For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 5,802 students in Pearl River County, MS.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pearl River County, MS are West Hancock Elementary School, Pearl River Central Elementary School and Middle School Of Poplarville. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pearl River County, MS public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Mississippi public elementary school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pearl River County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Pearl River County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
23350 Highway 43
Picayune, MS 39466
(228) 586-6054
Picayune, MS 39466
(228) 586-6054
Gr: PK-5 | 363 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Pearl River Central Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
116 Alphabet Ave
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Gr: PK-5 | 1,491 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Middle School Of Poplarville
(Math: 57% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6 Spirit Street
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-1350
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-1350
Gr: 6-8 | 454 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
South Side Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1500 Rosa Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1105
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1105
Gr: 3-6 | 313 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #55.
Pearl River Central Junior High School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7391 Hwy 11
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-5654
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-5654
Gr: 6-8 | 775 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Poplarville Upper Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1 Todd Circle
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8303
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8303
Gr: 3-5 | 422 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Roseland Park Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1610 Gilcrease Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6824
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6824
Gr: K-6 | 368 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #88.
Nicholson Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1887 Hwy 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6309
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6309
Gr: K-6 | 363 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #99.
West Side Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
111 Kirkwood Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-3625
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-3625
Gr: K-6 | 419 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
Center For Alternative Education
Alternative School
461 Burgetown Rd.
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-6852
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-6852
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
804 South Julia Street Suite A
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-4736
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-4736
Gr: PK-2 | 494 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
400 South Beech Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-0683
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-0683
Gr: PK-2 | 340 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Pearl River County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
116 Alphabet Ave.
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Gr: K-2 | 711 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Poplarville Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
1 Hornet St
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8477
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8477
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Pearl River County, MS?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pearl River County, MS include West Hancock Elementary School, Pearl River Central Elementary School and Middle School Of Poplarville.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pearl River County?
12 public elementary schools are located in Pearl River County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pearl River County?
Pearl River County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Pearl River County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Pearl River County include: South Side Elementary School vs. Roseland Park Elementary School, Pearl River Central Elementary School vs. Roseland Park Elementary School, West Hancock Elementary School vs. South Side Lower Elementary School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
