For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,649 students in Newton County, MS (there are 1 private school, serving 185 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Newton County, MS are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Newton County, MS are Newton County Elementary School, Newton County High School and Newton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Newton County, MS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Mississippi public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Newton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Mississippi public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public school average of 59% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Newton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Newton County Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
15881 Highway 15
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2956
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2956
Gr: PK-6 | 882 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Newton County High School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
16255 Hwy 503
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4261
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4261
Gr: 7-12 | 768 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Newton High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 W. First Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-2232
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-2232
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
N H Pilate Middle School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
531 E. Church Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3926
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3926
Gr: 6-8 | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Newton Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 W. Tatum Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3979
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-3979
Gr: PK-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
851 Tushka Drive
Conehatta, MS 39057
(601) 775-8254
Conehatta, MS 39057
(601) 775-8254
Gr: K-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: n/an/a
East Central Alternative School
Alternative School
273 Tenth Avenue
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2118
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-2118
Gr: 3-12
Rank: n/an/a
Newton County Voc Complex
Vocational School
15935 Highway 15 North
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4138
Decatur, MS 39327
(601) 635-4138
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Newton Municipal Career Center
Vocational School
203 W. First Street
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-6338
Newton, MS 39345
(601) 683-6338
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Newton County, MS?
The top-ranked public schools in Newton County, MS include Newton County Elementary School, Newton County High School and Newton High School.
How many public schools are located in Newton County?
9 public schools are located in Newton County.
What percentage of students in Newton County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Newton County are educated in public schools (compared to the MS state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Newton County?
Newton County public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public schools average of 59% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Newton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Newton County include: Newton County High School vs. N H Pilate Middle School, Newton County High School vs. Conehatta Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.