Serving 564 students in grades 5-8, Joel E. Smilow Prep ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 47%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 564 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MS
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Joel E. Smilow Prep ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Joel E. Smilow Prep's student population of 564 students has grown by 35% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 73% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
Total Students
564 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Joel E. Smilow Prep ranks within the bottom 50% of all 805 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Joel E. Smilow Prep is 0.02, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#636 out of 805 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
47%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
55%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
1%
5%
Black
99%
47%
White
n/a
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joel E. Smilow Prep's ranking?
Joel E. Smilow Prep is ranked #636 out of 805 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Mississippi.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 47% MS state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
How many students attend Joel E. Smilow Prep?
564 students attend Joel E. Smilow Prep.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Joel E. Smilow Prep students are Black, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Joel E. Smilow Prep?
Joel E. Smilow Prep has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Joel E. Smilow Prep offer ?
Joel E. Smilow Prep offers enrollment in grades 5-8
What school district is Joel E. Smilow Prep part of?
Joel E. Smilow Prep is part of Joel E. Smillow Prep School District.
In what neighborhood is Joel E. Smilow Prep located?
Joel E. Smilow Prep is located in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson, MS. There are 2 other public schools located in Fondren.
School Reviews
1 1/29/2020
This is one of the worst schools I've ever seen. The staff treats their students rudely and shows no respect for them.
Review Joel E. Smilow Prep. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
Segregation in K-12 Education: The Jim Crow Era
This article delves into the segregated schooling system that existed during the Jim Crow Era, examining the disparities faced by African American students.
December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.
