Summary:
The 38870 zip code is home to a single standout public school, Smithville High School, which serves grades PK-12 and has a total enrollment of 540 students. Despite the school's predominantly White student population (94.26%) and a very high poverty rate, with 99.44% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, Smithville High School consistently outperforms the Monroe County School District and the state of Mississippi in various academic assessments.
Smithville High School's academic excellence is particularly noteworthy, as the school's MAAP (Mississippi Academic Assessment Program) test scores in subjects like English Language Arts and Mathematics are significantly higher than the district and state averages across multiple grade levels. Additionally, the school's per-student spending of $8,837 for the 2018-2019 school year is relatively low, suggesting efficient resource allocation, and its student-teacher ratio of 12.6 is lower than the typical class size, potentially allowing for more individualized attention and support for students.
The success of Smithville High School, despite the challenges of serving a high-poverty student population, could serve as a model for other schools, particularly those in similar socioeconomic contexts. The school's ability to achieve strong academic outcomes while maintaining efficient spending and small class sizes is a testament to its effective strategies and programs. However, the school's demographic homogeneity raises questions about the diversity and inclusiveness of the school community, which could be an area for further exploration and improvement.
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