For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,371 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 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Georgia public elementary school average of 65% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Waycross, GA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Williams Heights Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
705 Dewey St
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2399
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2399
Gr: K-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
Ruskin Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3550 Valdosta Hwy
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2325
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2325
Gr: K-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #33.
Wacona Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3101 State St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2362
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2362
Gr: PK-5 | 963 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Memorial Drive Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2580 Ambrose St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2327
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2327
Gr: K-5 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #55.
Waresboro Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3379 W Church St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2393
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2393
Gr: K-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #66.
Center Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2114 Dorothy St
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2366
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2366
Gr: K-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Waycross Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Central Ave
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2333
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 287-2333
Gr: 6-8 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #88.
Ware County Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2301 Cherokee St
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2341
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2341
Gr: 6-8 | 739 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center
Alternative School
3275 Harris Rd
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-6680
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-6680
Gr: 5-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Waycross, Georgia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Harrell Psychoeducational Program (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1310 Bailey St
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 285-6151
Waycross, GA 31501
(912) 285-6151
Ware County Alternative School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
950 New Mexico Avenue
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 283-8656
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 283-8656
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 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Georgia public elementary schools average of 65% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Waycross are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Waycross include: Waycross Middle School vs. Ware County Middle School, Ruskin Elementary School vs. Wacona Elementary School, Williams Heights Elementary School vs. Wacona Elementary School
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