Best private high schools in Mississippi
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a '96 commencement address at Wellesley College, "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." If that's the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It's a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, education is key: 1.4 million students enrolled in private high schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There were about 3,600 private secondary schools nationwide as of 2020.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these private high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to send their kids to better schools. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the best private high schools in Mississippi using 2024 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
#30. Laurel Christian School
- Location: Laurel, MS
- Enrollment: 435 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#29. Tunica Academy
- Location: Tunica, MS
- Enrollment: 254 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#28. Manchester Academy
- Location: Yazoo City, MS
- Enrollment: 417 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#27. Madison-Ridgeland Academy
- Location: Madison, MS
- Enrollment: 1,310 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#26. Adams County Christian School
- Location: Natchez, MS
- Enrollment: 368 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#25. Columbia Academy
- Location: Columbia, MS
- Enrollment: 434 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#24. Victory Christian Academy
- Location: New Albany, MS
- Enrollment: 82 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#23. Heritage Academy
- Location: Columbus, MS
- Enrollment: 481 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#22. Bass Memorial Academy
- Location: Lumberton, MS
- Enrollment: 90 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#21. Presbyterian Christian School
- Location: Hattiesburg, MS
- Enrollment: 945 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#20. Christian Collegiate Academy
- Location: Gulfport, MS
- Enrollment: 305 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#19. Tupelo Christian Preparatory School
- Location: Belden, MS
- Enrollment: 558 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#18. Northpoint Christian School
- Location: Southaven, MS
- Enrollment: 1,070 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#17. Our Lady Academy
- Location: Bay St Louis, MS
- Enrollment: 225 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#16. St. Joseph Catholic School
- Location: Greenville, MS
- Enrollment: 266 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#15. Russell Christian Academy
- Location: Meridian, MS
- Enrollment: 460 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#14. Friendship Christian Academy
- Location: Victoria, MS
- Enrollment: 50 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#13. Cathedral School
- Location: Natchez, MS
- Enrollment: 668 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#12. Clinton Christian Academy
- Location: Clinton, MS
- Enrollment: 296 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#11. Saint Stanislaus High School
- Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
- Enrollment: 342 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#10. Lee Academy
- Location: Clarksdale, MS
- Enrollment: 155 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#9. St. Joseph Catholic School
- Location: Madison, MS
- Enrollment: 396 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#8. Mt. Salus Christian School
- Location: Clinton, MS
- Enrollment: 129 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#7. Lamar School
- Location: Meridian, MS
- Enrollment: 571 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#6. St. Patrick Catholic High School
- Location: Biloxi, MS
- Enrollment: 671 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#5. Washington School
- Location: Greenville, MS
- Enrollment: 466 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#4. Jackson Academy
- Location: Jackson, MS
- Enrollment: 1,200 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#3. Sacred Heart Catholic School
- Location: Hattiesburg, MS
- Enrollment: 581 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#2. Jackson Preparatory School
- Location: Flowood, MS
- Enrollment: 759 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#1. St. Andrew's Episcopal School
- Location: Ridgeland, MS
- Enrollment: 1,050 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Emma Rubin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
