For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 4,600 students in Petal, MS (there are , serving 48 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Petal, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Petal, MS are Petal High School, Petal Elementary School and Petal Upper Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Petal, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Petal have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public school average of 58% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Petal, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Petal High School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1145 Highway 42 E
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 583-3538
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 583-3538
Gr: 9-12 | 1,335 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Petal Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1179 Hwy 42 E
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 582-7454
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 582-7454
Gr: 3-4 | 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Petal Upper Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
400 Hillcrest Loop
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 584-7660
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 584-7660
Gr: 5-6 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Petal Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
203 East Central Avenue
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 584-6301
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 584-6301
Gr: 7-8 | 680 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
Runnelstown Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9214 Highway 42
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 544-2811
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 544-2811
Gr: K-5 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
60 Herrington Road
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 554-7244
Petal, MS 39465
(601) 554-7244
Gr: PK-2 | 1,089 student Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Petal, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Petal, MS include Petal High School, Petal Elementary School and Petal Upper Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Petal?
6 public schools are located in Petal.
What percentage of students in Petal go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Petal are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Petal?
Petal public schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public schools average of 58% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.
Restorative Justice in Schools: What the Data Shows
Explore restorative justice in schools, including discipline data, outcomes, and implementation insights for educators and families.
Year-Round School Calendars: Pros, Cons, Research
Explore year-round school calendars, including benefits, drawbacks, and what academic research says about student outcomes.