Best High Schools in Zip Code 39426

Zip code 39426 in Carriere, Mississippi, is served by one public high school, Pearl River Central High School, which enrolls 952 students in grades 9-12 within the Pearl River County School District. That school, Pearl River Central High School, ranks 26th out of 224 Mississippi high schools for 2025-2026, placing it in the 88th percentile with a 4-star rating. That is a major jump from the previous year, when it ranked 69th, and from 61st two years earlier. Its district, Pearl River County School District, is even more highly rated, ranking 13th out of 134 districts in the 90th percentile with 5 stars. The school’s graduation rate of 89.8% matches the district and slightly exceeds the state average of 89.2%.

Academically, the school outperforms the state in every subject tested on the MAAP end-of-course exams. In 2025-2026, Algebra I proficiency reached 83.9% versus 66.0% statewide, Biology proficiency was 78.7% versus 63.1%, and English II proficiency was 59.6% versus 49.3%. The previous year’s results showed similar advantages, including U.S. History at 72.3% versus 69.7%. However, there is a notable 24-point gap between the school’s strong math performance and its relatively weaker English II results, suggesting literacy is a good target for continued improvement. This academic success comes despite the fact that 54.73% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a majority economically disadvantaged student body.

The biggest area of concern is chronic absenteeism. At 36.2%, the school’s rate is dramatically higher than the state average of 23.9% and also above the district’s 32.5%. This is striking because the school otherwise shows strong academic results and an upward trajectory. For parents, the picture is largely positive: a top-12% high school that is improving quickly, with exceptional math and science scores and a graduation rate above the state average. The main question is attendance. If chronic absenteeism can be reduced, Pearl River Central High School likely has room to climb even higher in state rankings and to narrow the gap between its own strong subjects and its relatively lower English performance.