Best Cleveland Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,466 students in Cleveland, MS (there are 2 private schools, serving 797 private students). 76% of all K-12 students in Cleveland, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cleveland, MS are Hayes Cooper Center, Cleveland Central High School and Parks Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cleveland, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Cleveland have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Cleveland, MS (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hayes Cooper Center
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
500 Martin L. King
Cleveland, MS 38733
(662) 748-2734
Gr: PK-6 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Cleveland Central High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
300 W. Sunflower St
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-2460
Gr: 9-12 | 799 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #33.
Parks Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1301 Terrace Road
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-3166
Gr: PK-6 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Cleveland Central Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
601 Lucy Seabery Dr
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-2338
Gr: 7-8 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #55.
Pearman Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
306 Merritt Drive
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4484
Gr: 1-6 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
D.m. Smith Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
715 Martin Luther King Dr
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4355
Gr: 3-6 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: n/an/a
Alternative School
Alternative School
601 Third Street
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 846-6478
Gr: 5-12
Rank: n/an/a
Cleveland Voc Tech Complex
Vocational School
601 Third Street
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-8818
Gr: 8-12
Rank: n/an/a
600 Cross Street
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4528
Gr: PK-2 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Cleveland, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Cleveland, MS include Hayes Cooper Center, Cleveland Central High School and Parks Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cleveland?
9 public schools are located in Cleveland.
What percentage of students in Cleveland go to public school?
76% of all K-12 students in Cleveland are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cleveland?
Cleveland public schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Cleveland are often viewed compared to one another?

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