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
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
564 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
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
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 (No virtual instruction).
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
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.
