Summary:
East Jasper School District is served by a single high school, Heidelberg High School, which enrolls 246 students in grades 9–12 in a rural Mississippi community. The school currently holds a 2-star rating, down from 3 stars in 2023–2024, and ranks in the 39th percentile statewide. With 100% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, this is a very high-poverty school, yet it posts a strong 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio and an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 10.0%—less than half the state average of 23.9%.
Academically, Heidelberg shines in Algebra I, outperforming the state by 12.1 points in 2025–2026 (78.1% vs. 66.0%) and by 19.9 points the prior year. However, the most alarming trend is in Biology, where proficiency plunged from 57.1% in 2024–2025 to just 15.0% in 2025–2026, a 42-point drop that far exceeds normal variation. English II remains a persistent weakness, with proficiency at 42.8% versus the state’s 49.3%, though the gap has narrowed slightly. The graduation rate of 87.5% is just below the state’s 89.2%.
For parents, Heidelberg offers a mixed picture: strong math performance and excellent attendance in a small, supportive setting, but serious challenges in science and English that contribute to its 2-star rating. The sharp Biology decline warrants immediate investigation, while English II improvement offers the clearest path forward. Since the district has only this one high school, its entire rating rests on Heidelberg’s performance—so any gains here directly lift the district’s standing. Overall, families can expect a close-knit environment with dedicated instruction in some areas, but should be aware that science and literacy support are critical needs.
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