For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 4,178 students in Canton, MS (there are 2 private schools, serving 346 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Canton, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Canton, MS are Luther Branson Elementary School, Madison Crossing Elementary School and Shirley D. Simmons Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Canton, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Canton have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Canton, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Luther Branson Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3903 Highway 16 E
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-2743
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-2743
Gr: PK-5 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #22.
Madison Crossing Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
300 Yandell Road
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 898-7710
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 898-7710
Gr: K-5 | 761 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #33.
Shirley D. Simmons Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
820 Sulphur Springs Road
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 855-2406
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 855-2406
Gr: 6-8 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #44.
Reuben B. Myers Arts & Sciences
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
357 Old Yazoo Road
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 855-7819
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 855-7819
Gr: PK-5 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Mcneal Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
364 Martin Luther King Drive
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3654
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3654
Gr: PK-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #66.
Huey L Porter Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
551 Finney Road
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 407-1820
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 407-1820
Gr: 6-8 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #77.
Canton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
365 Vanburen Street
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-2400
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-2400
Gr: PK-5 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Jimmie M Goodloe Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
551 Finney Road
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 407-1809
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 407-1809
Gr: PK-5 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
Canton High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
634 Finney Road
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-5325
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-5325
Gr: 9-12 | 884 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #1010.
Nichols Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
529 North Mace Street
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3741
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3741
Gr: 6-8 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
Canton Career Center
Vocational School
487 North Union Extension
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3984
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3984
Gr: 10-12
Rank: n/an/a
Canton Educational Services Center
Alternative School
529 Mace Street
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-5010
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-5010
Gr: 4-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Canton, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Canton, MS include Luther Branson Elementary School, Madison Crossing Elementary School and Shirley D. Simmons Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Canton?
12 public schools are located in Canton.
What percentage of students in Canton go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Canton are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Canton?
Canton public schools minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Canton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Canton include: Huey L Porter Middle School vs. Nichols Middle School, Jimmie M Goodloe Elementary School vs. Canton Elementary School, Nichols Middle School vs. Huey L Porter Middle School
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