For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,649 students in Newton County, MS (there are 1 private school, serving 185 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Newton County, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Newton County, MS are Newton County Elementary School, Newton County High School and Newton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Newton County, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Newton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Newton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Newton County Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
15881 Highway 15
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2956
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2956
Gr: PK-6 | 882 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Newton County High School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
16255 Hwy 503
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4261
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4261
Gr: 7-12 | 768 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Newton High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 W. First Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-2232
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-2232
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
N H Pilate Middle School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
531 E. Church Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3926
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3926
Gr: 6-8 | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Newton Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 W. Tatum Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3979
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3979
Gr: PK-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
851 Tushka Drive
Conehatta, MS 39057
(601) 775-8254
Conehatta, MS 39057
(601) 775-8254
Gr: K-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: n/an/a
East Central Alternative School
Alternative School
273 Tenth Avenue
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2118
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2118
Gr: 3-12
Rank: n/an/a
Newton County Voc Complex
Vocational School
15935 Highway 15 North
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4138
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4138
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Newton Municipal Career Center
Vocational School
203 W. First Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-6338
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-6338
Gr: 9-12
Newton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P.o. Box 150
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3926
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3926
Gr: 5-8 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Newton County, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Newton County, MS include Newton County Elementary School, Newton County High School and Newton High School.
How many public schools are located in Newton County?
9 public schools are located in Newton County.
What percentage of students in Newton County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Newton County are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Newton County?
Newton County public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Newton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Newton County include: N H Pilate Middle School vs. Newton County High School, Newton High School vs. Newton County High School, Newton County High School vs. N H Pilate Middle School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.