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Below Average

#716 of 863 schools in MS

South Pontotoc Middle School

Middle School · PONTOTOC CO SCHOOL DIST

1523 South Pontotoc Road, Pontotoc, MS 38863

Enrollment

388

Student-Teacher

13.4:1

Score

4.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Mississippi schools

#716 of 863

In Pontotoc

#7 of 8

public schools

In district

#5 of 7

PONTOTOC CO SCHOOL DIST

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South Pontotoc Middle School

4.7/10

Middle School in Pontotoc · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Pontotoc High School

4.6/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

South Pontotoc Elementary School

7.0/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About South Pontotoc Middle School

South Pontotoc Middle School is a public middle school in Pontotoc, MS, part of PONTOTOC CO SCHOOL DIST. South Pontotoc Middle School serves approximately 388 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. South Pontotoc Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #716 of 863 schools in MS.

Structured state assessment records for South Pontotoc Middle School show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.3 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.0
  • MS avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

South Pontotoc Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

31% of students at South Pontotoc Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-1.82 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.5Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency56.6% (2025 MAAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency39% (2025 MAAP)
Math vs. State Avg+3.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.5 pts
Overall Proficiency48% (2025 MAAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2025 MAAP)
vs. Expected-10.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile37th
Resources & Environment4.3Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,351
Chronic Absenteeism30.7%

South Pontotoc Middle School — Students at South Pontotoc Middle School score 48% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

64.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MS MAAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 55.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.2% (2025 MAAP)
ELA Proficiency 46.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
41.8% (2025 MAAP)

Based on 35 test records from MS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
71%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
70%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
71%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
69%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
35%
ELA
40%
2015
Math
45%
ELA
39%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
34%
2017
Math
48%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
51%
ELA
36%
2019
Math
51%
ELA
36%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
36%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
58%
ELA
44%
2025
Math
56.6%
ELA
39%

* 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: 4.2/10.

How South Pontotoc Middle School Compares

See how South Pontotoc Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
17th percentile in MS
Academic
5.5/10
Average
Growth
4.2/10
Below Average
Environment
4.3/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
64%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
29 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.7%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1523 South Pontotoc Road, Pontotoc, MS 38863

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Pontotoc Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. North Pontotoc Middle School (rated 7.5/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Ecru), which scores notably higher. Another option is NEW ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 19.0 miles away, in nearby New Albany), which scores notably higher. Additionally, NORTH PONTOTOC UPPER ELEMENTARY (rated 5.8/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Ecru), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pontotoc, see our Pontotoc schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 17.9 mi
School Distance Rating
South Pontotoc High School Pontotoc 0.0 mi 4.6
South Pontotoc Elementary School Pontotoc 0.0 mi 7.0
IVY GREENE ACADEMY Pontotoc 4.6 mi 6.1
PONTOTOC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pontotoc 4.5 mi 6.7
PONTOTOC HIGH SCHOOL Pontotoc 5.1 mi 6.0
PONTOTOC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Pontotoc 5.2 mi 5.0
PONTOTOC MIDDLE SCHOOL Pontotoc 5.3 mi 5.3
D T COX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pontotoc 6.2 mi 7.5
North Pontotoc High School Ecru 10.4 mi 4.4
North Pontotoc Elementary School Ecru 10.4 mi 7.1
North Pontotoc Middle School Ecru 10.4 mi 7.5
NORTH PONTOTOC UPPER ELEMENTARY Ecru 10.9 mi 5.8
INGOMAR ATTENDANCE CENTER New Albany 13.1 mi 7.7
HOULKA ATTENDANCE CENTER Houston 13.4 mi 8.0
WEST UNION ATTENDANCE CENTER Myrtle 17.7 mi 8.1
NEW ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL New Albany 19.0 mi 7.1
NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL New Albany 19.0 mi 5.9
VICTORY CHRISITIAN ACADEMY New Albany 19.7 mi 5.6
NEW ALBANY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL New Albany 20.7 mi 7.8
HARRISBURG DAY SCHOOL Tupelo 17.9 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 38863 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$51,113

Median Home Value

$138,900

Median Rent

$882/mo

Population

18,849

College Educated

19.1%

Homeownership

67.6%

Avg Commute

25.4 min

Poverty Rate

13.3%

Median Age

36.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
COLEMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Greenville, MS 4.7
NORTH PANOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL Como, MS 4.8
NORTHWEST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Meridian, MS 4.8
PICAYUNE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Picayune, MS 4.8
EVA GORDON UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Magnolia, MS 4.6
PORT GIBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Port Gibson, MS 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Pontotoc Middle School

What grades does South Pontotoc Middle School serve?

South Pontotoc Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend South Pontotoc Middle School?

South Pontotoc Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 388 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Pontotoc Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Pontotoc Middle School is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Pontotoc Middle School rank in MS?

South Pontotoc Middle School ranks #716 of 863 schools in MS.

What is South Pontotoc Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Pontotoc Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at South Pontotoc Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Pontotoc Middle School has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Pontotoc Middle School a charter school?

No, South Pontotoc Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is South Pontotoc Middle School a Title I school?

No, South Pontotoc Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Pontotoc Middle School?

64.4% of students at South Pontotoc Middle 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
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
388
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
29
Free/Reduced Lunch
64.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Pontotoc County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.7%

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