Please note: The work of the Council for School Performance is now done by the Office of Education Accountability. Archived reports and trend data on schools and school system are available at the old Council for School Performance webpage.
1997-98 Clusters :
1996-97 Clusters:
1995-96 Clusters:
Description of Elementary School Clusters
For 1998-99
Similar schools are grouped the same way they were grouped last year, using enrollment, percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, socio-economic ratings of the student body, and the percentage of white students. Most of this year's schools are in the same clusters as last year. The new schools and schools with significant changes in student body population characteristics were re-assigned to cluster groups that better match their current student body population.
High to Middle SES Schools: 1998-99
Cluster 1 (118 elementary schools). On average, approximately 35% of the students in these schools come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 1% and 20%, with an average of 8%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 85% white students. Sixty-four percent of these schools are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Another 26% are in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban and rural areas. Nine percent are located in urban counties.
Cluster 2 (61 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 24% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 7% and 34%, with an average of 21%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 84% white students. Only 5% of these schools are located in urban counties. Twenty-six percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta; 30% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 39% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 3 (85 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 20% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 12% and 43%, with an average of 28%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 83% white students. The schools are located in diverse settings, with 30% located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties; 33% located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 38% located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 4 (91 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 21% and 61%, with an average of 35%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 73% white students. Thirty-eight percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties; 26% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 22% are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Only 13% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 5 (82 elementary schools). On average, approximately 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 33% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 26% and 62%, with an average of 44%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 79% white students. Sixty percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties and 22% are located in light and heavily populated suburban counties and 18% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 6 (91 elementary schools). On average, 47% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 35% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 26% and 64%, with an average of 48%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 73% white students. Seventy-nine percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-one percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 7 (109 elementary schools). On average, approximately 43% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 41% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 39% and 75%, with an average of 56%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 61% white students. Seventy-five percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-five percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties. Cluster 8 (90 elementary schools). On average, 45% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 38% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 39% and 80%, with an average of 60%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 50% white students. Sixty-nine percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Thirty-one percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 9 (102 elementary schools). On average, 49% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 31% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 51% and 95%, with an average of 71%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 48% white students. Seventy-three percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-seven percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 10 (67 elementary schools). On average, 43% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 37% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 54% and 94%, with an average of 70%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 49% white students. Seventy-six percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties. Twenty-four percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 11 (65 elementary schools). On average, 47% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 35% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 60% and 100%, with an average of 82%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 10% white students. Forty-three percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Fourteen percent are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta.
Cluster 12 (77 elementary schools). On average, 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 30% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 41% and 98%, with an average of 82%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 13% white students. Forty-six percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Fifty-four percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban or suburban counties.
Cluster 13 (128 elementary schools). On average, 65% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 25% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 54% and 100%, with an average of 92%. The student bodies of these schools have an average of 3% white students. Seventy-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties and 28% are located in primarily rural counties or lightly populated suburban and rural counties.
Description of Elementary School Clusters
For 1997-98
Similar schools are grouped the same way they were grouped last year, using enrollment, percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, socio-economic ratings of the student body, and the percentage of white students. Ninety-six percent of this year's schools are in the same clusters as last year. The addition of new schools and schools with significant changes in student body population characteristics were re-assigned to cluster groups that better match their current student body population.
High to Middle SES Schools: 1997-98
Cluster 1 (116 elementary schools). On average, approximately 25% of the students in these schools come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 0% and 23%, with an average of 8%. The student bodies of these schools are between 44% and 99% white with an average of 86%. Fifty-seven percent of these schools are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Another 22% are in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban and rural areas. Eight percent are located in urban counties and 5% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 2 (61 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 19% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 9% and 35%, with an average of 20%. The student bodies of these schools are between 42% and 100% white with an average of 82%. Only 5% of these schools are located in urban counties. Twenty-six percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta; 30% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 38% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 3 (82 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 17% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 11% and 48%, with an average of 28%. The student bodies of these schools are between 40% and 100% white with an average of 79%. The schools are located in diverse settings, with 30% located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties; 34% located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 35% located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 4 (89 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 23% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 20% and 51%, with an average of 34%. The student bodies of these schools are between 0% and 99% white with an average of 69%. Thirty-seven percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties; 26% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 23% are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Only 13% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 5 (83 elementary schools). On average, approximately 45% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 28% and 60%, with an average of 44%. The student bodies of these schools are between 1% and 100% white with an average of 75%. Fifty-nine percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties and 36% are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 6 (91 elementary schools). On average, 43% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 35% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 28% and 62%, with an average of 48%. The student bodies of these schools are between 0% and 99% white with an average of 67%. Seventy-seven percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-one percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 9 (104 elementary schools). On average, 44% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 33% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 55% and 90%, with an average of 70%. The student bodies of these schools are between 1% and 95% white with an average of 46%. Seventy percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Thirty percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 10 (65 elementary schools). On average, 40% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 33% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 54% and 85%, with an average of 69%. The student bodies of these schools are between 0% and 85% white with an average of 47%. Seventy-nine percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties. Twenty-one percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 11 (65 elementary schools). On average, 45% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 30% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 63% and 100%, with an average of 82%. The student bodies of these schools are between 0% and 93% white with an average of 17%. Forty-five percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Forty-one percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Fourteen percent are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta.
Cluster 12 (77 elementary schools). On average, 49% of the
students in these schools come from low SES households, while 30% of the students
in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free
or reduced price lunch ranges between 66% and 96%, with an average of 83%. The
student bodies of these schools are between 0% and 70% white with an average
of 21%.
Forty-six percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or
in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas
and rural areas. Fifty-four percent of the schools are located in heavily populated
urban or suburban counties.
Cluster 13 (128 elementary schools). On average, 64% of the students in these schools come from low SES households, while 20% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households.. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 68% and 100%, with an average of 92%. The student bodies of these schools are between 0% and 52% white with an average of 8%. Seventy-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties and 28% are located in primarily rural counties or lightly populated suburban and rural counties.
Description of Elementary School Clusters
For 1996-97
While most schools have stayed in the same cluster group, the addition of new schools and significant changes of some schools’ student body characteristics caused the cluster groups to change slightly. Ninety-two percent of this year's schools are in the same clusters as last year. Last year (1995-96), similar schools were grouped according to enrollment, percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, socio-economic status (SES) of the student body, and the percentage of white students. Schools with significant changes in these characteristics were re-assigned to cluster groups that better match their current student body population.
High to Middle SES Schools: 1996-97
Cluster 1 (109 elementary schools). On average, approximately 30% of the students in these schools come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 0% and 19%, with an average of 8%. The student bodies of 90% of these schools are at least 80% white. The student body of only one school is primarily non-white. Sixty-one percent of these schools are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Another 22% are in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Eleven percent are located in urban counties and 6% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 2 (60 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 20% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 7% and 35%, with an average of 19%. The student bodies of three-quarters of the schools are at least 80% white. Only 5% of these schools are located in urban counties. Twenty-seven percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta; 30% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 38% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 3 (82 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 15% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 13% and 44%, with an average of 27%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white. The schools are located in diverse settings, with 30% located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties; 34% located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 36% located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 4 (87 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 20% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 23% and 50%, with an average of 32%. The student bodies of half of the schools are at least 80% white. About 5% of the student bodies are at least 80% non-white. Thirty-eight percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties; 26% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 23% are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Only 13% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 5 (78 elementary schools). On average, approximately 45% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 32% and 57%, with an average of 44%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white. About 5% of the student bodies are at least 70% non-white. Sixty-four percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties and 26% are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 6 (92 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 35% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 35% and 61%, with an average of 46%. The student bodies of 40% of the schools are at least 80% white. Ten percent of the student bodies are at least 70% non-white. Seventy-nine percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-one percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 7 (113 elementary schools). On average, approximately 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 40% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 37% and 71%, with an average of 53%. The student bodies of 30% of the schools are at least 80% white. Ten percent of the student bodies are at least 70% non-white. Seventy-six percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-four percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 8 (94 elementary schools). On average, approximately 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 40% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 43% and 73%, with an average of 58%. Thirty percent of these schools have student bodies that are evenly divided between whites and non-whites (40% to 60% of either group). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% white. Seventy-one percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-nine percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 9 (107 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 55% and 88%, with an average of 67%. Thirty percent of these schools have student bodies that are evenly divided between whites and non-whites (40% to 60% of either group). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% white. Another 10% are at least 80% non-white. Seventy-one percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-nine percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 10 (61 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 57% and 81%, with an average of 66%. Fifty-five percent of these schools have student bodies that are evenly divided between whites and non-whites (40% to 60% of either group). Seventy-seven percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties. Twenty-three percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 11 (61 elementary schools). On average, over half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 65% and 94%, with an average of 80%. The student bodies of about 70% of these schools are at least 80% non-white. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Fifteen percent are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta.
Cluster 12 (86 elementary schools). On average, over half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 64% and 94%, with an average of 80%. The student bodies of about 40% of these schools are at least 80% non-white. Fifteen percent of the student bodies are primarily white. Forty-nine percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Thirty-six percent are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 13 (118 elementary schools). On average, over 70% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 73% and 99%, with an average of 90%. The student bodies of about 88% of these schools are at least 80% non-white. Seventy-one percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties and 20% are located in primarily rural counties.
Description of Elementary School Clusters For 1995-96
Similar schools are grouped the same way they were grouped last year, using enrollment, percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, socio-economic ratings of the student body, and the percentage of white students. Ninety-six percent of this year's schools are in the same clusters as last year. The addition of new schools and schools with significant changes in student body population characteristics were re-assigned to cluster groups that better match their current student body population.
Description of Elementary School Clusters For 1995-96
First, schools were divided into large and small schools based on the state median for school enrollment for grades K - 5 (556). Then the schools were clustered by percent eligible for free and reduced price lunch, socio-economic status (SES), and percent of white students. To facilitate comparisons, clusters that had less than 20 schools were combined with the most similar cluster of large or small schools based on the above three factors (effects clusters 1 and 3).
High to Middle SES Schools: 1995-96
Cluster 1 (101 elementary schools): About 40% of the students in these schools come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 1% and 16% with an average of 7%. The student bodies of 90% of these schools are at least 80% white. The student bodies of two schools are primarily minorities. Sixtyone percent of these schools are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Another 22% are in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Eleven percent are located in urban counties and 6% are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 2 (56 elementary schools): About 55% of the students in of these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 13% and 32% with an average of 19%. The student bodies of 75% of these schools are at least 80% white. Only 6% of these schools are located in urban counties. Twenty-nine percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta; 30% are located in counties with large towns (30,000 to 1 00,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas; and 36% are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 3 (80 elementary schools): About 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 13% and 36% with an average of 26%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white. The schools are located in diverse settings with 33% located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties; 34% in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas; and 35% in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 4 (90 elementary schools): About 55% the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 30% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 23% and 40% with an average of 31 %. The student bodies of 50% of the schools are at least 80% white. About 5% of the student bodies are at least 80% minorities. Forty percent of the schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000); 26% in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas; and 22% in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Only 12% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 5 (73 elementary schools): About 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 30% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 35% and 50% with an average of 43%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white About 5% of the student bodies are at least 70% minorities. Sixty-two percent are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) and 27% in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 6 (92 elementary schools): About 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 35% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 35% and 54% with an average of 45%. The student bodies of 40% of these schools are at least 80% white. Ten percent of the student bodies are at least 70% minorities. Seventy-eight percent are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 1 00,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty-two percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 7 (105 elementary schools): About 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. Almost 50% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 44% and 63% with an average of 54%. The student bodies of 30% of these schools are at least 80% white. About 10% of the schools have student bodies that are at least 70% minorities. Seventy-four percent of these schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty six percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 8 (89 elementary schools): About 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. Almost 50% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 50% and 66% with an average of 58%. Thirty percent of the student bodies of these schools have large percentages of whites and minorities (40% to 60% of either). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% whKe. Seventy-three percent of these schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty-seven percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 9 (103 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 60% and 75% with an average of 68%. Thirty percent of the student bodies of these schools have large percentages of whites and minorities (40% to 60% of either). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% white. Another 10% are at least 80% minorities. Seventy-two percent of these schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty-eight percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 10 (64 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 63% and 77% with an average of 69%. Fifty-five percent of the student bodies of these schools have large percentages of whites and minorities (40% to 60% of either). Eighty percent of the schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000). Twenty percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 11 (59 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges from 71% and 94% with an average of 80%. The student bodies of about 70% of these schools are at least 80% minorities. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Seventeen percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta.
Cluster 12 (81 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 75% and 94% with an average of 82%. The student bodies of 40% of the schools are at least 80% minorities. Fifteen percent of the student bodies are primarily white. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Forty-three percent are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 13 (141 elementary schools): Over 70% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 86% and 100% with an average of 96%. The student bodies of 82% of the schools are at least 80% minorities. The student bodies of four schools are at least 90% white. Sixty-nine percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties and 22% are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Description of Elementary
School Clusters
For 1996-97
While most schools have stayed in the same cluster group, the addition of new schools and significant changes of some schools’ student body characteristics caused the cluster groups to change slightly. Ninety-two percent of this year's schools are in the same clusters as last year. Last year (1995-96), similar schools were grouped according to enrollment, percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, socio-economic status (SES) of the student body, and the percentage of white students. Schools with significant changes in these characteristics were re-assigned to cluster groups that better match their current student body population.
High to Middle SES Schools: 1996-97
Cluster 1 (109 elementary schools). On average, approximately 30% of the students in these schools come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 0% and 19%, with an average of 8%. The student bodies of 90% of these schools are at least 80% white. The student body of only one school is primarily non-white. Sixty-one percent of these schools are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Another 22% are in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Eleven percent are located in urban counties and 6% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 2 (60 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 20% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 7% and 35%, with an average of 19%. The student bodies of three-quarters of the schools are at least 80% white. Only 5% of these schools are located in urban counties. Twenty-seven percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta; 30% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 38% are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 3 (82 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 15% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 13% and 44%, with an average of 27%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white. The schools are located in diverse settings, with 30% located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties; 34% located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 36% located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 4 (87 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 20% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 23% and 50%, with an average of 32%. The student bodies of half of the schools are at least 80% white. About 5% of the student bodies are at least 80% non-white. Thirty-eight percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties; 26% are located in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas; and 23% are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Only 13% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 5 (78 elementary schools). On average, approximately 45% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 32% and 57%, with an average of 44%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white. About 5% of the student bodies are at least 70% non-white. Sixty-four percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties and 26% are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 6 (92 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 35% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 35% and 61%, with an average of 46%. The student bodies of 40% of the schools are at least 80% white. Ten percent of the student bodies are at least 70% non-white. Seventy-nine percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-one percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 7 (113 elementary schools). On average, approximately 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 40% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 37% and 71%, with an average of 53%. The student bodies of 30% of the schools are at least 80% white. Ten percent of the student bodies are at least 70% non-white. Seventy-six percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-four percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 8 (94 elementary schools). On average, approximately 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 40% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 43% and 73%, with an average of 58%. Thirty percent of these schools have student bodies that are evenly divided between whites and non-whites (40% to 60% of either group). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% white. Seventy-one percent of the schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-nine percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 9 (107 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 55% and 88%, with an average of 67%. Thirty percent of these schools have student bodies that are evenly divided between whites and non-whites (40% to 60% of either group). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% white. Another 10% are at least 80% non-white. Seventy-one percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties or in counties with 80,000 to 120,000 residents in lightly populated suburban areas and rural areas. Twenty-nine percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 10 (61 elementary schools). On average, about half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 57% and 81%, with an average of 66%. Fifty-five percent of these schools have student bodies that are evenly divided between whites and non-whites (40% to 60% of either group). Seventy-seven percent of these schools are located in primarily rural counties. Twenty-three percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 11 (61 elementary schools). On average, over half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 65% and 94%, with an average of 80%. The student bodies of about 70% of these schools are at least 80% non-white. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Fifteen percent are located in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta.
Cluster 12 (86 elementary schools). On average, over half of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 64% and 94%, with an average of 80%. The student bodies of about 40% of these schools are at least 80% non-white. Fifteen percent of the student bodies are primarily white. Forty-nine percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Thirty-six percent are located in primarily rural counties.
Cluster 13 (118 elementary schools). On average, over 70% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 73% and 99%, with an average of 90%. The student bodies of about 88% of these schools are at least 80% non-white. Seventy-one percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties and 20% are located in primarily rural counties.
Description of Elementary School Clusters
For 1995-96
First, schools were divided into large and small schools based on the state median for school enrollment for grades K - 5 (556). Then the schools were clustered by percent eligible for free and reduced price lunch, socio-economic status (SES), and percent of white students. To facilitate comparisons, clusters that had less than 20 schools were combined with the most similar cluster of large or small schools based on the above three factors (effects clusters 1 and 3).
High to Middle SES Schools: 1995-96
Cluster 1 (101 elementary schools): About 40% of the students in these schools come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 1% and 16% with an average of 7%. The student bodies of 90% of these schools are at least 80% white. The student bodies of two schools are primarily minorities. Sixtyone percent of these schools are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Another 22% are in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Eleven percent are located in urban counties and 6% are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 2 (56 elementary schools): About 55% of the students in of these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 13% and 32% with an average of 19%. The student bodies of 75% of these schools are at least 80% white. Only 6% of these schools are located in urban counties. Twenty-nine percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta; 30% are located in counties with large towns (30,000 to 1 00,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas; and 36% are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 3 (80 elementary schools): About 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 25% of the students come from high SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 13% and 36% with an average of 26%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white. The schools are located in diverse settings with 33% located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties; 34% in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas; and 35% in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 4 (90 elementary schools): About 55% the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 30% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 23% and 40% with an average of 31 %. The student bodies of 50% of the schools are at least 80% white. About 5% of the student bodies are at least 80% minorities. Forty percent of the schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000); 26% in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas; and 22% in suburban counties of metro-Atlanta. Only 12% are located in urban counties.
Cluster 5 (73 elementary schools): About 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 30% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 35% and 50% with an average of 43%. The student bodies of 60% of the schools are at least 80% white About 5% of the student bodies are at least 70% minorities. Sixty-two percent are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) and 27% in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 6 (92 elementary schools): About 50% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. About 35% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 35% and 54% with an average of 45%. The student bodies of 40% of these schools are at least 80% white. Ten percent of the student bodies are at least 70% minorities. Seventy-eight percent are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 1 00,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty-two percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 7 (105 elementary schools): About 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. Almost 50% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 44% and 63% with an average of 54%. The student bodies of 30% of these schools are at least 80% white. About 10% of the schools have student bodies that are at least 70% minorities. Seventy-four percent of these schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty six percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 8 (89 elementary schools): About 40% of the students in these schools come from middle SES households. Almost 50% of the students come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 50% and 66% with an average of 58%. Thirty percent of the student bodies of these schools have large percentages of whites and minorities (40% to 60% of either). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% whKe. Seventy-three percent of these schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty-seven percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 9 (103 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 60% and 75% with an average of 68%. Thirty percent of the student bodies of these schools have large percentages of whites and minorities (40% to 60% of either). Twelve percent of the schools have student bodies that are at least 80% white. Another 10% are at least 80% minorities. Seventy-two percent of these schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000) or in counties with large towns (30,000 to 100,000), lightly populated suburbs, and rural areas. Twenty-eight percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 10 (64 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 63% and 77% with an average of 69%. Fifty-five percent of the student bodies of these schools have large percentages of whites and minorities (40% to 60% of either). Eighty percent of the schools are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000). Twenty percent are located in heavily populated suburban and urban counties.
Cluster 11 (59 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges from 71% and 94% with an average of 80%. The student bodies of about 70% of these schools are at least 80% minorities. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Seventeen percent are located in the suburban counties of metro-Atlanta.
Cluster 12 (81 elementary schools): Over 50% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 75% and 94% with an average of 82%. The student bodies of 40% of the schools are at least 80% minorities. Fifteen percent of the student bodies are primarily white. Forty-two percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties. Forty-three percent are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).
Cluster 13 (141 elementary schools): Over 70% of the students in these schools come from low SES households. Student eligibility for free or reduced price lunch ranges between 86% and 100% with an average of 96%. The student bodies of 82% of the schools are at least 80% minorities. The student bodies of four schools are at least 90% white. Sixty-nine percent of the schools are located in heavily populated urban counties and 22% are located in counties with only small towns (less than 30,000).