Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 39564

Middle schools in zip code 39564 serve the Ocean Springs, MS area and include three schools spanning grades 4 through 8 across two districts: Ocean Springs Upper Elementary (grades 4–6), Ocean Springs Middle School (grades 7–8), and St. Martin Middle School (grades 6–8).

This is a high-performing cluster by Mississippi standards, led by Ocean Springs Middle School, which ranked #4 in the state for 2025–2026 and posted proficiency rates roughly 20 points above state averages in math, science, and ELA. It also has the highest chronic absenteeism rate (24.4%) yet still achieves elite results, while Ocean Springs Upper Elementary posts the highest raw proficiency scores in the area, including 91.8% in 5th grade science, and the lowest chronic absenteeism (16.8%) and poverty rate (38.2%). St. Martin Middle School serves a much higher share of economically disadvantaged students (61.95% free/reduced lunch) but still ranks #46 in Mississippi and outperforms state averages across most subjects. In direct grade-level comparisons, Ocean Springs Middle School leads St. Martin Middle School by roughly 5–10 percentage points in every subject.

The schools are split between two districts: Ocean Springs School District and Jackson County School District. The Ocean Springs schools have substantially lower poverty rates and higher overall proficiency, with St. Martin still performing well given its demographic context. Math is the clear strength across all three schools, while ELA is the weakest subject, especially at the middle school level. Science is a standout, particularly at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary. Year-over-year, Ocean Springs Middle School slipped slightly in ELA and math but stayed in the top 5 statewide, while St. Martin Middle School improved notably in math. Parents may also note a possible transition dip in ELA when students move from Ocean Springs Upper Elementary to Ocean Springs Middle School, though math remains consistently strong across the transition.