Best High Schools in Zip Code 38771

ZIP code 38771 in Ruleville, Mississippi is served by one high school, Thomas E. Edwards Senior High School, which enrolls 331 students in grades 9–12 and is part of the Sunflower County Consolidated School District. Since it is the only high school in this ZIP code, families do not have a direct local alternative, making the school's performance relative to its district and state especially important. The school serves a high-poverty population, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and it maintains a favorable 11:1 student-teacher ratio.

Thomas E. Edwards Senior High School shows both notable strengths and ongoing challenges across its academic metrics. In 2025–2026, the school posted a Biology proficiency rate of 75.5%, well above the state average of 63.1% and close to the district's 77.0%. The prior year, the school also exceeded both the district and state in U.S. History, with 72.2% proficiency. However, Algebra I proficiency dropped from 51.0% in 2024–2025 to 33.4% in 2025–2026, while English II improved from 16.8% to 37.5% but still trails the state average by nearly 12 points. The graduation rate stands at 76.3%, about 13 points below the state's 89.2%, and chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 40.9%, nearly double the state rate of 23.9%.

The school's state ranking has improved dramatically, jumping from 218th out of 232 schools in 2024–2025 (0 stars, 6th percentile) to 150th out of 224 schools in 2025–2026 (2 stars, 33rd percentile). This upward trend suggests progress, though the school remains below the state median. For parents, the standout takeaway is that Thomas E. Edwards Senior High School offers a low student-teacher ratio and has demonstrated it can beat state averages in Biology and U.S. History, but high chronic absenteeism, a below-average graduation rate, and weak math and English proficiency remain significant barriers. The school appears to be on an improving trajectory, but families should weigh both the bright spots and the persistent challenges.