For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 2,910 students in Laurel, MS.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Laurel, MS are West Jones High School, Northeast Jones High School and Laurel Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Laurel, MS public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Mississippi public middle school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 39% statewide average). Middle schools in Laurel have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public middle school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Laurel, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Jones High School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
254 Springhill Road
Laurel, MS 39443
(601) 729-8144
Laurel, MS 39443
(601) 729-8144
Gr: 7-13 | 1,585 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Northeast Jones High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
68 Northeast Drive
Laurel, MS 39443
(601) 425-2347
Laurel, MS 39443
(601) 425-2347
Gr: 7-13 | 937 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Laurel Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1600 Grandview Drive
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 428-5312
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 428-5312
Gr: 7-8 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Jones Co Career & Technical Education Center
Vocational School
2409 Moose Drive
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 425-2378
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 425-2378
Gr: 7-12
Rank: n/an/a
Laurel Education Center
Alternative School
795 South 19th Avenue
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 649-5195
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 649-5195
Gr: 4-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Laurel, MS?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Laurel, MS include West Jones High School, Northeast Jones High School and Laurel Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Laurel?
5 public middle schools are located in Laurel.
What is the racial composition of students in Laurel?
Laurel public middle schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public middle schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Laurel are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Laurel include: Northeast Jones High School vs. West Jones High School, Laurel Education Center vs. Jones Co Career & Technical Education Center, West Jones High School vs. Northeast Jones High School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.