2024 Best Middle Schools in Mississippi

Middle School Survival Guide for Mississippi

Parents in Mississippi have a challenge on their hands when it comes to finding the right school for their kids. With only 553 middle schools across the state, Mississippi falls 4% shy of the national average in terms of number of schools per capita. This means parents will need to get creative when it comes to finding the right fit for their children. On the bright side, middle schools in Mississippi still perform well compared to other states, each earning an average grade of B–. That being said, 56% of these schools rank above the national average, giving parents access to approximately 312 above-average options. In terms of student/teacher ratios, Mississippi also has a slight edge over other states, with an average ratio of 13 students per teacher (7% lower than the national average). Average enrollment for middle schools in Mississippi is also slightly higher than other states, with an average size of 426 students. This is likely due to the fact that Mississippi is home to some of the largest cities in the nation, such as Jackson and Gulfport.

What should you know about public middle schools in Mississippi?

Public schools are often a preferred option for parents looking for a combination of quality and affordability, and Mississippi has plenty to offer in this regard. In total, there are 406 public middle schools throughout the state - which equates to about 5% more than the average state per capita (placing in #21st amongst all states). These schools also tend to be larger than most middle schools, with an average enrollment rate that is 15% higher than other states (471 students). Despite this difference, public middle schools still manage to perform comparably to the rest of the nation, earning an overall grade of B–.

Traditional public middle schools: vast options in Mississippi

When it comes to public middle school education, traditional public schools make up the largest portion. In total there are 392 traditional public schools in Mississippi - 20% more than your typical state per capita - offering families a wide range of options when it comes to selecting their child's education path. The good news is that these schools still have an average grade of B– (on par with other states) and 61% of them rank above the national average - translating to a whopping 239 high quality institutions. It's worth noting that these larger-than-average classes may impact performance slightly, with traditional public school classes being 16% larger than those found elsewhere in America.

The Mississippi Middle School that Excels in Academics and Community

When it comes to finding a top-notch traditional public school in Mississippi, Petal Middle School stands out from its peers for its excellent academics and fostering environment. Situated in Petal (near Hattiesburg), Petal offers small class sizes and individualized instruction with an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 - 14% lower than what you'd find at a typical school nationwide. Parents praise the school's rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty members who are committed to helping each student reach their full potential. With an enrollment size of 712 students and an A+ rating on GreatSchools.org, Petal Middle School is certainly worth checking out if you’re considering sending your child to a traditional public school in Mississippi.

Charter Schools in Mississippi: A Closer Look

Families searching for an alternative public education option may find themselves looking into charter schools as well. Unfortunately, this path isn't as accessible in Mississippi as it is elsewhere, as there are only five charter schools located throughout the entire state - placing Mississippi near the bottom on the list in terms of charter school availability per citizen (39th). The unfortunate news doesn't stop there either; unfortunately these five charter schools also underperform compared to similar institutions elsewhere in America, with an overall grade sitting at C–. That being said there are still some positive takeaways; out of all five charter institutions, only one has managed to exceed national averages (Reimagine Prep located in Jackson). That being said, if a charter school is what you’re looking for, Reimagine Prep is definitely worth considering as it offers a strong academic program as well as a large student body (616 students).

Deep Dive on magnet middle schools in Mississippi

Magnet schools are gaining traction across America due to their specialized focus on particular areas such as STEM or performing arts education - and while they don't make up a big portion of all American middle schools (only 8%), they can provide valuable learning experiences through intimate class sizes and enriched curriculum offerings - and similarly sized states like Mississippi have seen success with magnet programs as well. With nine separate magnet schools located throughout Mississippi - slightly more than your typical state on a per capita basis - parents have some solid options if this path catches their eye. Average rating for magnet schools falls short however at C+, which is significantly lower than America's typical B– score... though don't let this statistic fool you too much; 44% magnet school options still manage to exceed national standards - meaning four out of nine can give your child something more special than other institutional offerings..

Which Magnet Middle School Should You Consider in Mississippi?

If exploring magnet options appeals to you then consider checking out Hayes Cooper Center located near Merigold in Northwestern part of the state - this institution stands out from its peers due mainly due to its small class sizes; averaging 282 students per class which falls 12% below national averages.

Key insights into Mississippi's private school landscape

With 141 private schools available in the state, Mississippi provides a wide selection of educational alternatives to families. The state's average grade for private schools is a respectable B, which is lower than the national average. Nevertheless, Mississippi offers its students and parents an opportunity to experience a unique learning environment, with smaller sized classes on average (295 vs. the national average of 398). This can mean that children will have more one-on-one time with their teachers, allowing for better individualized attention and support.

Best Religious Middle School in Mississippi

St. Andrew's Episcopal School is one of the best religious middle schools in the state, having achieved an impressive A+ grade. Situated in Ridgeland, just south of Jackson, it offers an enriching educational experience with a relatively large student body of 1097 students. What stands out is its remarkable 8 to 1 student to teacher ratio, outperforming the national average by a margin of 43%.

Top Private Nonsectarian Middle School in Mississippi

For parents looking for a top-notch nonsectarian private school experience for their children in Mississippi, Jackson Preparatory School is the ideal choice. With an A grade and a student body of 837 students, this institution provides students with an excellent education in a well-rounded environment. The school's 10 to 1 student to teacher ratio is also quite competitive when compared to the national average of 15 to 1, representing an impressive 29% difference. This allows for better individualized attention and support from the faculty and staff at Jackson Preparatory School.

Middle school alternatives in the state

Top All-Boys Middle Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi only has one all-boys middle school option currently available, which is Saint Stanislaus High School. Although no overall grade has been given to this school yet, its reputation speaks for itself as a respected and well-regarded institution. The student population at Saint Stanislaus is relatively small (around 250 students), providing parents with peace of mind that their children will receive personalized attention and support from their educators.

Top-Ranked All-Girls Middle Schools in Mississippi

When it comes to all-girls middle schools in Mississippi, parents have three options available: Our Lady Academy, St Joseph Catholic School, and Mercy Cross High School. Parents seeking a specialized all-girls education should certainly consider Our Lady Academy as their top choice as it has achieved an A– rating on average, significantly outperforming its two counterparts (which both have B+ ratings). Situated in Bay St Louis (roughly 90 minutes east of New Orleans), Our Lady Academy has an enrollment of 227 students and a student to teacher ratio of 13:1, which is 7% lower than that of a typical American middle school. With its excellent academic programs and commitment to providing quality education to its students, Our Lady Academy is an ideal option for parents seeking an all-girls education for their daughters.

Exploring fully-online middle school optoins

Despite being one of the smaller states in terms of area and population size, Mississippi offers above average per capita access to online learning options compared to other states - with 36 schools available across the state. Interestingly, these alternatives have managed to achieve a higher overall grade than regular middle schools within the state (B+ vs B–).

What is the best online middle school in Mississippi?

The top pick would likely be NorthStar Academy - which is located in Southaven (around 20 miles south of Memphis). This virtual institution has a colossal student base of 1726 and considerably larger class sizes (averaging approximately 38 students - 171% higher than America's usual middle school size). Despite its virtual format NorthStar Academy still offers ample opportunities for students to interact with their teachers and classmates via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype - should any issues need discussion or clarification by parties on either side.