It also ranks last among 4 ranked elementary schools in the George County School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 54.05. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Benndale Elementary School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the George County School District. Racial makeup is: White (76.2%), African American (18.4%), two or more races (4.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the George County School District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Benndale Elementary School is 9.8, which is the lowest among 5 elementary schools in the George County School District! (See more...)

Compare Benndale Elementary School employs 14.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Benndale Elementary School is $13,454, which is the highest among 5 elementary schools in the George County School District!

Schooldigger Rankings:

Benndale Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

George County School District:

SchoolDigger ranks George County School District 31^st of 130 Mississippi school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Benndale Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MS State Percentile
2008	41.62	251^st	394	36.3%
2009	46.86	220^th	392	43.9%
2010	40.44	262^nd	403	35.0%
2011	30.64	321^st	418	23.2%
2012	36.61	280^th	414	32.4%
2013	49.48	215^th	408	47.3%
2014	67.26	121^st	394	69.3%
2015	68.25	112^th	402	72.1%
2016	63.25	146^th	394	62.9%
2017	40.93	237^th	406	41.6%
2018	34.34	273^rd	404	32.4%
2019	26.67	299^th	397	24.7%
2021	63.52	135^th	381	64.6%
2022	62.90	144^th	382	62.3%
2023	62.72	136^th	377	63.9%
2024	54.05	183^rd	390	53.1%

See the entire list of Mississippi Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Mississippi Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Benndale Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2000	165	65	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	230
2001	162	62	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	224
2002	150	46	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	196
2003	150	46	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	196
2004	149	45	0	2	0	n/a	n/a	196
2005	160	38	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	198
2006	147	46	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	193
2007	137	43	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	180
2008	136	43	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	179
2009	153	46	0	1	1	0	0	201
2010	154	50	1	0	0	0	3	208
2011	160	47	1	4	0	0	0	212
2012	154	50	0	2	0	0	3	209
2013	167	51	0	1	0	0	4	223
2014	152	43	0	0	1	0	2	198
2015	145	42	0	1	2	0	0	190
2016	147	39	0	0	1	0	1	188
2017	135	47	0	0	1	0	2	185
2018	141	53	0	2	1	0	2	199
2019	122	48	0	1	1	0	4	176
2020	117	37	0	1	1	0	4	160
2021	98	32	0	1	1	0	6	138
2022	108	30	0	1	2	0	7	148
2023	116	34	0	1	1	0	6	158
2024	112	27	0	2	0	0	6	147

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Benndale Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	230	13.4	17.2	53.5
2001	224	14.8	15.1	57.1
2002	196	14.1	13.9	56.6
2003	196	14.1	13.9	56.6
2004	196	12.8	15.3	74
2005	198	12.9	15.3	64.1
2006	193	12.6	15.3	89.1
2007	180	12.5	14.4	77.8
2008	179	15.1	11.9	77.7
2009	201	12.3	16.3	77.1
2010	208	12.6	16.4	80.8
2011	212	13.5	15.5	79.7
2012	209	12.5	16.7	85.6
2013	223	14.1	15.7	88.3
2014	198	15.6	12.6	81.8
2015	190	15.0	12.6	75.8
2016	188	12.0	15.6	79.3
2017	185	8.7	21.2	76.8
2018	199	10.6	18.6	78.4
2019	176	12.8	13.6	80.1
2020	160	10.9	14.6	74.4
2021	138	11.3	12.1	97.8
2022	148	11.1	13.2	98
2023	158	14.0	11.2	100
2024	147	14.9	9.8	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Benndale Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	230	13.4	17.2	53.5
2001	224	14.8	15.1	57.1
2002	196	14.1	13.9	56.6
2003	196	14.1	13.9	56.6
2004	196	12.8	15.3	74
2005	198	12.9	15.3	64.1
2006	193	12.6	15.3	89.1
2007	180	12.5	14.4	77.8
2008	179	15.1	11.9	77.7
2009	201	12.3	16.3	77.1
2010	208	12.6	16.4	80.8
2011	212	13.5	15.5	79.7
2012	209	12.5	16.7	85.6
2013	223	14.1	15.7	88.3
2014	198	15.6	12.6	81.8
2015	190	15.0	12.6	75.8
2016	188	12.0	15.6	79.3
2017	185	8.7	21.2	76.8
2018	199	10.6	18.6	78.4
2019	176	12.8	13.6	80.1
2020	160	10.9	14.6	74.4
2021	138	11.3	12.1	97.8
2022	148	11.1	13.2	98
2023	158	14.0	11.2	100
2024	147	14.9	9.8	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Benndale Elementary School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2017	$6,838
2018	$8,079
2019	$9,234
2020	$12,897
2021	$13,746
2022	$13,454

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Benndale Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 299^th of 397 Elementary schools	Ranks 136^th of 377 Elementary schools	39.2%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Benndale Elementary School)	31.3	47.4	16.1%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (George County School District)	44.1	52	7.9%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	48.3	51.6	3.3%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Benndale Elementary School)	25.8	52.6	26.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (George County School District)	38	57.7	19.7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	51.4	54.8	3.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Benndale Elementary School)	33.4	50	16.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (George County School District)	50.9	52	1.1%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	48.5	53.4	4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Benndale Elementary School)	37.5	40	2.5%
4th Grade Mathematics (George County School District)	33.2	55	21.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	48.8	56.7	7.9%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Benndale Elementary School)	36.4	56.5	20.1%
5th Grade English Language Arts (George County School District)	45.5	56.5	11%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	43	51.9	8.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Benndale Elementary School)	9.5	34.7	25.2%
5th Grade Mathematics (George County School District)	24	44.9	20.9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	38.9	44.3	5.4%
5th Grade Science (Benndale Elementary School)	22.7	82.6	59.9%
5th Grade Science (George County School District)	62.5	76.9	14.4%
5th Grade Science (Mississippi)	55.9	64.3	8.4%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Benndale Elementary School)	42.2	60	17.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (George County School District)	43.7	46	2.3%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	33.6	40.3	6.7%
6th Grade Mathematics (Benndale Elementary School)	26.3	52	25.7%
6th Grade Mathematics (George County School District)	51.6	45.7	5.9%
6th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	47.6	45.5	2.1%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	176	158	10.2%
African American	48	34	29.2%
American Indian	1	1
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	1	1
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	122	116	4.9%
Two or More Races	4	6	50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	80.1%	100%	19.9%

Schools Near Benndale Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAAP English Language Arts (2024)				MAAP Mathematics (2024)				MAAP Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAAP English Language Arts 3rd Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 4th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 3rd Grade	MAAP Mathematics 4th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MAAP Science 5th Grade	Total
Benndale Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	5204 Hwy 26 West	Lucedale	39452	George County	George County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 766-6341	147	15	9.8	100.0%	112 (76.2%)	27 (18.4%)	2 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (4.1%)	54	183^rd of 390 public elementary schools	53.1%		62.7	136^th of 377 public elementary schools	63.9%	47	65.4	52.9	50.0	42.9	61.5	41.1	10.0	47.6	70.0	$13,454
Central Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	14159 Hwy 26 West	Lucedale	39452	George County	George County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 947-2429	687	37	18.5	100.0%	608 (88.5%)	26 (3.8%)	20 (2.9%)	4 (0.6%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (3.9%)	75.5	85^th of 390 public elementary schools	78.2%		65.2	124^th of 377 public elementary schools	67.1%	39	68.5	58.0	51.2	52.4	84.9	61.0	61.6	66.3	83.9	$7,907
Lc Hatcher Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-2	689 Church St	Lucedale	39452	George County	George County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 947-3110	257	18	14.5	100.0%	180 (70.0%)	59 (23.0%)	3 (1.2%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (5.4%)								(n/a)										$13,161
Mc Lain Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	114 Shows Street/198 Bypass	Mc Lain	39456	Greene County	Greene County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 753-2257	166	17	9.9	100.0%	109 (65.7%)	51 (30.7%)	2 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (2.4%)								(n/a)										$16,794
Agricola Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	6165 Hwy 613 S	Lucedale	39452	George County	George County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 947-8447	555	36	15.4	100.0%	511 (92.1%)	4 (0.7%)	12 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (5.0%)	62.5	146^th of 390 public elementary schools	62.6%		51.3	177^th of 377 public elementary schools	53.1%	31	73.2	62.5	46.8	67.3	53.5	50.0	32.5	69.0	75.4	$8,661
Rocky Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	2183 Rocky Creek Road	Lucedale	39452	George County	George County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 947-3886	419	28	14.8	100.0%	383 (91.4%)	2 (0.5%)	14 (3.3%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (4.1%)	77.4	75^th of 390 public elementary schools	80.8%		72.6	89^th of 377 public elementary schools	76.4%	14	59.6	72.6	62.3	59.2	48.9	74.5	69.8	55.1	92.4	$11,140
Stone Elementary School	Public	K-5	1652 East Central Ave	Wiggins	39577	Stone County	Stone County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(601) 928-5473	702	45	15.6	63.8%	467 (66.5%)	177 (25.2%)	10 (1.4%)	4 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	42 (6.0%)	88.7	27^th of 390 public elementary schools	93.1%		85.3	36^th of 377 public elementary schools	90.5%	9	77.2	76.4	70.3		79.8	81.1	75.6		79.8	$8,733

Frequently Asked Questions about Benndale Elementary School

What district is Benndale Elementary School in?

George County School District

What is the racial makeup of Benndale Elementary School?

Students at Benndale Elementary School are 76% White, 18% African American, 4% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.

How many students attend Benndale Elementary School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 147 students attended Benndale Elementary School.

Is Benndale Elementary School a good school?

Benndale Elementary School ranks 183^rd of 390 Mississippi elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What schools do graduates of Benndale Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Benndale Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : George County Middle School
High : George County High School

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mississippi Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.