West Hattiesburg’s public schools outscore 78% of Mississippi districts
In West Hattiesburg, 59% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Mississippi average (47%). The grade covers the public school district serving West Hattiesburg, 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.
West Hattiesburg’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 142 Mississippi towns with household incomes within a quarter of West Hattiesburg’s, its schools beat 87%, higher than their 78% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 52% and math 59% in spring 2022, against 42% and 47% statewide; 90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $10,838 per student, against $12,392 across Mississippi (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Seven elementary schools, then five middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 8% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
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 West Hattiesburg’s grade
A−: better than 78% of Mississippi school districts, #34 of 101 Mississippi towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Mississippi average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve West Hattiesburg, with each school’s own grade.
West Hattiesburg’s public schools are run by Lamar County School District, which also serves Lumberton, Purvis and Sumrall. 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
West Hattiesburg vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Mississippi towns that share West Hattiesburg’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| West Hattiesburg | A− | Lamar County |
| Hattiesburg | B+ | Hattiesburg Public PK–12 · Forrest County Schools PK–12 |
Every school in West Hattiesburg
14 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 West Hattiesburg’s schools
Are West Hattiesburg’s schools good?
By Mississippi’s own tests, yes: the public schools West Hattiesburg children attend outscore 78% of Mississippi’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #34 of 101 Mississippi towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 87%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is West Hattiesburg in?
Lamar County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 10,318 students in 15 schools (2024–25).
Where do West Hattiesburg kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Oak Grove High School, Sumrall High School, Purvis High School and Lumberton High School.
What is West Hattiesburg’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Lamar County School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Mississippi.
How much does West Hattiesburg spend per student?
$10,838 in Lamar County School District (FY2024), against $12,392 across Mississippi. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What West Hattiesburg families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near West Hattiesburg → 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.