South Pontotoc High School

Q: Is South Pontotoc High School a good school?

South Pontotoc High School ranks 63 rd of 228 Mississippi high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

South Pontotoc High School is a public high school serving 479 students in grades 9-12 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, which is part of the Pontotoc County School District. This school consistently outperforms state and district averages in academic performance, particularly in Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History, despite having a high percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

South Pontotoc High School's academic excellence is evident in its strong standardized test scores, with 76% of students proficient or better in Algebra I, compared to 75.9% for the district and 67.4% for the state. However, the school faces unique challenges, with over 99% of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage. Despite these challenges, South Pontotoc High School maintains a higher student-teacher ratio (15.3 to 18.2) compared to nearby North Pontotoc High School, which has a lower ratio of 12.9.

When compared to other nearby high schools, such as New Albany High School and Tupelo High School, South Pontotoc High School spends less per student ($9,768) than New Albany High School ($11,260) but more than Tupelo High School ($9,160). Despite these differences in funding, South Pontotoc High School has maintained a strong academic performance, consistently ranking in the top half of Mississippi high schools and earning 4-star ratings from SchoolDigger in several recent school years.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1523 South Pontotoc Rd
Pontotoc, MS 38863

(662) 489-5925

District: Pontotoc County School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
63^rd of 228 Mississippi High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,375

Feeder schools for South Pontotoc High School:

Elementary:	South Pontotoc Elementary School
Middle:	South Pontotoc Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 13.8

Number of students: 447

Racial breakdown:

White:

83.4%

African American:

6.9%

Hispanic:

6.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 54.6%

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Compare South Pontotoc High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details South Pontotoc High School ranks better than 72.4% of high schools in Mississippi. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 70.51. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at South Pontotoc High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (83.4%), African American (6.9%), Hispanic (6.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 54.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Pontotoc High School is 13.8. 2 high schools in the Pontotoc County School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare South Pontotoc High School employs 32.2 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Pontotoc High School is $13,375, which is the highest among 4 high schools in the Pontotoc County School District!

Schooldigger Rankings:

South Pontotoc High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks South Pontotoc High School 63^rd of 228 Mississippi public high schools. (See South Pontotoc High School in the ranking list.)

Pontotoc County School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Pontotoc County School District 26^th of 130 Mississippi school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for South Pontotoc High School

Compare

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MS State Percentile
2004	80.14	8^th	232	96.6%
2005	78.07	19^th	232	91.8%
2006	82.10	2^nd	232	99.1%
2007	76.73	28^th	232	87.9%
2008	80.93	14^th	235	94.0%
2009	79.50	20^th	235	91.5%
2010	69.04	67^th	235	71.5%
2011	78.11	21^st	244	91.4%
2012	61.02	88^th	241	63.5%
2013	70.19	61^st	238	74.4%
2014	68.58	59^th	236	75.0%
2015	69.83	43^rd	226	81.0%
2016	79.89	28^th	231	87.9%
2017	75.29	43^rd	237	81.9%
2018	69.67	60^th	233	74.2%
2019	52.15	104^th	233	55.4%
2021	70.00	62^nd	231	73.2%
2022	55.23	105^th	228	53.9%
2023	61.96	85^th	226	62.4%
2024	70.51	63^rd	228	72.4%

See the entire list of Mississippi High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Mississippi Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

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Enrollment information for South Pontotoc High School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1990	1124	194	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	1318
1991	1129	176	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	1305
1992	1141	175	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	1316
1993	1139	173	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	1314
1994	1169	181	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	1352
1995	1247	172	1	2	0	n/a	n/a	1422
1996	1247	172	1	2	0	n/a	n/a	1422
1997	1304	188	3	9	0	n/a	n/a	1504
1998	1314	163	3	6	0	n/a	n/a	1486
1999	1332	162	1	7	1	n/a	n/a	1503
2000	1312	148	3	11	1	n/a	n/a	1475
2001	1316	155	1	19	0	n/a	n/a	1491
2002	355	45	1	3	0	n/a	n/a	404
2003	355	45	1	3	0	n/a	n/a	404
2004	387	47	0	4	0	n/a	n/a	438
2005	390	49	1	4	0	n/a	n/a	444
2006	408	50	1	6	0	n/a	n/a	465
2007	397	46	1	9	0	n/a	n/a	453
2008	371	39	0	10	0	n/a	n/a	420
2009	378	37	0	7	0	0	0	422
2010	360	41	0	7	0	0	0	408
2011	412	42	0	11	0	0	0	465
2012	395	48	0	14	0	0	0	457
2013	391	44	0	19	0	0	3	457
2014	381	38	0	21	0	0	3	443
2015	389	42	0	33	0	0	0	464
2016	400	45	0	33	0	0	0	478
2017	397	42	0	35	0	1	4	479
2018	432	41	0	34	0	1	6	514
2019	404	46	0	32	0	1	8	491
2020	413	38	1	33	0	1	6	492
2021	431	35	1	36	0	1	6	510
2022	405	33	0	34	0	0	9	481
2023	406	33	3	34	0	0	3	479
2024	373	31	3	31	0	0	9	447

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at South Pontotoc High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	1318	69.8	18.8	n/a
1991	1305	68.8	18.9	n/a
1992	1316	67.4	19.5	29.6
1993	1314	67.7	19.4	29.5
1994	1352	66.9	20.2	33.1
1995	1422	72.2	19.7	29.3
1996	1422	72.2	19.7	29.3
1997	1504	74.8	20.1	32.2
1998	1486	78.8	18.9	32.5
1999	1503	81.1	18.5	46.9
2000	1475	90.3	16.3	49.6
2001	1491	92.6	16.1	48.6
2002	404	26.5	15.2	49.3
2003	404	26.5	15.2	49.3
2004	438	28.7	15.3	37
2005	444	25.8	17.2	38.3
2006	465	25.0	18.6	40.6
2007	453	24.9	18.2	41.5
2008	420	25.8	16.3	46.2
2009	422	27.3	15.5	50.7
2010	408	28.4	14.3	55.1
2011	465	28.5	16.2	56.8
2012	457	28.6	15.9	56
2013	457	33.6	13.5	55.4
2014	443	32.5	13.6	50.1
2015	464	38.0	12.2	53.4
2016	478	34.0	14.0	52.7
2017	479	27.3	17.5	53.7
2018	514	29.9	17.1	50.8
2019	491	37.5	13.0	57.2
2020	492	28.1	17.4	55.3
2021	510	27.9	18.2	99.4
2022	481	27.7	17.3	99.4
2023	479	31.2	15.3	99.4
2024	447	32.2	13.8	54.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio South Pontotoc High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1990	1318	69.8	18.8	n/a
1991	1305	68.8	18.9	n/a
1992	1316	67.4	19.5	29.6
1993	1314	67.7	19.4	29.5
1994	1352	66.9	20.2	33.1
1995	1422	72.2	19.7	29.3
1996	1422	72.2	19.7	29.3
1997	1504	74.8	20.1	32.2
1998	1486	78.8	18.9	32.5
1999	1503	81.1	18.5	46.9
2000	1475	90.3	16.3	49.6
2001	1491	92.6	16.1	48.6
2002	404	26.5	15.2	49.3
2003	404	26.5	15.2	49.3
2004	438	28.7	15.3	37
2005	444	25.8	17.2	38.3
2006	465	25.0	18.6	40.6
2007	453	24.9	18.2	41.5
2008	420	25.8	16.3	46.2
2009	422	27.3	15.5	50.7
2010	408	28.4	14.3	55.1
2011	465	28.5	16.2	56.8
2012	457	28.6	15.9	56
2013	457	33.6	13.5	55.4
2014	443	32.5	13.6	50.1
2015	464	38.0	12.2	53.4
2016	478	34.0	14.0	52.7
2017	479	27.3	17.5	53.7
2018	514	29.9	17.1	50.8
2019	491	37.5	13.0	57.2
2020	492	28.1	17.4	55.3
2021	510	27.9	18.2	99.4
2022	481	27.7	17.3	99.4
2023	479	31.2	15.3	99.4
2024	447	32.2	13.8	54.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for South Pontotoc High School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2017	$8,953
2018	$9,768
2019	$9,869
2020	$10,670
2021	$11,768
2022	$13,374

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on South Pontotoc High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 104^th of 233 High schools	Ranks 85^th of 226 High schools	7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (South Pontotoc High School)	31.5	64	32.5%
End of Course Algebra I (Pontotoc County School District)	52.3	68.4	16.1%
End of Course Algebra I (Mississippi)	49.3	65.8	16.5%
End of Course English II (South Pontotoc High School)	54.8	56	1.2%
End of Course English II (Pontotoc County School District)	51.4	50.2	1.2%
End of Course English II (Mississippi)	43.9	50.1	6.2%
End of Course Biology (South Pontotoc High School)	60.1	68	7.9%
End of Course Biology (Pontotoc County School District)	74.8	74.6	0.2%
End of Course Biology (Mississippi)	57.2	60.9	3.7%
End of Course U.S. History1 (South Pontotoc High School)	64.7	74.7	10%
End of Course U.S. History1 (Pontotoc County School District)	62.6	77.4	14.8%
End of Course U.S. History1 (Mississippi)	55.5	71.4	15.9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	491	479	2.4%
African American	46	33	28.3%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	3
Hispanic	32	34	6.3%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	404	406	0.5%
Two or More Races	8	3	62.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	57.2%	99.4%	42.1%

Schools Near South Pontotoc High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAAP Algebra I (2024)	MAAP English II (2024)	MAAP Biology (2024)	MAAP U.S. History1 (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAAP Algebra I End of Course	MAAP English II End of Course	MAAP Biology End of Course	MAAP U.S. History1 End of Course	Total
South Pontotoc High School	Public	9-12	1523 South Pontotoc Rd	Pontotoc	38863	Pontotoc County	Pontotoc County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 489-5925	447	32	13.8	54.6%	373 (83.4%)	31 (6.9%)	31 (6.9%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (2.0%)	70.5	63^rd of 228 public high schools	72.4%		62	85^th of 226 public high schools	62.4%	22	76.0	49.6	76.5	77.4	$13,375
Pontotoc County Alternative Program	Public	5-12	354 Center Ridge Drive	Pontotoc	38863	Pontotoc County	Pontotoc County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 489-4812	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technical County	Public	9-12	354 Center Ridge Drive	Pontotoc	38863	Pontotoc County	Pontotoc County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 489-1826	0	12	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Pontotoc High School	Public	9-12	123 North Main Street	Pontotoc	38863	Pontotoc County	Pontotoc City Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 489-1275	713	45	15.7	72.2%	327 (45.9%)	216 (30.3%)	143 (20.1%)	4 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (3.1%)	54.1	108^th of 228 public high schools	52.6%		50.5	119^th of 226 public high schools	47.3%	11	64.7	49.1	65.4	66.4	$10,487
North Pontotoc High School	Public	9-12	8324 Hwy 15 North	Ecru	38841	Pontotoc County	Pontotoc County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 489-5612	520	38	13.7	58.1%	371 (71.3%)	58 (11.2%)	82 (15.8%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (1.2%)	66.9	76^th of 228 public high schools	66.7%		65.9	71^st of 226 public high schools	68.6%	5	72.2	43.8	68.5	86.2	$13,313
Lee County Career & Technical School	Public	9-12	221 Honeycomb Way	Tupelo	38801	Lee County	Lee County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 432-1090	0	8	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Tupelo High School	Public	9-12	4125 Golden Wave Drive	Tupelo	38801	Lee County	Tupelo Public School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 841-8970	2,101	133	15.7	59.4%	727 (34.6%)	1,060 (50.5%)	168 (8.0%)	44 (2.1%)	2 (0.1%)	1 (0.0%)	99 (4.7%)	51.9	116^th of 228 public high schools	49.1%		63.1	81^st of 226 public high schools	64.2%	35	58.1	50.0	59.3	72.2	$12,028
Tupelo Lee County Vocational Technical School	Public	9-12	4125 Golden Wave Drive	Tupelo	38801	Lee County	Tupelo Public School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 841-8990	0	17	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
New Albany High School	Public	9-12	201 Highway 15 North	New Albany	38652	Union County	New Albany Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(662) 534-1805	596	32	18.5	48.0%	302 (50.7%)	159 (26.7%)	91 (15.3%)	13 (2.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (5.0%)	74	53^rd of 228 public high schools	76.8%		66.4	68^th of 226 public high schools	69.9%	15	76.3	52.5	74.7	80.6	$13,744
School Of Career And Technical Educational	Public	9-12	203 Highway 15 North	New Albany	38652	Union County	New Albany Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(662) 534-1810	0	12	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)

Frequently Asked Questions about South Pontotoc High School

How many students attend South Pontotoc High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 447 students attended South Pontotoc High School.

What schools feed into South Pontotoc High School?

South Pontotoc High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : South Pontotoc Elementary School
Middle : South Pontotoc Middle School

Is South Pontotoc High School a good school?

South Pontotoc High School ranks 63^rd of 228 Mississippi high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What district is South Pontotoc High School in?

Pontotoc County School District

What is the racial makeup of South Pontotoc High School?

Students at South Pontotoc High School are 83% White, 7% African American, 7% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mississippi Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.