Best Public Schools in Zip Code 39426

Zip code 39426 is served by three schools in the Pearl River County School District, covering grades PK through 12 with a total enrollment of 3,128 students. This is a cohesive district with strong academic results across all three schools: Pearl River Central Elementar (PK–5, 1,414 students), Pearl River Central Junior High (6–8, 762 students), and Pearl River Central High School (9–12, 952 students).

The high school is the clear academic leader, ranked 26th out of 224 Mississippi high schools (88th percentile) and earning 4 stars. It jumped from 69th the prior year and excels in Algebra I (83.9% proficient vs. 66% statewide) and Biology (78.7% vs. 63.1%). The junior high is the most improved school, climbing from the 54th to the 77th percentile in one year, with particularly strong gains in 8th grade science (67.9% vs. 57.8% state) and 7th grade ELA, which went from 24.4% to 40.1% proficiency. The elementary school, despite having the highest poverty rate (66.1% free/reduced lunch), posts solid early-grade results: 3rd grade math proficiency is 62.7% vs. a 48.8% state average, and 5th grade science is an impressive 85.3% vs. 71.5% statewide. All three schools rank in the top 30% of their respective school levels in Mississippi.

The biggest concern across the zip code is chronic absenteeism. Rates are 29.3% at the elementary, 34.3% at the junior high, and 36.2% at the high school, all well above the state average of 23.9%. This is especially notable given the district's strong test scores and 5-star rating. On a positive note, student-to-teacher ratios are remarkably consistent (16.2–16.8:1), indicating balanced staffing. A subtle academic pattern emerges in elementary math: 3rd and 4th grade scores are strong, but 5th grade math dips to 51.4%, closer to the state's 49.6%, while 5th grade science stays outstanding. For parents, this means early math intervention could help sustain momentum. Overall, families in 39426 have access to a top-tier Mississippi district with exceptional performance in math and science, an improving junior high, and a high school that is clearly on the rise.