Serving 680 students in grades 7-8, Petal Middle School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 73% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 680 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in MS
- Math Proficiency: 73% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 76% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Petal Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Petal Middle School's student population of 680 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
680 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Petal Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Petal Middle School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#116 out of 795 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
6%
5%
Black
18%
47%
White
70%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Petal Middle School's ranking?
Petal Middle School is ranked #116 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Petal Middle School often compared to?
Petal Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Oak Grove Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
73% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
How many students attend Petal Middle School?
680 students attend Petal Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Petal Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Petal Middle School?
Petal Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Petal Middle School offer ?
Petal Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Petal Middle School part of?
Petal Middle School is part of Petal School District.
School Reviews
Review Petal Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

What Are Public Schools Doing to Fight Obesity and Is It Working?
Childhood obesity rates continue to climb. While many public schools have implemented policies and programs to combat the problem, there is always more to be done. Keep reading to learn what schools are doing to prevent obesity and how you can help.

Massachusetts: Boston Public Schools Offer Free Lunches
Kids in Boston Public Schools will enjoy free lunches this year, thanks to participation in a federal program that cuts out paperwork required to prove eligibility for the free lunch program.

Michigan Schools: Free Meals for All Students in Some Detroit Schools
Learn about a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would offer two free meals and snacks to all Detroit Public School students daily – a controversial decision for some taxpayers.