Mississippi is the #34 largest school system in the United States, serving 432,864 students across the 1,028 public schools for the 2026-27 school year (there are 247 private schools, serving 55,084 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 53%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 42%.
The top-ranked public schools in Mississippi are Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts, Bayou View Elementary School, and Northshore Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 54 Blue Ribbon Schools, 11 magnet schools, 10 charter schools, and 2 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 59%, with the majority being Black and the student-teacher ratio is 14:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Mississippi (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (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: #2 - 32. - 3.
Bayou View Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
4898 Washington Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 865-4625
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 865-4625
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Northshore Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 77% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
110 Northshore Pkwy
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 992-5279
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 992-5279
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Madison Station Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 5%)
Reading: 81% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
459 Reunion Parkway
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 856-6246
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 856-6246
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Mannsdale Upper Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (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: #66.
West Harrison High School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 71% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
10399 County Farm Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-8900
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-8900
Rank: #77.
Lizana Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (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: #88.
Madison Avenue Upper
(Math: 84% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 81% (Top 1%)
Grades: 3-5
1209 Madison Avenue
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 856-6609
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 856-6609
Rank: #99.
Ocean Springs High School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 69% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-13
6701 Old Spanish Trail
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
(228) 875-0333
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
(228) 875-0333
Rank: #1010.
Lewisburg Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%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
Overview
This State (MS)
US
# Schools
1,028 Schools
100,278 Schools
# Students
432,864 Students
49,273,632 Students
# Teachers
30,920 Teachers
3,176,851 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (MS)
National Average
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
43%
Graduation Rate
89.4%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.63
0.71
# American Indian Students
2,782 Students
465,608 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
1%
# Asian Students
4,895 Students
2,805,331 Students
% Asian Students
1%
6%
# Hispanic Students
29,845 Students
14,933,167 Students
% Hispanic Students
7%
30%
# Black Students
193,566 Students
7,261,729 Students
% Black Students
45%
15%
# White Students
175,248 Students
20,989,206 Students
% White Students
40%
43%
# Hawaiian Students
286 Students
196,826 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
24,495 Students
2,585,779 Students
% of Two or more races Students
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (MS)
Statewide Total Revenue
$6,387 MM
Statewide Total Spending
$6,242 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,756
Spending / Student
$14,421
Best Mississippi Public Schools by County (2026-27)
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, Bayou View Elementary School, and Northshore Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Mississippi?
1,028 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 59%, 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: Coffeeville High School vs. Water Valley High School, Yazoo City High School vs. Yazoo County High School, Natchez Early College Co-lin vs. Natchez High School
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
