For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 5,802 students in Pearl River County, MS.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pearl River County, MS are West Hancock Elementary School, Pearl River Central Elementary School and Middle School Of Poplarville. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pearl River County, MS public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Mississippi public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pearl River County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Mississippi public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Pearl River County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
West Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
23350 Highway 43
Picayune, MS 39466
(228) 586-6054
Picayune, MS 39466
(228) 586-6054
Grades: PK-5
| 363 students
Rank: #22.
Pearl River Central Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
116 Alphabet Ave
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Grades: PK-5
| 1,491 students
Rank: #33.
Middle School Of Poplarville
(Math: 47% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6 Spirit Street
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-1350
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-1350
Grades: 6-8
| 454 students
Rank: #44.
Poplarville Upper Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1 Todd Circle
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8303
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8303
Grades: 3-5
| 422 students
Rank: #55.
Pearl River Central Junior High School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7391 Hwy 11
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-5654
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-5654
Grades: 6-8
| 775 students
Rank: #66.
South Side Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1500 Rosa Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1105
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1105
Grades: 3-6
| 313 students
Rank: #77.
Roseland Park Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1610 Gilcrease Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6824
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6824
Grades: K-6
| 368 students
Rank: #88.
Nicholson Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1887 Hwy 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6309
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-6309
Grades: K-6
| 363 students
Rank: #99.
West Side Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
111 Kirkwood Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-3625
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-3625
Grades: K-6
| 419 students
Rank: n/an/a
Center For Alternative Education
Alternative School
461 Burgetown Rd.
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-6852
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 798-6852
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
804 South Julia Street Suite A
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-4736
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-4736
Grades: PK-2
| 494 students
Rank: n/an/a
400 South Beech Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-0683
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-0683
Grades: PK-2
| 340 students
Pearl River County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
116 Alphabet Ave.
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Carriere, MS 39426
(601) 799-4519
Grades: K-2
| 711 students
Poplarville Alternative School (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
1 Hornet St
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8477
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-8477
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Pearl River County, MS?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pearl River County, MS include West Hancock Elementary School, Pearl River Central Elementary School and Middle School Of Poplarville.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pearl River County?
12 public elementary schools are located in Pearl River County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pearl River County?
Pearl River County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Pearl River County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Pearl River County include: South Side Elementary School vs. Roseland Park Elementary School, Pearl River Central Elementary School vs. Roseland Park Elementary School, West Hancock Elementary School vs. South Side Lower Elementary School
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