Comprehensive education resources for K-12 students, higher education seekers, educators, and families across the state of Mississippi.
K-12 Students Enrolled
In 1,013 public schoolsPublic Universities
Institutions of Higher LearningCommunity Colleges
Career & technical educationGraduation Rate
2018-2019 school yearMississippi's public school system serves over 457,000 students across 1,013 schools in 137 school districts. The system operates with a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:15, compared to the national average of 1:16.
Mississippi has over 130 public school districts operating throughout the state. For a complete directory of all school districts with contact information, visit the Mississippi Department of Education District Directory.
Mississippi implements college and career readiness standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The state uses a comprehensive assessment system including the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP), Subject Area Testing Program (SATP), and MAAP-Alternate for students with disabilities. The goal is for all students to achieve proficiency and demonstrate growth in assessed areas.
Mississippi offers limited school choice through a voluntary interdistrict transfer program requiring approval from both districts. The state also has 12 authorized charter schools serving approximately 3,000 students. Magnet schools with specialized themes (STEM, performing arts, early college) operate in select districts. Students in lower-rated school districts may cross district lines to attend charter schools in higher-performing districts.
While Mississippi does not have a full-time virtual public charter school, several private online schools serve Mississippi students including K12-powered schools and Legacy Online School. The Mississippi Virtual Public School offers supplementary courses through local school districts. Additionally, all K-12 students can access the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science free online enrichment programs.
Mississippi operates eight public universities through the Institutions of Higher Learning system, offering diverse academic programs and research opportunities.
Located in Oxford, Ole Miss is Mississippi's flagship research university with strong programs in engineering, medicine, business, and law.
olemiss.eduLocated in Starkville, MSU offers comprehensive engineering, agriculture, business, and veterinary medicine programs with strong research focus.
msstate.eduLocated in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, USM specializes in engineering, business, education, and marine science programs.
usm.eduA historically Black university located in Jackson with strong programs in engineering, business, health professions, and education.
jsums.eduLocated in Lorman, Alcorn is Mississippi's oldest public HBCU offering programs in agriculture, engineering, and business.
alcorn.eduLocated in Cleveland, Delta State emphasizes education, business, engineering, and arts programs with community focus.
deltastate.eduLocated in Columbus, MUW specializes in liberal arts, business, education, and nursing programs with emphasis on women's education.
muw.eduLocated in Itta Bena, MVSU is a HBCU offering programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and liberal arts.
mvsu.eduHigher Education Information: Visit mississippi.edu for complete information about Mississippi's Institutions of Higher Learning.
Mississippi is home to several excellent private colleges offering strong liberal arts education in personalized settings.
Jackson, MS
Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college with 1:10 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 15. Known for rigorous academics and personalized education on 100-acre Jackson campus.
Tuition: ~$40,000/yearClinton, MS
Southern Baptist-affiliated institution with approximately 5,000 students. Offers comprehensive programs in business, education, engineering, and liberal arts.
Enrollment: ~5,000 studentsJackson, MS
Presbyterian-affiliated university with over 3,100 students in an urban setting. Known for strong liberal arts and professional programs with emphasis on faith-based values.
Enrollment: 3,100+ studentsHolly Springs, MS
Historically Black liberal arts college founded in 1866. Emphasizes academic excellence, community service, and personal development.
rustcollege.eduHattiesburg, MS
Baptist-affiliated university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in business, education, health professions, and liberal arts.
wmcarey.eduTougaloo, MS
Historically Black liberal arts college with strong emphasis on social justice, community service, and academic achievement.
tougaloo.eduMississippi also has Blue Mountain College, Southeastern Bible College, and Reformed Theological Seminary offering specialized religious and theological education.
Mississippi's community college system provides affordable access to higher education, transfer programs, and career-technical training across 15 institutions serving the entire state.
The Mississippi Community College Board oversees the state's comprehensive community college system with offices for adult education, workforce development, and student services.
Poplarville, MS
Founded 1909, serving southern Mississippi with 4,800+ students across three campus locations. Eight academic divisions offer transfer and career-technical programs. Tuition: ~$5,020/year.
prcc.eduPerkinston, MS
97% job placement rate for allied health graduates; 92% placement in career-technical programs. Offers academic transfer pathways and career training. Three-quarters of students pursue transfer degrees.
mgccc.eduScooba, MS (7 locations)
Serving six counties with seven campuses bringing affordable education throughout the region. Offers 30+ career-technical programs in high-demand fields.
Additional locations: Mayhew, Columbus, Macon, Meridian, West Point
eastms.eduBooneville, MS
Serving northeast Mississippi since 1948. Offers Gateway Program for ages 16-24 and GED/HiSET exam preparation for high school equivalency.
nemcc.eduSenatobia, MS
Offers Associate of Applied Science degrees, technical certificates, and career certificates. Emphasizes workforce readiness and work-based learning programs.
northwestms.eduJackson, MS
Multiple locations offering flexible HSE testing, morning/afternoon/evening and online courses. Free ABE courses with morning, afternoon, and online options.
hindscc.eduMississippi also operates: Meridian Community College, Southwest Mississippi Community College, Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and others. For complete community college directory, visit MCCB colleges directory.
Community colleges offer stackable credentials allowing students to earn while learning: Certificate (30 hours) → Diploma (45 hours) → Associate of Applied Science (60 hours). This pathway enables entry into workforce quickly with opportunity for advancement.
Mississippi's Office of Career and Technical Education serves 500+ schools with instruction in 49 distinct occupational areas. The state combines high school CTE programs with community college training to prepare students for workforce success in competitive job markets.
For more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Education Career and Technical Education office.
Mississippi established its voluntary pre-K program through the Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) Act of 2013, providing funding for quality early childhood education. During 2023-2024, Mississippi preschool enrolled 7,145 children, with state spending of $30.5 million plus federal recovery funds.
37 state-funded Early Learning Collaboratives operate across Mississippi, comprised of school districts, Head Start agencies, childcare centers, and private nonprofits. Each State Invested Pre-K classroom receives $100,000, with an additional $25,000 available for dual Head Start enrollment (total $125,000/classroom).
Every county in Mississippi (82 total) has at least one Head Start center. Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education, health services, nutrition, and family engagement services to low-income children and families.
Mississippi implements the Creative Curriculum for preschool instruction and Mississippi Beginnings Curriculum for early childhood standards. Programs emphasize social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness, and school success.
Early Childhood Resources: Mississippi Department of Education Early Childhood
Visit msfinancialaid.org for complete information about state scholarships, grants, and financial assistance programs.
Full tuition assistance for up to four years. Requires minimum 2.50 high school GPA and full-time enrollment at state college or university. Covers remaining financial need not met by other gift aid sources.
Financial assistance for Mississippi residents attending approved public and private not-for-profit two-year and four-year colleges. Targets students not benefiting from federal need-based aid.
Supports high-achieving high school students. Requires 3.5 GPA and 29 ACT (1350 SAT) minimum or National Merit recognition. Awards up to $2,500 per academic year (cannot exceed tuition/fees).
For scholarship searches and applications, visit scholarships.com and collegescholarships.org for Mississippi-specific opportunities.
Mississippi universities and community colleges provide free mental health services to enrolled students including individual/group therapy, crisis response, and referrals to community resources. Contact individual institutions for specific counseling center hours and services.
Dial or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 mental health support, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat online with a counselor.
All public universities and community colleges provide disability services and academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Contact your institution's Student Disability Services office for registration and support.
Tutoring, writing centers, math labs, and academic coaching are available at most Mississippi colleges and universities. Check with your institution's Student Services for specific programs available.
Traditional pathway requirements for Mississippi teacher certification include:
| License Class | Education Level | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Bachelor's Degree | 5 Years |
| Class AA | Master's Degree | 5 Years |
| Class AAA | Specialist Degree | 5 Years |
| Class AAAA | Doctoral Degree | 5 Years |
All public universities offer teacher education programs. Contact your chosen university's College of Education for program information, application requirements, and admission timelines.
The Mississippi Department of Education offers professional development and on-demand training sessions for educators. Register through the MDE website for current offerings.
New teachers in Mississippi can access mentoring programs and professional support through their school district and the state Department of Education. Individual districts may offer additional induction programs for beginning educators.
Mississippi mandates gifted education programs for students in grades 2-6, with programs available through grade 12 in four eligibility categories:
Students who are both gifted and have special education needs receive consideration under twice-exceptional criteria, with collaboration between special education and gifted education specialists during eligibility evaluation.
All public school districts provide special education services as mandated by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Services include:
Mississippi offers an Education Savings Account program limited to students with disabilities, allowing families greater educational options and personalized learning paths.
Last updated on November 24, 2025