The Mississippi School of the Arts is an upper high school of literary, visual, and performing arts on the historic Whitworth College Campus in Brookhaven, Mississippi, about sixty miles south of Jackson, Mississippi. MSA teaches 11th and 12th grade students.
Serving 84 students in grades 11-12, Middle School For The Arts ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 47%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥50% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 11-12
- Enrollment: 84 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 50% in MS)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Middle School For The Arts ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Middle School For The Arts's student population of 84 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 11-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
84 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar
School Motto
To provide a challenging arts education for artistically gifted Mississippi students in a residential learning environment.
School Rankings
The diversity score of Middle School For The Arts is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
47%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
1%
5%
Black
37%
47%
White
53%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Phoenix
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 47% MS state average), while ≥50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Middle School For The Arts?
The graduation rate of Middle School For The Arts is 90%, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend Middle School For The Arts?
84 students attend Middle School For The Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Middle School For The Arts students are White, 37% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Middle School For The Arts?
Middle School For The Arts has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Middle School For The Arts offer ?
Middle School For The Arts offers enrollment in grades 11-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Middle School For The Arts part of?
Middle School For The Arts is part of Middle School School For The Arts School District.
School Reviews
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