Photo: formulanone from Huntsville, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0Jackson’s public schools score below 82% of Mississippi districts on tests and graduation
In Jackson, 22% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Mississippi average (47%). The grade covers the public school district serving Jackson, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Mississippi, not nationally.
From Mississippi state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Jackson’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 158 Mississippi towns with household incomes within a quarter of Jackson’s, its schools beat 13%, lower than their 18% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 26% of tested students were proficient in reading and 22% in math, against 42% and 47% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89% across Mississippi. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,753 per student, against $12,392 across Mississippi (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
20 elementary schools, then eight middle and six high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Reimagine Prep, Midtown Public Charter School, Smilow Prep, Smilow Collegiate, Ambition Preparatory Charter School, Revive Collegiate, Jackson Academy (private), First Presbyterian Day School (private), Hillcrest Christian School (private), St. Richard Catholic School (private), New Vineyard Community Development Center (private), Mother Goose Christian School (private), Emmanuel Christian School (private), The Redeemer's School (private), The Weekday Preschool of Christ United Jackson (private), New Jerusalem Christian Academy (private), Cares School (private), The Education Center, Inc. D/B/A Education Center (private), Kaleidoscope Heights Academy (private), Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (private), E. E. Rogers SDA School (private) and Christian Mission Learning Center (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Jackson’s grade
C−: better than 18% of Mississippi school districts, #92 of 101 Mississippi towns. Both inputs trail the Mississippi average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Jackson, with each school’s own grade.
Jackson’s public schools are run by Jackson Public School District. Parts of Jackson (3% and 3% of its land) are served by Hinds County and Rankin County instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Jackson vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Mississippi towns that share Jackson’s borders.
Every school in Jackson
59 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Mississippi’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 6 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Career Development Center, Shirley Elementary School, Morrison Academic Advancement CTR, Career Academic Placement Program, Capital City Alternative School and Youth Court School).
Questions about Jackson’s schools
Are Jackson’s schools good?
On Mississippi’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Jackson children attend score below 82% of Mississippi’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #92 of 101 Mississippi towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 13%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Jackson in?
Jackson Public School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 16,870 students in 35 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Jackson are served by Hinds County and Rankin County.
Where do Jackson kids go to high school?
One of 6 high schools, depending on your address: Murrah High School, Forest Hill High School, Callaway High School, Jim Hill High School, Lanier Junior/Senior High School and Provine High School.
What is Jackson’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in Jackson Public School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Mississippi.
How much does Jackson spend per student?
$14,753 in Jackson Public School District (FY2024), against $12,392 across Mississippi. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Jackson?
Yes: Jackson Academy (religious, grades PK–12, 1,267 students), First Presbyterian Day School (religious, grades K–6, 471 students), Hillcrest Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 200 students), St. Richard Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 195 students), New Vineyard Community Development Center (religious, grades PK–5, 177 students), Mother Goose Christian School (religious, grades PK–4, 151 students), Emmanuel Christian School (religious, grades PK–7, 133 students), The Redeemer's School (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 128 students), The Weekday Preschool of Christ United Jackson (religious, grades PK–K, 117 students), New Jerusalem Christian Academy (religious, grades K–8, 99 students), Cares School (special education, grades K–11, 90 students), The Education Center, Inc. D/B/A Education Center (nonsectarian, grades 1–12, 72 students), Kaleidoscope Heights Academy (religious, grades K–12, 58 students), Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 37 students), E. E. Rogers SDA School (religious, grades PK–8, 26 students) and Christian Mission Learning Center (religious, grades K–2, 16 students). Jackson also has 6 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Jackson families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Jackson → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Mississippi. Stars are from neighbors.