| Metric | Laurel School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,712 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 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 | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel School District (this district) | 3/10 | 27th | 2,712 |
| 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 → 27th percentile → 3/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- Nora Davis Elementary — Grades 2–4 · 519 students
- Oak Park Elementary School — Grades PK–1 · 405 students
- Laurel Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 388 students
- Laurel Upper Elementary — Grades 5–6 · 253 students
- Laurel High School — Grades 9–12 · 732 students
- LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL VOC COMPLEX — Grades 9–12
- Laurel Magnet School Of The Arts — Grades PK–6 · 323 students
- LAUREL EDUCATION CENTER — Grades 4–12
About Laurel School District
Laurel School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 39440 in Laurel, Mississippi. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 39440. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Laurel School District ranks among Mississippi’s below-average-rated school systems. 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.
Laurel 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 39440
Children in zip code 39440 are assigned to Laurel 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 39440, 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 Laurel School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Laurel
For families considering a purchase in the Laurel area, district assignment matters financially. Because Laurel School District serves zip code 39440, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 39440. 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 Laurel 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 39440.
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 Laurel School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 39440 data.