Summary:
The Picayune School District in Mississippi operates 9 schools, including 7 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. The district serves a predominantly low-income population, with all schools having 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
The standout school in the district is Picayune Memorial High School, which is ranked 55th out of 232 Mississippi high schools and has a 4-star rating. The high school boasts strong test scores, with 75.4% of students proficient or better in Algebra I, 65.3% in English II, 56.8% in Biology, and 74.2% in U.S. History. Additionally, the school has an impressive 89.4% 4-year graduation rate. At the elementary level, South Side Elementary School stands out, ranking 146th out of 383 Mississippi elementary schools and earning a 3-star rating. The school has outperformed the district and state averages across multiple grade levels and subjects.
However, the district faces some significant challenges, including a high chronic absenteeism rate of 23.9% across all schools, which is higher than the state average. Additionally, while some elementary schools, like South Side, have shown strong performance, others, such as Roseland Park Elementary School and Nicholson Elementary School, have struggled, particularly in math. This indicates a need to address equity and ensure all students receive a high-quality education throughout the district.
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