| Metric | Lauderdale County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 5,910 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 11 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $9,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 34% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauderdale County School District (this district) | 8/10 | 74th | 5,910 |
| Madison County School District | 10/10 | 97th | 13,162 |
| Rankin County School District | NR | — | 19,000 |
| Jackson Public Schools | 2/10 | 15th | 18,710 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 129 rated districts in MS → 74th percentile → 8/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- West Lauderdale Elementary School — Grades PK–4 · 761 students
- Northeast Elementary School — Grades PK–4 · 730 students
- Southeast Elementary School — Grades PK–4 · 562 students
- West Lauderdale Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 537 students
- Northeast Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 520 students
- Southeast Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 371 students
- Northeast High School — Grades 9 · 608 students
- West Lauderdale High School — Grades 9 · 535 students
- Southeast Lauderdale High School — Grades 9 · 367 students
- Clarkdale Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 527 students
- Clarkdale High School — Grades 7–12 · 422 students
- LCSD CTE CENTER
About Lauderdale County School District
Zip code 39309 in Meridian, Mississippi is served by Lauderdale County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Lauderdale County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
Lauderdale County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 8/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Mississippi is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Lauderdale County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Mississippi benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 39309
Children in zip code 39309 are assigned to Lauderdale County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 39309, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Lauderdale County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Mississippi districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Meridian
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Lauderdale County School District serves zip code 39309, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 39309. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Mississippi, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Lauderdale County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 39309.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Lauderdale County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 39309 data.