Best Public Schools in Meridian, MS

The city of Meridian, Mississippi is home to 16 schools across two school districts - Meridian Public Schools and Lauderdale County School District. The data reveals stark differences in academic performance between the schools in these two districts, with the Lauderdale County schools, such as Clarkdale High School and Clarkdale Elementary School, consistently outperforming the Meridian Public Schools on state assessments.

The high-performing Lauderdale County schools, which include West Lauderdale Elementary School, are ranked among the top schools in the state, with strong test scores and 4- or 5-star ratings. In contrast, several schools in the Meridian Public Schools district, such as Meridian High School, Northwest Junior High School, and elementary schools like Parkview Elementary, appear to be underperforming, with low test scores and rankings.

The data also reveals a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance, with the schools serving higher percentages of students from low-income families tending to have lower test scores and rankings. Additionally, the racial composition of the schools indicates a high degree of racial segregation, with some schools serving predominantly white students and others serving predominantly African American students. Addressing these disparities in academic achievement and resource allocation will be crucial for ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students in the Meridian area.