Serving 168 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Lester Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 40-44% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 47%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 168 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MS
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lester Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Lester Elementary School's student population of 168 students has declined by 45% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
168 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
School Rankings
Lester Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 805 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lester Elementary School is 0.12, 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
#238 out of 805 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
47%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
55%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
3%
5%
Black
94%
47%
White
1%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
1%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lester Elementary School's ranking?
Lester Elementary School is ranked #238 out of 805 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Lester Elementary School often compared to?
Lester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Key Elementary School, Van Winkle Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 47% MS state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
How many students attend Lester Elementary School?
168 students attend Lester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Lester Elementary School students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Lester Elementary School?
Lester Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lester Elementary School offer ?
Lester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lester Elementary School part of?
Lester Elementary School is part of Jackson School District.
School Reviews
Review Lester Elementary School. 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

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.