For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 3,638 students in Hancock County, MS. The top ranked public elementary schools in Hancock County, MS are East Hancock Elementary School, Hancock North Central Elementary School and North Bay Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hancock County, MS public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Mississippi public elementary school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Hancock County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Mississippi public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Hancock County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
East Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4221 Kiln Delisle Rd.
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-6637
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-6637
Grades: PK-5
| 635 students
Rank: #22.
Hancock North Central Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6122 Cuevas Town Road
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-7641
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-7641
Grades: PK-5
| 418 students
Rank: #33.
North Bay Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
602 Pine St.
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4052
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4052
Grades: 2-5
| 476 students
Rank: #44.
Hancock Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7070 Stennis Airport Drive
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 467-1889
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 467-1889
Grades: 6-8
| 912 students
Rank: #55.
South Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6590 Lakeshore Road
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4655
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4655
Grades: PK-5
| 494 students
Rank: #66.
Bay Waveland Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
600 Pine St.
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 463-0315
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 463-0315
Grades: 6-8
| 374 students
Rank: n/an/a
1101 St Joseph Street
Waveland, MS 39576
(228) 467-6630
Waveland, MS 39576
(228) 467-6630
Grades: PK-1
| 329 students
Hancock County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
6098 1st Avenue
Pearlington, MS 39572
(228) 533-7872
Pearlington, MS 39572
(228) 533-7872
Grades: K-5
| 100 students
105 Tiffany St
Waveland, MS 39576
(228) 466-4175
Waveland, MS 39576
(228) 466-4175
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
400 North Second St
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4052
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4052
Grades: 3-4
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Hancock County, MS?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Hancock County, MS include East Hancock Elementary School, Hancock North Central Elementary School and North Bay Elementary School. Hancock County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Mississippi.
How many public elementary schools are located in Hancock County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Hancock County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hancock County?
Hancock County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Hancock County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Hancock County include: Bay Waveland Middle School vs. Hancock Middle School, East Hancock Elementary School vs. Hancock North Central Elementary School, Hancock North Central Elementary School vs. East Hancock Elementary School
Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.