For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public middle schools serving 8,197 students in Desoto County, MS. The top ranked public middle schools in Desoto County, MS are Hernando Middle School, Lewisburg Middle School and Desoto Central Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Desoto County, MS public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the Mississippi public middle school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 39% statewide average). Middle schools in Desoto County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Mississippi public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public middle school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Desoto County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hernando Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
700 Dilworth Lane
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 429-4154
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 429-4154
Gr: 6-8 | 1,147 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Lewisburg Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2605 Hwy. 305 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 892-5050
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 892-5050
Gr: 6-8 | 1,005 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Desoto Central Middle School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2611 Central Parkway
Southaven, MS 38672
(662) 349-6660
Southaven, MS 38672
(662) 349-6660
Gr: 6-8 | 1,407 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #44.
Center Hill Middle School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8756 Forest Hill Irene
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 892-6800
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 892-6800
Gr: 6-8 | 768 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
Olive Branch Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6530 S. Blocker Street
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-4610
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-4610
Gr: 6-8 | 714 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #66.
Lake Cormorant Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3203 Wilson Mill Road
Lake Cormorant, MS 38641
(662) 781-0778
Lake Cormorant, MS 38641
(662) 781-0778
Gr: 6-8 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #77.
Horn Lake Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6125 Hurt Road
Horn Lake, MS 38637
(662) 393-7443
Horn Lake, MS 38637
(662) 393-7443
Gr: 6-8 | 993 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #88.
Southaven Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
899 Rasco Road
Southaven, MS 38671
(662) 280-0422
Southaven, MS 38671
(662) 280-0422
Gr: 6-8 | 1,451 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: n/an/a
Desoto County Alternative Center
Alternative School
2690 Magnolia Street
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 429-5597
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 429-5597
Gr: K-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Desoto County, MS?
The top ranked public middle schools in Desoto County, MS include Hernando Middle School, Lewisburg Middle School and Desoto Central Middle School. Desoto County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Mississippi.
How many public middle schools are located in Desoto County?
9 public middle schools are located in Desoto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County?
Desoto County public middle schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Mississippi public middle schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Desoto County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Desoto County include: Horn Lake Middle School vs. Desoto Central Middle School, Center Hill Middle School vs. Lewisburg Middle School, Horn Lake Middle School vs. Southaven Middle School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.