Ripley Middle School

Ripley Middle School is a public school in Ripley, MS, serving 459 students in grades 5–8 as part of the South Tippah School District. The school earned a 3-star rating for 2025–2026, ranking in the 60th percentile among Mississippi middle schools, while its district rates higher with 4 stars, placing it in the top quarter of Mississippi districts.

Ripley shows real strengths in the early middle grades. In 2025–2026, 5th grade math proficiency reached 71.9% versus the state's 49.6%, and 5th grade science hit 77.5%. The school also outpaces nearby New Albany Middle School in 6th grade math (64.7% vs. 58.2%). These achievements are especially notable given that 78% of students qualify for free/reduced-price lunch, a higher rate than New Albany's 63%. Chronic absenteeism is a bright spot at just 14.5%, well below the state's 23.9%. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.9, similar to New Albany's 12.8, the school provides comparable class-size conditions.

The main concern is a noticeable drop in achievement as students reach 7th and 8th grade. ELA proficiency falls from 54.9% in 6th grade to just 32.0% in 8th grade, trailing New Albany Middle School by nearly 18 points. Similarly, 8th grade math proficiency drops to 47.5%, while New Albany reaches 69.8%. Ripley does not report Algebra I coursework for advanced 8th graders, while New Albany reports 100% proficiency in this area, suggesting a possible gap in accelerated learning opportunities. Scores in upper grades have also been volatile from year to year. Overall, Ripley Middle School is improving in its lower grades and maintains strong attendance, but faces a clear challenge in sustaining achievement through 8th grade, particularly in reading and advanced math.