Holmes County Central High School is a senior high school in unincorporated Holmes County, Mississippi, United States, about 0.25 miles south of Lexington. A part of the Holmes County School District, it occupies the former J.J. McClain High School. The mascot is the jaguar, and it serves grades 9–12.
Serving 788 students in grades 9-12, Holmes County Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 788 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in MS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Holmes County Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Holmes County Central High School's student population of 788 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
788 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Year Founded
2015
Colors
Red, Gold
School Rankings
Holmes County Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Holmes County Central High School is 0.02, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#541 out of 795 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
n/a
5%
Black
99%
47%
White
n/a
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holmes County Central High School's ranking?
Holmes County Central High School is ranked #541 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Mississippi.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Holmes County Central High School?
The graduation rate of Holmes County Central High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend Holmes County Central High School?
788 students attend Holmes County Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Holmes County Central High School students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Holmes County Central High School?
Holmes County Central High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Holmes County Central High School offer ?
Holmes County Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Holmes County Central High School part of?
Holmes County Central High School is part of Holmes County Consolidated School District.
School Reviews
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