Photo: Cayla.campPR · CC BY-SA 4.0Petal’s public schools outscore almost every Mississippi district
In Petal, 72% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Mississippi average (47%). The grade covers the public school district serving Petal, 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 100% 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.
Petal’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 60% and math 72% in spring 2022, against 42% and 47% statewide; 98% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $11,074 per student, against $12,392 across Mississippi (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Petal Elementary 3-4, then Petal Middle School, then Petal High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Dynamic Dyslexia Design (private) is 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 Petal’s grade
A+: better than 99% of Mississippi school districts, #1 of 101 Mississippi towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Mississippi average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Petal, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Petal
Petal Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 1,016 students · 14:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Petal
Petal Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 1,016 students · 14:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Petal
Petal Primary School
Grades PK–2 · 1,016 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Petal
Petal High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,324 students · 13:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Petal
Petal High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,324 students · 13:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Petal
Petal High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,324 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Petal’s public schools are run by Petal School District. 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 above the state in reading
Petal vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Mississippi towns that share Petal’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Petal | A+ | Petal |
| Hattiesburg | B+ | Hattiesburg Public PK–12 · Forrest County Schools PK–12 |
Every school in Petal
6 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).
Questions about Petal’s schools
Are Petal’s schools good?
By Mississippi’s own tests, yes: the public schools Petal children attend outscore 99% of Mississippi’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #1 of 101 Mississippi towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 99%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Petal in?
Petal School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,253 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do Petal kids go to high school?
Petal High School, with 1,324 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Petal’s graduation rate?
98% of the class of 2023 in Petal School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Mississippi.
How much does Petal spend per student?
$11,074 in Petal School District (FY2024), against $12,392 across Mississippi. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Petal?
Yes: Dynamic Dyslexia Design (religious, grades K–6, 161 students).
Parents talk
What Petal families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Petal → 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.