Summary:
In zip code 39531, there are two public elementary schools serving grades K-4 in the Biloxi, Mississippi area: Popp’s Ferry Elementary School and Back Bay Elementary School, both part of the Biloxi Public School District, which is rated 4 stars and ranks 17th out of 134 districts in the state. Both schools have similar enrollment sizes, with about 500–600 students, and both serve predominantly low-income families, as indicated by free/reduced lunch rates of 65.5% and 71.6%.
Overall, Back Bay Elementary School is the stronger performer. It ranks 77th out of 377 schools in Mississippi for 2025–2026, compared to Popp’s Ferry’s rank of 183rd. Back Bay earned a 4-star rating, while Popp’s Ferry earned 3 stars. Back Bay also has higher proficiency rates in every subject and grade on the MAAP tests. The most notable difference is in 3rd grade math, where 74% of Back Bay students scored proficient, far above the state average of 48.8% and more than 32 points higher than Popp’s Ferry’s 41.1%. Back Bay also has a lower chronic absenteeism rate at 22.3%, versus 24.7% at Popp’s Ferry, which is above the state average of 23.9%.
Popp’s Ferry Elementary School does have some strengths. Its 4th grade math proficiency rate of 53.1% is nearly identical to Back Bay’s 54.6%, and it exceeds the state average of 51.5%. Popp’s Ferry also improved its state rank from 214th in 2024–2025 to 183rd in 2025–2026. However, the achievement gap between the two schools remains large. Popp’s Ferry’s 3rd grade math performance appears to be its biggest area of need. For families in this area, Back Bay is the clear top choice, but both schools face challenges with chronic absenteeism and supporting economically disadvantaged students.
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