For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,466 students in Cleveland, MS (there are 2 private schools, serving 695 private students). 80% of all K-12 students in Cleveland, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cleveland, MS are Hayes Cooper Center, Cleveland Central High School and Parks Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cleveland, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Cleveland have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Cleveland, MS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hayes Cooper Center
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Martin L. King
Cleveland, MS 38733
(662) 748-2734
Cleveland, MS 38733
(662) 748-2734
Gr: PK-6 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Cleveland Central High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 W. Sunflower St
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-2460
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-2460
Gr: 9-12 | 799 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #33.
Parks Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1301 Terrace Road
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-3166
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-3166
Gr: PK-6 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Cleveland Central Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 Lucy Seabery Dr
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-2338
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-2338
Gr: 7-8 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #55.
Pearman Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
306 Merritt Drive
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4484
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4484
Gr: 1-6 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
D.m. Smith Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
715 Martin Luther King Dr
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4355
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4355
Gr: 3-6 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: n/an/a
Alternative School
Alternative School
601 Third Street
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 846-6478
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 846-6478
Gr: 5-12
Rank: n/an/a
Cleveland Voc Tech Complex
Vocational School
601 Third Street
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-8818
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-8818
Gr: 8-12
Rank: n/an/a
600 Cross Street
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4528
Cleveland, MS 38732
(662) 843-4528
Gr: PK-2 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cleveland, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Cleveland, MS include Hayes Cooper Center, Cleveland Central High School and Parks Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cleveland?
9 public schools are located in Cleveland.
What percentage of students in Cleveland go to public school?
80% of all K-12 students in Cleveland are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cleveland?
Cleveland public schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Cleveland are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cleveland include: Pearman Elementary School vs. Parks Elementary School, Parks Elementary School vs. Pearman Elementary School, Nailor Elementary School vs. Parks Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.