Mississippi is the #34 largest school system in the United States, serving 444,117 students across the 1,048 public schools for the 2024-25 school year (there are 256 private schools, serving 55,976 students). 89% of all K-12 students in Mississippi are educated in public schools, compared to the national average of 89%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Mississippi is 47%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 42%.
The top ranked public schools in Mississippi are Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts, Northshore Elementary School and Barack H Obama Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 50 Blue Ribbon Schools, 13 magnet schools, 7 charter schools, and 2 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% (majority Black) and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(MS) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
1%
Hispanic
4%
Black
47%
White
43%
Two or more races
4%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Mississippi (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1125 North 5th Avenue
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 428-7446
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 428-7446
Rank: #22.
Northshore Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (Top 5%)
Reading: 77% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
110 Northshore Parkway
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 992-5279
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 992-5279
Rank: #33.
Barack H Obama Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
750 N Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 960-5333
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 960-5333
Rank: #44.
Lizana Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
15341 Lizana School Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 832-1592
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 832-1592
Rank: #55.
Ocean Springs High School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (Top 1%)
Reading: 69% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
6701 Old Spanish Trail
Ocean Springs, MS 39566
(228) 875-0333
Ocean Springs, MS 39566
(228) 875-0333
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Lewisburg Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75% (Top 5%)
Grades: 2-3
1717 Craft Road
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-8750
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-8750
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Mannsdale Upper Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 82% (Top 5%)
Reading: 78% (Top 1%)
Grades: 3-5
371 Mannsdale Road
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 879-3433
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 879-3433
Rank: #88.
West Harrison High School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 5%)
Reading: 71% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
10399 County Farm Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-8900
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-8900
Rank: #99.
Diberville Senior High School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 89% (Top 5%)
Reading: 67% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
15625 Lamey Bridge Road
Biloxi, MS 39532
(228) 392-2678
Biloxi, MS 39532
(228) 392-2678
Rank: #1010.
Bayou View Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
4898 Washington Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 865-4625
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 865-4625
Best Mississippi Public Schools by County (2024-25)
Popular neighborhoods: Belhaven (5 schools), West End (5 schools), Fondren (3 schools), Snowden District (3 schools), Washington Addition (2 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Mississippi?
The top ranked public schools in Mississippi include Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts, Northshore Elementary School and Barack H Obama Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Mississippi?
1,048 public schools are located in Mississippi.
What percentage of students in Mississippi go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Mississippi are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mississippi?
Minority enrollment in Mississippi is 57% (majority Black)
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