Serving 512 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Murphey Candler Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Georgia state average of 66% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 512 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in GA
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Murphy Candler Elementary School serves the southeast part of Lithonia, GA, covering an area of approximately 12.9 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance to the zone's edge being about 1.8 miles and the furthest edge reaching up to 4.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Murphey Candler Elementary School's student population of 512 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
512 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Murphey Candler Elementary School's vision is to foster an environment of intentional problem solvers and critical thinkers for future generations.
School Rankings
Murphey Candler Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Murphey Candler Elementary School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1862 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
4%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
92%
36%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
White
1%
34%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.5%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
63%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (18-19)
5%
5%
Showing 2010–2019. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murphey Candler Elementary School's ranking?
Murphey Candler Elementary School is ranked #1862 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Murphey Candler Elementary School often compared to?
Murphey Candler Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Clairemont Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
How many students attend Murphey Candler Elementary School?
512 students attend Murphey Candler Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Murphey Candler Elementary School students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Murphey Candler Elementary School?
Murphey Candler Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Murphey Candler Elementary School offer ?
Murphey Candler Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Murphey Candler Elementary School part of?
Murphey Candler Elementary School is part of Dekalb County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I attended this school through my 1st-7th grades back in the late 60's and early 70's. This was an awesome school. We had awesome teachers. Our Principle Mr Megginson knew every child by name. He spent many hours getting to know every child. I loved going to school here.
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