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Below Average

#802 of 862 schools in MS

Picayune Memorial High School

High School · PICAYUNE SCHOOL DISTRICT

800 Fifth Avenue, Picayune, MS 39466

Enrollment

960

Student-Teacher

17.1:1

Score

4.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Picayune

#10 of 10

public schools

Mississippi high schools

#189 of 196

In district

#9 of 9

PICAYUNE SCHOOL DISTRICT

About Picayune Memorial High School

Picayune Memorial High School serves 960 students in grades 9-12 in the town of Picayune, Mississippi. With 56 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 17.1:1 student-teacher ratio, providing reasonable class sizes for high school instruction. Academically, Picayune Memorial is working to strengthen student achievement, with current performance showing room for growth.

The school ranks #643 out of 865 Mississippi high schools, placing it in the 26th percentile statewide. In reading and language arts, 46% of students perform at proficient levels or above, while mathematics presents a particular area for focus, with 31% of students meeting proficiency standards. The school serves a diverse community where families face varying economic circumstances.

The surrounding 39466 ZIP code area has a median household income of $47,131 and a poverty rate of 19.2%, reflecting the mixed socioeconomic landscape that characterizes many Mississippi communities. About 12% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, with median home values around $157,400. As the primary high school for the Picayune area, Memorial High plays an important role in preparing students for their post-graduation plans while serving as a community anchor.

The school operates within the close-knit atmosphere typical of Mississippi town settings, where educational institutions often serve as central gathering points for local families.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.4Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.85 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.9Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31%
Reading/ELA Proficiency46%
Overall Proficiency39%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected+6.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile55th
College Readiness5.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation10.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.2Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,953

Picayune Memorial High School — Students at Picayune Memorial High School score 38% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MS EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 33.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 47.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
49%
ELA
54%
2021*
Math
21%
ELA
41%
2022
Math
31%
ELA
46%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.4/10.

How Picayune Memorial High School Compares

See how Picayune Memorial High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.3/10
7th percentile in MS
Academic
6.9/10
6.9/10
Growth
1.4/10
Below average
Environment
3.2/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers

Location

800 Fifth Avenue, Picayune, MS 39466

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Picayune Memorial High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PEARL RIVER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.5/10, 6.7 miles away, in nearby Carriere), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pearl River High School (rated 5.2/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Pearl River), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Picayune, see our Picayune schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.5 mi
School Distance Rating
PICAYUNE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Picayune 0.1 mi 5.5
ST CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL Picayune 0.1 mi 7.5
WEST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 0.3 mi 5.9
SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 0.9 mi 6.7
SOUTH SIDE LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 0.9 mi 5.1
EARLY HEAD START ROSA STREET Picayune 1.0 mi 7.8
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Picayune 1.4 mi 5.2
ROSELAND PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 1.2 mi 6.3
EARLY HEAD START NICHOLSON Picayune 3.4 mi 7.8
NICHOLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 3.6 mi 6.0
PEARL RIVER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Carriere 6.7 mi 5.5
PEARL RIVER CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH Carriere 6.8 mi 4.8
Sixth Ward Elementary School Pearl River 8.0 mi 6.9
PEARL RIVER CENTRAL ELEMENTAR Carriere 9.6 mi 4.9
UNION BAPTIST ACADEMY Picayune 9.2 mi 5.4
UNION BAPTIST KINDERGARTEN Picayune 9.2 mi
Creekside Junior High Pearl River 11.3 mi 8.6
Pearl River High School Pearl River 11.9 mi 5.2
WEST HANCOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Picayune 10.7 mi 8.2
Riverside Elementary School Pearl River 12.5 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 39466 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,926

Median Home Value

$161,400

Median Rent

$907/mo

Population

28,292

College Educated

11.9%

Homeownership

75.8%

Avg Commute

33.7 min

Poverty Rate

19.7%

Median Age

38.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Picayune Memorial High School has a median household income of $50,926. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $161,400, with a median rent of $907/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.7%. The average commute for residents is 34 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL Florence, MS 4.2
COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL Columbus, MS 4.4
LEAKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Carthage, MS 4.4
SALTILLO HIGH SCHOOL Saltillo, MS 4.1
CENTER HILL HIGH SCHOOL Olive Branch, MS 4.6
GRENADA HIGH Grenada, MS 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Picayune Memorial High School

What grades does Picayune Memorial High School serve?

Picayune Memorial High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Picayune Memorial High School?

Picayune Memorial High School has an enrollment of approximately 960 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Picayune Memorial High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Picayune Memorial High School is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Picayune Memorial High School rank in MS?

Picayune Memorial High School is ranked #802 out of 862 schools in MS.

What is Picayune Memorial High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Picayune Memorial High School has a composite rating of 4.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Picayune Memorial High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Picayune Memorial High School has 33.7% math proficiency and 47.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Picayune Memorial High School a charter school?

No, Picayune Memorial High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Picayune Memorial High School a Title I school?

No, Picayune Memorial High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Picayune Memorial High School?

100.0% of students at Picayune Memorial High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
52 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
44 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,892/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Picayune). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
960
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Pearl River County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

PICAYUNE SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
3,598
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,883
District Rank
#9 of 9

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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