Education is the foundation upon which a prosperous future is built, and the role of school districts in shaping young minds cannot be overstated. Mississippi, with its rich cultural heritage and commitment to academic growth, boasts several exceptional school districts that prioritize student development.
In this article, we present the top 10 best school districts in Mississippi, taking into account factors such as student population, teacher-student ratio, graduation rates, standardized test scores, college placement, and per-student expenditure. These districts have consistently demonstrated their dedication to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for successful futures.
Top 10 Best School Districts in Mississippi
- Madison County School District
- Ocean Springs School District
- Rankin County School District
- DeSoto County Schools
- Lamar County School District
- Oxford School District
- Petal School District
- Clinton Public School District
- Tupelo Public School District
- Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District
Madison County School District
- Total number of students: 13,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 96%
- Average SAT score: 1205
- Average ACT score: 23
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Mississippi College
- Amount spent per student: $9,800
Ocean Springs School District
- Total number of students: 6,300
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:15
- High graduation rate: 95%
- Average SAT score: 1260
- Average ACT score: 24
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi
- Amount spent per student: $8,900
Rankin County School District
- Total number of students: 19,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:18
- High graduation rate: 94%
- Average SAT score: 1215
- Average ACT score: 22
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, Mississippi College
- Amount spent per student: $9,200
DeSoto County Schools
- Total number of students: 34,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:19
- High graduation rate: 92%
- Average SAT score: 1185
- Average ACT score: 21
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Delta State University
- Amount spent per student: $8,500
Lamar County School District
- Total number of students: 10,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:17
- High graduation rate: 96%
- Average SAT score: 1220
- Average ACT score: 23
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi
- Amount spent per student: $9,100
Oxford School District
- Total number of students: 5,800
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 95%
- Average SAT score: 1250
- Average ACT score: 24
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Auburn University
- Amount spent per student: $9,500
Petal School District
- Total number of students: 4,200
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:14
- High graduation rate: 97%
- Average SAT score: 1245
- Average ACT score: 23
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi
- Amount spent per student: $9,700
Clinton Public School District
- Total number of students: 5,200
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:15
- High graduation rate: 94%
- Average SAT score: 1235
- Average ACT score: 23
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, Mississippi College
- Amount spent per student: $9,400
Tupelo Public School District
- Total number of students: 7,800
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:17
- High graduation rate: 93%
- Average SAT score: 1190
- Average ACT score: 22
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Mississippi College
- Amount spent per student: $9,000
Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District
- Total number of students: 5,600
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 92%
- Average SAT score: 1200
- Average ACT score: 22
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, Delta State University
- Amount spent per student: $9,300
