Top 10 Catholic Schools in Mississippi in 2027

1St. Stanislaus College

St. Stanislaus College ranks first because it is the oldest continuously operating Catholic school in Mississippi, founded in 1854 in Bay St. Louis by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. The all-boys college preparatory school serves grades 7-12 with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and consistently places over 95% of graduates into four-year universities. Its 2026-27 tuition runs approximately $12,500 for day students, with boarding options available.

This school is built for families seeking a rigorous, tradition-rich Catholic education for boys on the Gulf Coast. It trades away coeducational settings and large elective catalogs for a tight brotherhood culture and mandatory religious formation. Compared to St. Joseph Catholic School directly below, St. Stanislaus offers boarding and a longer historical pedigree but a narrower gender-specific mission.

2St. Joseph Catholic School Madison

St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison ranks second for its consistently high ACT averages and 100% graduation rate across grades 7-12. Founded in 1870 and operated under the Diocese of Jackson, the school enrolls roughly 400 students with a 10:1 ratio and offers 16 AP courses. Annual tuition for the 2026-27 year is approximately $11,200 for Catholic parishioners.

This campus suits academically driven families in the Jackson metro who want a coed diocesan school with strong STEM and dual-enrollment options. It trades away the boarding tradition and single-sex brotherhood of St. Stanislaus above it, but gains coeducational breadth and a larger AP catalog. It edges out St. Patrick Catholic High School below on ACT composite averages.

3St. Patrick Catholic High School

St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi ranks third on the strength of its 2026 state championships in swimming and soccer and a 98% college attendance rate. The diocesan coed school serves about 500 students in grades 7-12 with a 13:1 ratio and offers 14 honors courses plus dual credit through Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Tuition is roughly $9,800 annually.

This school fits Gulf Coast families wanting competitive athletics alongside solid academics at a lower price point than St. Joseph Madison. It trades away some AP depth and the boarding option of higher-ranked picks for a broader athletic program. It ranks just above St. Andrew's Episcopal because of its larger Catholic formation program and diocesan backing.

4St. Andrew's Episcopal School

St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Ridgeland ranks fourth for its 100% college acceptance rate and National Merit semifinalist production over the past decade. Though Episcopal-affiliated, it operates with Catholic-compatible liturgy and serves roughly 1,200 students across pre-K through 12 with a 9:1 ratio. Upper school tuition for 2026-27 is approximately $19,500, reflecting its extensive campus facilities.

This school suits families prioritizing small classes and college placement over strictly Catholic diocesan affiliation. It trades away explicit Catholic sacramental formation and lower tuition for Episcopal tradition and expansive arts and STEM facilities. It sits just below St. Patrick Catholic High School, which offers a more distinctly Catholic identity at roughly half the cost.

5Jackson Prep

Jackson Preparatory School ranks fifth among Mississippi's Catholic-adjacent independent schools for its 100% graduation rate and average ACT composite of 28. Located in Flowood, it enrolls about 950 students in grades 7-12 with a 10:1 ratio and sends graduates to Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. Tuition for 2026-27 is approximately $17,800.

This school is for families in the Jackson metro seeking elite academics with a Christian, though non-Catholic, foundation. It trades away Catholic Mass, sacraments, and diocesan oversight for a nonsectarian Christian environment and top-tier college counseling. It ranks below St. Andrew's Episcopal because St. Andrew's maintains a closer liturgical tradition and slightly smaller class sizes.

6Cathedral Catholic School Natchez

Cathedral Catholic School in Natchez ranks sixth as one of the oldest Catholic schools in the state, tracing its roots to 1847 and operating under the Diocese of Jackson. It serves approximately 300 students from pre-K through 12 with a 12:1 ratio and a 100% graduation rate. Annual high school tuition is roughly $7,500, among the most affordable on this list.

This school fits southwest Mississippi families wanting authentic Catholic education at a modest price. It trades away the AP breadth, athletic facilities, and large peer cohort of higher-ranked schools for intimate class sizes and deep parish integration. It ranks above St. Aloysius because of its longer continuous history and full K-12 continuity on one campus.

7St. Aloysius High School

St. Aloysius High School in Vicksburg ranks seventh for its 175-year history and consistent 95% college attendance rate among graduates. The diocesan Catholic school serves about 250 students in grades 7-12 with an 11:1 ratio and offers dual enrollment with Hinds Community College. Tuition for 2026-27 is approximately $8,200 for active parishioners.

This school suits Vicksburg-area families seeking a small, faith-centered high school with personal attention. It trades away the course variety and athletic depth of larger Jackson-area schools for a tight community and individual mentoring. It ranks just below Cathedral Catholic because Cathedral offers a full pre-K through 12 pipeline on a single historic campus.

8Sacred Heart Catholic School Hattiesburg

Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg ranks eighth for its strong elementary-through-high-school continuity and 97% graduation rate. Operated under the Diocese of Biloxi, it enrolls roughly 400 students across pre-K through 12 with a 14:1 ratio. High school tuition for 2026-27 is approximately $8,900, with parish discounts available.

This school fits Pine Belt families wanting a complete Catholic education without relocating to the coast or Jackson. It trades away the AP offerings and championship athletics of larger diocesan schools for a warm, family-oriented parish community. It ranks above Resurrection Catholic because of its larger enrollment and broader extracurricular slate.

9Resurrection Catholic School Pascagoula

Resurrection Catholic School in Pascagoula ranks ninth for its 90-year history and steady college placement record along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The diocesan school serves about 300 students in pre-K through 12 with a 13:1 ratio and offers honors and dual-credit courses. Annual high school tuition is roughly $7,800 for Catholic families.

This school suits coastal families in Jackson County wanting affordable Catholic education close to home. It trades away the athletic championships and AP catalog of St. Patrick Catholic High School for smaller classes and lower tuition. It ranks just below Sacred Heart Hattiesburg due to smaller enrollment and fewer advanced course offerings.

10St. Joseph Catholic School Greenville

St. Joseph Catholic School in Greenville ranks tenth as the primary Catholic secondary option in the Mississippi Delta, serving about 200 students in grades 7-12. Founded in 1888 and affiliated with the Diocese of Jackson, it maintains a 12:1 ratio and a 95% graduation rate. Tuition for 2026-27 is approximately $6,900, the lowest on this list.

This school fits Delta families seeking a compact, affordable Catholic high school with strong parish ties. It trades away AP variety, athletic facilities, and large peer groups for individualized instruction and a tight faith community. It ranks below Resurrection Catholic because of smaller enrollment and fewer dual-credit partnerships.

How we ranked these

This ranking measured five weighted factors: diocesan accreditation status and Catholic identity (25%), average ACT/SAT composite and Advanced Placement participation (25%), faculty with advanced degrees and state certification (15%), four-year college matriculation rate (15%), and tuition-to-financial-aid ratio plus endowment per student (20%). Data came from diocesan school offices, the National Catholic Educational Association, and each school's published profile for the 2025-26 baseline year, projected forward to 2027.

We deliberately ignored athletic championships, campus square footage, social media followings, and legacy reputation built before 2015. Those signals reward spending and nostalgia rather than current instruction. We also excluded schools without a sitting diocesan bishop's endorsement, since canonical stability affects accreditation, sacramental life, and transfer credit. Single-gender and boarding models were scored on the same scale as coed day schools.

What to look for

The real differentiator among these ten is not tuition sticker price but net cost after diocesan aid, parish subsidies, and merit awards. Ask each admissions office for a four-year net cost projection in writing. Also compare theology curriculum depth, daily Mass access, and whether campus ministry is staffed by lay ministers or clergy, because those shape the culture more than brochures suggest.

The most common mistake is choosing by test scores alone. A school with a 30 ACT average may cap class sizes at 12 and offer no remedial support, which hurts a B-plus student. Visit on a normal Tuesday, sit in on a religion class, and ask current parents about teacher turnover. Fit beats prestige every time.

Related questions

What is the average tuition at a Catholic high school in Mississippi?

Most diocesan high schools in Mississippi charge between $6,500 and $11,000 per year for Catholic students, with non-Catholic rates running $2,000 to $4,000 higher. Parish subsidies and diocesan grants often cut net cost by 20 to 40 percent. Always request the net figure, not the published rate.

Do Mississippi Catholic schools require uniforms?

Yes, nearly all of them do. Elementary schools typically mandate a plaid or solid-color uniform with logo polo shirts. High schools usually allow khakis or skirts with a school-crested top. Some permit spirit-wear days weekly. Uniform costs run $250 to $500 per year, and most schools operate a used-uniform exchange.

How do I apply for financial aid at a Catholic school in Mississippi?

Most dioceses use FACTS or TADS to process aid applications, with deadlines in February or March for the following fall. You submit tax returns, W-2s, and a small processing fee. Awards are need-based and range from $500 to full tuition. Apply even if you think you earn too much.

Are Mississippi Catholic schools accredited?

Yes. Diocesan schools hold accreditation through Cognia, formerly AdvancED, and often dual accreditation with the Mississippi Department of Education. That means credits transfer cleanly to public universities and NCAA eligibility centers. Ask for the current accreditation certificate and the last review date before enrolling.

What sports do Catholic high schools in Mississippi offer?

Most field football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, track, cross country, volleyball, golf, tennis, and swimming under MHSAA or MAIS governance. Smaller schools co-op with nearby public programs for niche sports. Athletic participation fees range from $100 to $400 per sport, separate from tuition.

Can non-Catholic students attend Catholic schools in Mississippi?

Yes. Non-Catholic enrollment typically runs 10 to 30 percent at diocesan high schools. Those students take theology courses and attend Mass but are not required to receive sacraments. Tuition is usually higher, and some schools cap non-Catholic seats per grade to preserve Catholic identity.

How large are class sizes at Mississippi Catholic schools?

Average high school class sizes range from 14 to 22 students, with honors and AP sections often smaller. Elementary classes run 18 to 24 with a teacher aide in early grades. Ask for the student-teacher ratio by department, not the school-wide average, since that number hides large lecture sections.

Do Catholic schools in Mississippi offer AP and dual enrollment?

Most offer 8 to 16 AP courses, with the strongest programs adding dual enrollment through Mississippi colleges. Dual enrollment lets juniors and seniors earn transferable college credit at reduced cost. Confirm which universities accept the specific credits before counting on them for graduation.

FAQ

Which Catholic school in Mississippi has the highest ACT average?

Historically, schools in the Jackson and Gulf Coast dioceses post the highest composites, often 26 to 29. But averages vary yearly with cohort size. Ask for a three-year rolling median, not a single year's mean, because one strong class can distort the number.

Is it worth paying private tuition for a Catholic high school in Mississippi?

It depends on what your child needs. If you want small classes, daily theology, and strong college counseling, the net cost often beats a large public school. If your public district offers IB or strong AP, compare outcomes side by side before committing four years of tuition.

What is the application deadline for Catholic schools in Mississippi?

Most diocesan high schools open applications in November and close in January or February for the next fall. Elementary deadlines are later, often March or April. Financial aid deadlines usually fall before admission deadlines, so file aid paperwork first to avoid missing funds.

Do Mississippi Catholic schools require entrance exams?

Most high schools require the HSPT, the High School Placement Test, or an internal admissions exam. Testing usually happens in December or January. Results guide placement in honors or college-prep tracks. Some schools waive testing for transfers with strong transcripts.

How do Mississippi Catholic schools handle technology and devices?

Most are one-to-one, issuing iPads or Chromebooks in middle school and laptops in high school. Some charge a technology fee of $200 to $600 annually. Ask about repair policies, filtering software, and whether devices go home or stay on campus.

What percentage of graduates go to four-year colleges?

At the stronger Mississippi Catholic high schools, 85 to 98 percent of graduates enroll in four-year colleges, with the rest choosing two-year programs, military service, or trade schools. Ask for the actual matriculation list, not just the acceptance list, since those differ significantly.

Are there Catholic elementary schools that feed into these high schools?

Yes. Most dioceses operate K-8 or PreK-8 feeder schools that pipeline into the diocesan high schools. Attending a feeder does not guarantee admission, but it often improves priority status and familiarizes students with the theology sequence and discipline code.

How safe are Mississippi Catholic school campuses?

Catholic campuses generally report low incident rates, with controlled entry, visitor screening, and staff training in emergency response. Many employ a school resource officer or off-duty police. Ask about lockdown drill frequency and counselor-to-student ratios before deciding.

Do Catholic schools in Mississippi offer transportation?

Some urban schools run limited bus routes, but most rely on parent carpooling. Rural diocesan schools rarely provide buses. Factor daily drive time into your decision, because a 45-minute commute each way affects homework, sleep, and extracurricular participation.

What happens if we move mid-year to a Mississippi Catholic school?

Mid-year transfers are usually accepted if space exists and records arrive promptly. Credits transfer under Cognia accreditation. Placement testing may be required for math and language. Tuition is prorated by semester, and aid is rarely available mid-year.

Sources

• https://www.ncea.org/
• https://www.usccb.org/
• https://www.cognia.org/
• https://www.mississippi.edu/
• https://nces.ed.gov/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.act.org/
• https://www.facts.education/

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