Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438
Best Public Elementary Schools in Waycross, GA (2026)

Best Waycross Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,294 students in Waycross, GA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Waycross, GA are Williams Heights Elementary School, Ruskin Elementary School and Wacona Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waycross, GA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Georgia public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 39% statewide average). Elementary schools in Waycross have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Georgia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Georgia public elementary school average of 66% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Waycross, GA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Williams Heights Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
705 Dewey St
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2399
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #22.
Ruskin Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3550 Valdosta Hwy
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2325
Gr: K-5 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #33.
Wacona Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3101 State St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2362
Gr: PK-5 | 885 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Memorial Drive Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2580 Ambrose St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2327
Gr: K-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #55.
Waresboro Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3379 W Church St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2393
Gr: K-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #66.
Center Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2114 Dorothy St
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2366
Gr: K-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #77.
Waycross Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
700 Central Ave
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2333
Gr: 6-8 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #88.
Ware County Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2301 Cherokee St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2341
Gr: 6-8 | 752 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: n/an/a
Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center
Alternative School
3275 Harris Rd
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-6680
Gr: 5-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 57%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Waycross, GA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Waycross, GA include Williams Heights Elementary School, Ruskin Elementary School and Wacona Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Waycross?
9 public elementary schools are located in Waycross.
What is the racial composition of students in Waycross?
Waycross public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Georgia public elementary schools average of 66% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Waycross are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Links