Middle school is a crucial stage where students strengthen core academic skills, develop leadership qualities, and prepare for high school success. Mississippi has several well-performing public middle schools known for academic achievement, strong faculty support, and active community involvement.
In this 2026 ranking guide, we present the Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Mississippi, helping families compare important details like enrollment size, grade levels, and student-teacher ratios.
Comparison Table
| Rank | School | City | Grades | Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Northwest Middle School | Jackson | 6–8 | 73 | 10:1 |
| #2 | Center Hill Middle | Olive Branch | 6–8 | 384 | 17:1 |
| #3 | Desoto Central Middle School | Southaven | 6–8 | 469 | 18:1 |
| #4 | Biloxi Junior High | Biloxi | 7–8 | 293 | 14:1 |
| #5 | Bailey Middle APAC School | Jackson | 6–8 | 267 | 10:1 |
| #6 | Biloxi Upper Elementary | Biloxi | 5–6 | 778 | 12:1 |
| #7 | Oak Grove Middle School | Hattiesburg | 6–8 | 321 | 13:1 |
| #8 | Bayou View Middle School | Gulfport | 6–8 | 271 | 16:1 |
| #9 | Olive Branch Middle | Olive Branch | 6–8 | 357 | 15:1 |
| #10 | Orange Grove Elementary | Gulfport | 4–6 | — | 15:1 |
1. Northwest Middle School – Jackson
Northwest Middle School ranks #1 in Mississippi for 2026. Located in Jackson, the school serves grades 6–8 and maintains a very strong 10:1 student-teacher ratio. With only 73 students enrolled, it offers highly personalized instruction and focused academic support, creating a close-knit learning environment that benefits student growth and achievement.
Address: 7020 Highway 49 N, Jackson, MS 39213
Ranking: #1 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 73
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Link: Visit this school
2. Center Hill Middle – Olive Branch
Center Hill Middle School in Olive Branch serves grades 6–8 and enrolls 384 students. With a 17:1 ratio, the school balances classroom instruction and extracurricular involvement effectively. It is part of the highly regarded DeSoto County School District and is known for strong academic programs and active student participation.
Address: 8756 Forest Hill Irene, Olive Branch, MS 38654
Ranking: #2 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 384
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
3. Desoto Central Middle School – Southaven
Desoto Central Middle School serves 469 students in grades 6–8. With an 18:1 student-teacher ratio, it offers a structured academic environment. The school is recognized for its competitive academic programs, sports teams, and strong community involvement within the Southaven area.
Address: 2611 Central Parkway, Southaven, MS 38672
Ranking: #3 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 469
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
4. Biloxi Junior High – Biloxi
Biloxi Junior High serves grades 7–8 and enrolls 293 students. With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, it provides a supportive and focused academic experience. The school is part of the Biloxi Public School District and emphasizes academic achievement and extracurricular excellence.
Address: 1921 Tribe Drive, Biloxi, MS 39532
Ranking: #4 Middle School in MS
Grades: 7–8
Students: 293
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
5. Bailey Middle APAC School – Jackson
Bailey Middle APAC School is a public magnet school in Jackson serving grades 6–8. With 267 students and a strong 10:1 ratio, it provides specialized academic programs and individualized attention. The APAC (Academic and Performing Arts Complex) model supports both academic excellence and artistic development.
Address: 7020 US-49 N, Jackson, MS 39213
Ranking: #5 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 267
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Link: Visit this school
6. Biloxi Upper Elementary – Biloxi
Biloxi Upper Elementary serves grades 5–6 and enrolls 778 students. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, the school offers strong academic preparation and a smooth transition into middle school years. It is known for supportive faculty and structured learning programs.
Address: 1424 Father Ryan Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530
Ranking: #6 Middle School in MS
Grades: 5–6
Students: 778
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Link: Visit this school
7. Oak Grove Middle School – Hattiesburg
Oak Grove Middle School serves 321 students in grades 6–8. Maintaining a 13:1 ratio, the school provides personalized attention and strong academic programming. It is recognized for student engagement, sports participation, and academic performance in the Hattiesburg area.
Address: 2543 Old Highway 24, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Ranking: #7 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 321
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
- Mississippi has invested heavily in literacy improvement programs over the past decade.
- DeSoto County consistently ranks among the top-performing districts in the state.
- Several Mississippi middle schools offer magnet and specialized programs.
- Student-teacher ratios across top schools range from 10:1 to 18:1, allowing varying levels of classroom interaction.
8. Bayou View Middle School – Gulfport
Bayou View Middle School serves grades 6–8 and enrolls 271 students. With a 16:1 student-teacher ratio, it offers balanced academic and extracurricular programs. The school is part of the Gulfport School District and emphasizes leadership and academic achievement.
Address: 212 43rd Street, Gulfport, MS 39507
Ranking: #8 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 271
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
9. Olive Branch Middle – Olive Branch
Olive Branch Middle School serves 357 students in grades 6–8. With a 15:1 ratio, it provides structured academic programs and extracurricular activities. As part of the DeSoto County School District, it maintains strong academic standards.
Address: 6530 S. Blocker Street, Olive Branch, MS 38654
Ranking: #9 Middle School in MS
Grades: 6–8
Students: 357
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
10. Orange Grove Elementary – Gulfport
Orange Grove Elementary serves grades 4–6 and offers a structured academic environment with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. The school supports strong foundational learning and prepares students for middle school transition.
Address: 11391 Old Highway 49, Gulfport, MS 39503
Ranking: #10 Middle School in MS
Grades: 4–6
Students: —
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
Conclusion
Mississippi offers a range of strong middle school options in 2026, from smaller personalized campuses like Northwest Middle School to larger district schools in Olive Branch and Southaven. Parents should consider academic performance, class size, program focus, and location when choosing the best school for their child.
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FAQs
Northwest Middle School in Jackson ranks #1 for 2026.
Most serve grades 6–8, though some include grades 4–6 or 5–6.
DeSoto County School District is one of the top-performing districts.
A ratio between 10:1 and 15:1 is considered excellent for personalized learning.
Yes, all listed schools are public institutions in Mississippi.
