Mississippi is the #34 largest school system in the United States, serving 440,091 students across the 1,043 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 251 private schools, serving 55,279 students). 89% of all K-12 students in Mississippi attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Mississippi is 47%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 42%.
The top-ranked public schools in Mississippi are Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts, Northshore Elementary School, and Barack H Obama Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 54 Blue Ribbon Schools, 12 magnet schools, 10 charter schools, and 2 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 58%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 13:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in Mississippi (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1125 North 5th Avenue
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 428-7446
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 428-7446
Rank: #22.
Northshore Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 5%)
Reading: 77% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
110 Northshore Parkway
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 992-5279
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 992-5279
Rank: #33.
Barack H Obama Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
750 N Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 960-5333
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 960-5333
Rank: #44.
Lizana Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
15341 Lizana School Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 832-1592
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 832-1592
Rank: #55.
Ocean Springs High School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (Top 1%)
Reading: 69% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
6701 Old Spanish Trail
Ocean Springs, MS 39566
(228) 875-0333
Ocean Springs, MS 39566
(228) 875-0333
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Lewisburg Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75% (Top 5%)
Grades: 2-3
1717 Craft Road
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-8750
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-8750
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Mannsdale Upper Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 82% (Top 5%)
Reading: 78% (Top 1%)
Grades: 3-5
371 Mannsdale Road
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 879-3433
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 879-3433
Rank: #88.
West Harrison High School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 5%)
Reading: 71% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
10399 County Farm Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-8900
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-8900
Rank: #99.
Diberville Senior High School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 89% (Top 5%)
Reading: 67% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
15625 Lamey Bridge Road
Biloxi, MS 39532
(228) 392-2678
Biloxi, MS 39532
(228) 392-2678
Rank: #1010.
Bayou View Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
4898 Washington Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 865-4625
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 865-4625
Overview
This State (MS)
# Schools
1,043 Schools
# Students
440,091 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
33,811 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (MS)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
Graduation Rate
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.61
# American Indian Students
2,933 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
# Asian Students
4,926 Students
% Asian Students
1%
# Hispanic Students
21,669 Students
% Hispanic Students
5%
# Black Students
205,626 Students
% Black Students
47%
# White Students
184,374 Students
% White Students
42%
# Hawaiian Students
302 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
20,261 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (MS)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$5,371 MM
Spending (22-23)
$5,314 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$12,205
Spending / Student (22-23)
$12,074
Best Mississippi Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: Belhaven (5 schools), West End (5 schools), Fondren (3 schools), Snowden District (3 schools), Washington Addition (2 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Mississippi?
The top-ranked public schools in Mississippi include Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts, Northshore Elementary School, and Barack H Obama Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Mississippi?
1,043 public schools are located in Mississippi.
What percentage of students in Mississippi go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Mississippi attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mississippi?
Minority enrollment in Mississippi is 58%, with the majority being Black.
Which public schools in Mississippi are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Mississippi include: Taylorsville Attendance Center vs. Mize Attendance Center, Lafayette High School vs. Oxford High School, North Panola High School vs. South Panola High School
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