For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,977 students in Wayne County, MS (there are 1 private school, serving 269 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Wayne County, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Wayne County, MS are Clara School, Buckatunna School and Wayne County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wayne County, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Wayne County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Wayne County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Clara School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
40 Clara School Rd
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2065
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2065
Gr: PK-8 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Buckatunna School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
11 Buckatunna Mt. Zion Rd.
Buckatunna, MS 39322
(601) 648-2501
Buckatunna, MS 39322
(601) 648-2501
Gr: PK-8 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #33.
Wayne County High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1325 Azalea Drive
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2851
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2851
Gr: 9-12 | 775 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Beat Four School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5090 Highway 84 West
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2124
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2124
Gr: PK-8 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
Waynesboro Riverview School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
155 Wayne Street
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-3159
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-3159
Gr: PK-8 | 491 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #66.
Wayne Central School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1022 Azalea Drive
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2205
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2205
Gr: PK-8 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: n/an/a
Wayne County Alternative School
Alternative School
1325 Azalea Drive
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2851
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-2851
Gr: 5-12
Rank: n/an/a
Wayne County Career And Technical
Vocational School
800 Collins Street
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-5036
Waynesboro, MS 39367
(601) 735-5036
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Wayne County, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Wayne County, MS include Clara School, Buckatunna School and Wayne County High School.
How many public schools are located in Wayne County?
8 public schools are located in Wayne County.
What percentage of students in Wayne County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Wayne County are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Wayne County?
Wayne County public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
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.