Best Public Schools in Zip Code 39218

Zip code 39218 is home to 3 public schools serving grades PK–12 within the Rankin County School District, a highly rated district ranked 25th out of 134 in Mississippi, but the local schools here face distinct challenges. Richland Elementary (PK–2) has no test data, yet posts the lowest chronic absenteeism locally (18.8%) despite having the highest poverty rate (78.9% free/reduced lunch). Richland Upper Elementary (grades 3–6) shows bright spots like 5th grade science jumping from 55.5% to 77.2% proficiency and 3rd grade math hitting 78.2% in 2024–2025, but results are volatile—3rd grade ELA dropped from 64.5% to 43.9% the next year.

At the secondary level, Richland High School is unique: it serves grades 7–12, meaning there is no separate middle school. It boasts an excellent 95.5% graduation rate, exceeding both district (94.6%) and state (89.2%), and had a strong 8th grade math result (62.3% proficient) in 2024–2025. However, its state ranking collapsed from the 57th percentile to the 24th percentile in 2025–2026, with End-of-Course exams falling far below state averages—Algebra I at 49.5% vs. 66.0%, English II at 38.5% vs. 49.3%, and Biology at 47.3% vs. 63.1%. Compared to the upper elementary, the high school's recent proficiency is broadly weaker in most subjects despite having the smallest class sizes (10.3 student-teacher ratio) but the highest chronic absenteeism (23.5%).

All three schools exceed the district's 13.7% chronic absenteeism rate and serve a high-poverty population (roughly 76% free/reduced lunch). While the district ranks in the top 20% statewide, these zip code schools generally lag district averages, pointing to within-district equity gaps. The combination of high graduation rates, volatile test scores, and elevated absenteeism suggests that families should look closely at grade-level transitions and attendance support. The unusual 7–12 configuration at the high school may also warrant attention, as middle-grades performance is mixed and recent high school course proficiency has declined sharply.