For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 3,035 students in Pearl River County, MS.
The top-ranked public preschools in Pearl River County, MS are West Hancock Elementary School and Pearl River Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pearl River County, MS public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Mississippi public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 43% statewide average). Pre schools in Pearl River County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Pearl River County (2026)
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: n/an/a
1865 Hwy 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-7808
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-7808
Gr: PK | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
1620 Rosa Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-4702
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-4702
Gr: PK | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
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 preschools in Pearl River County, MS?
The top-ranked public preschools in Pearl River County, MS include West Hancock Elementary School and Pearl River Central Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Pearl River County?
6 public preschools are located in Pearl River County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pearl River County?
Pearl River County public preschools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Pearl River County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Pearl River County include: West Hancock Elementary School vs. South Side Lower Elementary School, Poplarville Lower Elementary School vs. West Hancock Elementary School, South Side Lower Elementary School vs. West Hancock Elementary School
Recent Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.