Petal High School

Do not have a problem with the education of the school, this school is the reason we moved here. but If your child is not in the right click they are bullied and targeted. The school cares more about the dress code then stopping the bullies! I have loved most of the teachers, however the principal is another issue!
--Submitted by a parent

We have teachers, administrators and students who strive to do their best. The school faculty works together to have the highest quality education for all students

I like pretty much everything about Petal schools. The teachers are great and the students are held to a very high standard. The rules for the students are very strict. We moved here from a large northern city where it seemed like the students were running the schools. The only thing I do not like is the politics involved in the sports programs. There is a lot of favoritism for students from certain families. If you are new to the area, unless you are a freakishly good player, you ain't got much of a chance to play. Overall, Petal is a very good school district and I'm glad we moved here.
--Submitted by a parent

While there no perfect schools in this world, the overall quality of the Petal School District is quite different than the quality we observed in neighborhing private and public schools. There are certainly areas which need improving, and we are quick to mention these areas to teachers and administrators. When considering districts to reside in for our family, we toured all of the leading districts in the area before touring Petal - including private schools. The administration presented itself professionally and knowledgeably, and each campus, whether old or new was very well maintained. This sent a message to my wife that there was a level of accountability that wasn't apparent in the other districts and schools. Now that we are residents we are very pleased with our choice. Yes, we see areas that need improving, but there is no perfect school, and we are happy with our choice.
--Submitted by a parent

Petal High is a great school. It offers a wide range of classes and extra curricular options. It also has excellent teachers and an amazing showchoir!
--Submitted by a student

Petal School District is very disappointing. Within the last few years several changes have undergone and from many parents views they were not taken care of professionally or proficiently. The school might rank high in the state of Mississippi (while Mississippi ranks near the 50th mark in the United States) Yet they take great pride in this for some reason. The administration is poor and the staff at the middle and high school is VERY unprofessional. Your child will be ridiculed for not being 'Southern' enough and sports are the only thing on everyones mind in this small school. Do not believe the hype.
--Submitted by a parent

I am proud to be affiliated with the Petal School District and Petal High School. One of the primary reasons that our schools consistently rank at the top in all categories is the intensive commnuity support and parental involvement. I am thankful to our forefathers who were wise enough to develop a school system independent of Forrest County Schools. With few exceptions our teachers inspire our young people to be all that they can be. Education will always come first but I've found that as much as our teachers care about 'grades' they also care about our children as individuals. I would highly recommend the Petal School District to any parent who is looking for a safe enviroment and quality eduction for their children.
--Submitted by a teacher

I was part of the staff less than 10 years ago and would agree that compared to a typical Mississippi school, Petal is excellent. However, I did find the school very 'cliquish' (no school is totally without this), and 'political' alliances are a major key to success in the school and town.
--Submitted by a staff

Petal High School was the reason we moved to this city. It is an excellent school, however if you are not a Protestant your child will be ridiculed and exposed to many ignorant comments. This is not dealt with effectively by teachers or the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Petal Separate School District always ranks at the very top of all school districts in the state. It's so unique the way the entire community focuses on making the schools better. We've been very impressed. Last year, nearly half the graduating class held a 3.0 GPA or better. Highly competitive with many students over 30 on the ACT. The school has a solid reputation for excellence and by our experience we can see why. They invest in facilities and instruction to provide a quality environment. The performing arts and sports are hugely popular and well awarded. The showchoir, Soundsations, competes and wins on a national level as does the band. School has been district and state champs in soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, football, speech and debate, HOSA, and much more. The administration is so professional. One of themost memorable things I've ever heard one of them say is that they do not look at teaching as a job, but as a profession. That really impressed me. I can see that they do. Great job Petal!