Serving 124 students in grades 6-8, Shirley D. Simmons Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the Mississippi state level of 14:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 124 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MS
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Shirley D. Simmons Middle School serves the northeast part of Canton, MS, covering an attendance zone of approximately 295 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 15.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School's student population of 124 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 36% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
124 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Madison County Schools: Mark of Excellence
School Rankings
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#391 out of 795 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
1%
7%
Black
97%
45%
White
n/a
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.2%
26.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shirley D. Simmons Middle School's ranking?
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School is ranked #391 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Shirley D. Simmons Middle School often compared to?
Shirley D. Simmons Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Madison Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
How many students attend Shirley D. Simmons Middle School?
124 students attend Shirley D. Simmons Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School?
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 14:1.
What grades does Shirley D. Simmons Middle School offer ?
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shirley D. Simmons Middle School part of?
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School is part of Madison County Schools.
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