Pass Christian High School

Pass Christian High School (PCHS) is a small-to-mid-sized public high school on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, serving 604 students in grades 9–12 as the sole high school in the Pass Christian School District, one of the highest-rated districts in the state.

PCHS has a strong track record, frequently landing in the top 15 Mississippi high schools over the past decade, though it slipped to 28th in the latest ranking after finishing 5th the year prior. It outperforms state averages in every MAAP subject and posts a 93.9% graduation rate, well above the state's 89.2%. Science is a standout: 86.9% of students scored proficient in Biology, the highest among six nearby high schools including West Harrison High (86.7%) and Bay High (84.5%). The school also benefits from a low 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio and a chronic absenteeism rate of 22.2% that beats most neighbors, though it has crept up from 15.0% in recent years. About 55% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, a moderate level compared with peers like Harrison Central High (99%) or West Harrison High (64.7%).

Math and English are the main areas to watch. PCHS's Algebra I proficiency (74.6%) is the lowest among nearby schools, and its English II score (60.0%) also sits at the bottom of the group. This represents a notable drop for English II, which was the highest in the region at 77.6% just a year earlier. Interestingly, West Harrison High—with more economically disadvantaged students and larger classes—outperforms PCHS in both subjects, suggesting real room for improvement. The friendly rivalry with Bay High, just 4.8 miles away, shows a similar pattern: Bay High ranked 16th this year (vs. PCHS 28th) and is stronger in Algebra I, while PCHS counters with better Biology and attendance. With small class sizes and a supportive district, PCHS has the pieces in place to bounce back in the rankings if math and reading gains can be stabilized.