2023 Best Public High Schools in Mississippi

• Columbus, MS•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  202 reviews

Senior: Last year as a junior moving into a new environment, I was not prepared for all of the new things that I would see and the new people I would meet. This year as a senior, I am so excited to go back to school to see all the amazing people and prepare for college. MSMS (Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science) is a school like no other. This is one of the best schools in Mississippi and it sure lives up to that. It is a place where you can make lifelong friendships and for it to be a small little school, it feels like the entire world.... Read 202 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Ocean Springs School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  333 reviews

Alum: I'm not so sure about others, but with each class having about 450 kids, I can say that Ocean Springs High School is great. This school has consistently been in the top 3 high schools in the entire state. It spits out an abundance of talented individuals every year, being talented in academics, athletics, and music & arts. Located near the edge of Ocean Springs, the school itself is quite large, with a simple, two floor design, with 4 main hallways in total. There are many classrooms, a large cafeteria, two gymnasiums, and a spacious library. Furthermore, the main structure includes a CTE building for certain classes like aquaculture, robotics, contemp. health, and family dynamics. Outside of the school, there are plenty of parking spots for students, soccer fields, greenhouses, and softball fields. Academics are good. The math and english departments are great, while the science departments are so and so. The school excels in most sports and competitions except football.... Read 333 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,808

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pass Christian Public School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  150 reviews

Senior: Pass Christian High School has given me an excellent experience through high school. They had good classes, although not exceptional offers because it is a small school, but their teachers were great!... Read 150 reviews

• grade A

• Students 653

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Madison County School District, MS•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  403 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Madison Central High School has been nothing but amazing. The teachers and staff are all very knowledgeable and so kind. There is always something fun happening at the school. Them school has so many state champion titles, including football this year! We are always celebrating the school successes, next weekend we have a community parade to celebrate Madison Central and all its amazing students and staff. I would never ask for anything different at this wonderful school!... Read 403 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,237

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lamar County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  262 reviews

Sophomore: Ok, I originally left a terrible review about this place, but honestly, it's not that bad of a school. It is going downhill however, and the fights have gotten worse since I've come back. Administration is ok, but they're not great. They could be better at letting parents and students know what's going on with school and with planning. There could be a lot more clubs. There could also be more challenging classes. But I feel like there's a good diverse group of people who'll accept you into their group, and they're fairly accepting of those who are LGBTQIA+. Honestly, to sum it all up, it's not perfect, it's your average American school. You just have to make it a good experience, and you'll make great memories here. Do your part in making this a great school in not only the state, but for the whole country. Go Warriors!... Read 262 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,701

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• DeSoto County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  147 reviews

Niche User: Lewisburg High School is great academically. They challenge you and push you to do your best. The teachers and staff are exceptional. I've always felt safe and protected at this school. However, there isn't enough college prep or career targeted classes, in my opinion. They have one career and college readiness class, which was slightly useful. I wish they went into more depth in the class to prepare us better for our future. On the topic of our future, I would have liked to see more career specific courses. For example, I am interested in Veterinary Medicine, but I didn't have the same resources to learn more like those interested in nursing did. Overall, Lewisburg is a great school, but could be so much better if they were more inclusive.... Read 147 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,227

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Biloxi Public School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  265 reviews

Senior: Biloxi High School is a school that provides students with high-quality equipments and technology to prepare students for the classes, such as Chemistry and math courses. They have a calm, nice courtyard that is filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Also, there are teachers who are devoted to guiding students in the right path and willing to listen to students. Also, I love the food there, especially the hot meal line. There are days they serve hot gumbo and spaghetti. Delicious! A full, good lunch is all I need after working hard in my classes. However, I would want the school to serve more various food especially the breakfast menu. Moreover, I want the school to have more fun events for students to attend or participate in.... Read 265 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,742

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Petal School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  160 reviews

Junior: Great school! Petal High is ranked fourth within Mississippi. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Petal High is 29%. The total minority enrollment is 29%, and 55% of students are economically disadvantaged. Petal High is the only high school in the Petal School District.... Read 160 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,167

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Oxford School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  179 reviews

Sophomore: Oxford High School is a diverse, initiative public high school that has plenty of opportunities for success, no matter who you are or what you want to pursue. Oxford has all sorts of programs, including the Career and Technical Education programs, which host classes from Information Technology and Engineering to Horticulture and HVAC. Additionally, Oxford High thrives because of a foundation built by their administrative faculty. Leaders of all kinds exists at Oxford, including numerous students that become Ambassadors or leaders of programs at the school. With a plethora of opportunities, Oxford is a great fit for anyone, no matter whether you're looking for a sport, a technical class, a verbal class, or any type of accelerated learning.... Read 179 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,267

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Gulfport School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  255 reviews

Junior: Gulfport High School has really prepared me to get into my dream college. We have focused heavily on ACT prep, and I have taken prep courses for the PSAT as well as AP classes. I feel that these activities have drastically increased my chances of getting into colleges. Additionally, we are a CTE school, so everyone can take classes relevant for them. If I had to give a critique on Gulfport High, it would be that I wish it was more flexible to musicians. I have known that I wanted to go into music since middle school, but only recently have I been truly able to prepare for it. All in all, I am very happy with Gulfport High School, and I will forever be grateful for the head start they have given me in my education.... Read 255 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,765

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Jackson County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  250 reviews

Senior: The worst part of my experience was the lunch food, and some of the teachers because they would overwork us. The teachers do not consider the fact that they are not the only class we have, so they would stack work on work and expect it to be completed by the next day. The lunch food was not a full meal because how are students from ages 15-19 supposed to get full from 5 chicken nuggets or a thin pattied hamburger. They do not give a lot of side options either, so most days we would have to get full from the "main course". However, there were also teachers who I love and will always remember there. They supported me outside of school, and they helped me during school. I am glad to have graduated from Saint Martin High School.... Read 250 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,249

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Tupelo Public School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  334 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love Tupelo High school. It is filled with teachers who care about their students. The teachers want what is best for us! They care about our future, and it is very important for them to help us succeed. If you don't really have a strong support system the teachers will always be your #1 supporter. Tupelo provides a safe environment for students. We not only have respectful teachers, but the other staff members are nice also! If I have children, they will be attending Tupelo High.... Read 334 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,937

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• DeSoto County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  302 reviews

Senior: Center Hill High School is just what it's most famous slogan says, Mustang Pride! Center Hill goes above and beyond to give opportunities to every student in the building. The school continues to add classes, clubs, and much more for all the current and future students that continue to pour in. Administrators and staff are heavily devoted to the betterment of the students and their environment. The only improvement would be more traditions for years to come.... Read 302 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,059

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Madison County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: Germantown has helped me mature over the years. The staff does their best to help you with what ever you need. They also try to relate to you and make class fun so the kids enjoy coming to their class. The athletics at Germantown have been a huge blessing to me and my family, helping me continue to play college baseball. The coaches for baseball help make the guys on the team become the best men they can be. The administration does fun activities to reward good attendance, good grades, and behavior. Overall Germantown is a great school that does what they can to help the kids that attend. I am very grateful that I am able to attend a school that cares about its students. I will always have a special place in my heart for Germantown.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,289

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• DeSoto County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  270 reviews

Senior: My experience here at Desoto Central has been great. I have had opportunities that I had tried and had helped me grow as a person. They helped me understand many things and helped me realize how life is truly important. There have been times I had been down and lose in life but the counselors have helped me find solutions to many of my problems. My band experience has been great! I was able to create many friends and another family that I had joined! They have helped me personally and academically! I had learned many musical things and I was able to enjoy my life with music and friends. Being able to be a part of a school that offers many possibilities is rare. Desoto Central High School helped me with a lot. I am so grateful for the amazing teachers! There are so any nice and helpful teachers that have given me a chance to do great things! They have helped me with works and have treated us as normal people. They teach us a lot of new things and make our lives a whole lot easier!... Read 270 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,841

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Rankin County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  438 reviews

Senior: Northwest Rankin High has been a great experience. When I first started out I struggled extremely and sometimes I still do. I moved here in 9th grade and it was an overall new experience and I didn't like the vibe. I wasn't doing so good with all of my courses and it was a big struggle to get close with friends also. It was totally different from Jackson, Mississippi where I grew up at. In the JPS school district I knew everybody, and school was never a problem for me. Seeing how life just made a big 360 for me I didn't like it at all. Soon after at the end of my 10th grade year I decided to graduate early to just leave high school. As I started to mature I started looking on the brighter side. I see on the news kids in JPS struggling with school and even kids lives being in danger because of the horrible environment. I'm way safer here and pushed way more here either. The way this school pushed me out my comfort zone allowed me to evolve in to a great young man like no other!... Read 438 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,743

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Brookhaven, MS•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  128 reviews

Alum: As an alum of MSA, I can’t think of any other place I’d recommend more! It’s a fabulous place for students to gain confidence in their craft, themselves, and in their academics. I can genuinely say that college was easier than MSA, because they prepare you to be organized, disciplined and so going to higher ed (or any continuing education) feels like second nature. I still have great relationships with my professors and mentors from my time at MSA, and it’s been well over a decade since I graduated. Parents: if you’re worried about sending your kiddo off to a residential school, don’t be. Your kiddo will grow in ways you never expected, and be so well-rounded, and have exposure to people from all walks of life, preparing them to be great citizens and adults. Students: If you’re wondering if it will be too challenging, or whether you’re “arty enough,” don’t you worry! MSA carves a niche for each and every student, so there’s always a place for you to be uniquely you.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 101

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Tishomingo County School District, MS•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  55 reviews

Junior: Belmont High School is an excellent school at the southern end of Tishomingo County School District. As a junior at Belmont, I am also taking online classes for college credits. I’ve found that my on-campus Belmont teachers have done a superior job preparing me for college.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 814

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lafayette County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  66 reviews

Sophomore: The experience here at Lafayette High School is an exciting journey to all! Lafayette High School is a school with less than 800 students. Lafayette High School has a really strong academic performance, and always teachers always try their best for the all of the students future. I personally believe that Lafayette High School is one of the best High Schools in Mississippi!... Read 66 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 827

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pearl Public School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  173 reviews

Senior: Pearl High school have exceptional teachers & administrators ready to prepare you for the future & always willing to assist you in any situation. Also, it is an A rated school!... Read 173 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Oconee County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  223 reviews

Sophomore: I would say the best part of my experience at Walhalla High has been the opportunities that have come from taking classes. For example, I took a culinary class and from that I gained a summer job. Additionally, my friend and I were able to start a Debate and Advocacy Club here, and because of that it’s made our sophomore year all the better. One of the worst parts might be some of the people I’ve had to interact with over the years, however, I have meet so many other kind people here as well. I would like to see more interaction of the community from the school. We already do some things for the community such as a garden that sells fruits and vegetables through the year, but I think it would be great if we did things such as reading to younger, struggling students or celebrating cultures within our community and school.... Read 223 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,151

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Clinton Public School District, MS•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  283 reviews

Sophomore: My experience attending Clinton High School has been enjoyable. I appreciate how the teachers make themselves available us when we need additional help with the classwork. My math teacher has set up a reoccurring zoom link for students to log onto after school for tutoring. She tells us it brings her joy to see us understanding the lesson. The administrators are very kind towards the student body. My coaches show that they want to see me succeed both on the court and off the court. They constantly remind me that I am a "student" athletic. Emphasis on the word, student. I love the atmosphere and culture of our school. My transition to this school district has been pleasant and insightful.... Read 283 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,154

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Long Beach School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  124 reviews

Junior: In Long Beach High School,my best experience is being involved in art, prom, pep rallies, and starting my college credits so I am ready for college.This school will push you to the max for helping you succeed in getting accepted into better colleges.The teachers are amazing and help you understand the subjects you are having difficulties with.The school give out free tutoring sessions and community service.We have many sports that you can try out for that gives you scholarships also.... Read 124 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 895

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Louisville Municipal School District, MS•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Nanih Waiya Attendance Center is a small school in the small town of Louisville, Mississippi. It is a place where everyone knows everyone and is accepting of newcomers. The school itself focuses on two critical things sports and academics. Out of the three schools in its district, it is the most well known for nurturing students that have an above-average intelligence level. The students are taught by teachers that want them to succeed and see the products of their teaching go far beyond what they believe they can do. As of sports, the school does exceptionally well. Every year they win a state championship wether it is in golf, baseball, or more recently football. The coaches are strict and have great coaching ethics. The only complaint about the school would be the lack of fine arts and music. The school offers some, but it is not embraced as much as academics or sports. Overall the school is one of the best in the state.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 570

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lowndes County School District, MS•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: I've attended New Hope schools all my life. Some years were good, while others could have been better. I feel, as a senior, that if the New Hope High School wants to get better, administration and staff need to do a better job of making the students who identify with minority groups feel more welcome. It's easy to be shunned for who you are or who you like, and I feel as if New Hope High School turns a blind eye to these instances.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 777

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1