The top reported proficiency rate is 75% in Social studies. The lowest is 43% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Len Lastinger Elementary School
Len Lastinger Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Tifton serving about one-half to two-thirds of a typical elementary cohort across prekindergarten through fifth grade. The student body is economically challenged: a majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The school's racial composition is roughly equal parts White and Black, with a smaller Hispanic population and a very small Asian enrollment; very few students identify as multiracial or Native American.
On state end-of-grade assessments in 2024-25, Len Lastinger's proficiency rates reflect consistent struggle across tested subjects. In mathematics, proficiency averaged in the mid-range overall, with third grade showing modestly stronger performance, while fourth and fifth grades dropped notably below. In English language arts, the pattern is steeper: third grade achieved just above half proficiency, but fourth grade fell to under half, and fifth grade declined further to roughly one-third. Science proficiency in fifth grade, the only grade tested, sat just above half. These results indicate that students at Len Lastinger are not meeting grade-level standards at rates the school or families would aim for, particularly by upper elementary grades. A parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what interventions are underway and what additional support might be available.
The school is located at 1210 Lake Drive in Tifton, the county seat of Tift County in South Georgia. Tifton functions as a regional hub mixing a historic, walkable downtown with residential neighborhoods, agricultural research and college campuses, and highway-oriented commercial corridors along Interstate 75. Healthcare, education, agriculture, and distribution are the economic anchors. Housing values in the area are below state and national benchmarks, and the median household income is moderate. A high share of students at Len Lastinger come from families with limited financial resources.
Tift County Schools has implemented several district-level changes families should know about. The district voted to reduce the property tax millage rate for 2025, a meaningful tax cut but one drawing on reserves; it also opted out of a state floating homestead exemption for property tax purposes, meaning Tifton homeowners do not receive certain statewide tax caps that other Georgia districts offer. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, all students in Tift County will receive meals at no charge. The school day was lengthened in 2025-26, starting earlier and ending later than before. A new high school facility is under construction and is expected to open in Fall 2027 with expanded career and technical education programs. These shifts affect family budgets, schedules, and long-term community planning.
The data available did not include information about English learner enrollment, special education enrollment, staffing, or attendance rates at Len Lastinger, so a fuller picture of school services and support would benefit from direct conversation with administrators.
See more original research from School Decision →