For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,927 students in Waycross, GA (there are 1 private school, serving 169 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Waycross, GA are educated in public schools (compared to the GA state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Waycross, GA are Ware County High School, Williams Heights Elementary School and Ruskin Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waycross, GA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Georgia public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Waycross have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Georgia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Georgia public school average of 66% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Waycross, GA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ware County High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
700 Victory Dr
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2351
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 287-2351
Gr: 9-12 | 1,633 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
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: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #33.
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 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #44.
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 | 885 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #55.
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 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #66.
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 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #77.
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: 77%
Rank: #88.
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 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #99.
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 | 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
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 schools in Waycross, GA?
The top-ranked public schools in Waycross, GA include Ware County High School, Williams Heights Elementary School and Ruskin Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Waycross?
10 public schools are located in Waycross.
What percentage of students in Waycross go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Waycross are educated in public schools (compared to the GA state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waycross?
Waycross public schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Georgia public schools average of 66% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Waycross are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Waycross include: Williams Heights Elementary School vs. Wacona Elementary School, Ruskin Elementary School vs. Wacona Elementary School, Wacona Elementary School vs. Williams Heights Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.