For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,961 students in Picayune, MS (there are , serving 355 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Picayune, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Picayune, MS are West Hancock Elementary School, South Side Elementary School and Picayune Memorial High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Picayune, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Picayune have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public school average of 58% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Picayune, MS (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.
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: #33.
Picayune Memorial High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
800 Fifth Avenue
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1380
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-1380
Grades: 9-12
| 960 students
Rank: #44.
Picayune Junior High School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
702 Goodyear Blvd.
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-5449
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-5449
Grades: 7-8
| 488 students
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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
900 East Third Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-0684
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-0684
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
1865 Hwy 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-7808
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-7808
Grades: PK
| 196 students
Rank: n/an/a
1620 Rosa Street
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-4702
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 799-4702
Grades: PK
| 151 students
Rank: n/an/a
Pmhs Career & Technology Center
Vocational School
600 Goodyear Blvd.
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-7601
Picayune, MS 39466
(601) 798-7601
Grades: 9-12
| n/a 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Picayune, MS?
The top ranked public schools in Picayune, MS include West Hancock Elementary School, South Side Elementary School and Picayune Memorial High School.
How many public schools are located in Picayune?
12 public schools are located in Picayune.
What percentage of students in Picayune go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Picayune are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Picayune?
Picayune public schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public schools average of 58% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Picayune are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Picayune include: South Side Elementary School vs. Roseland Park Elementary School, West Hancock Elementary School vs. South Side Lower Elementary School, Roseland Park Elementary School vs. South Side Elementary School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
