Ethel Attendance Center/High School has earned major statewide recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, landing at No. 17 overall in Mississippi and claiming the top spot as the No. 1 Class 1A high school in the state.
Out of nearly 18,000 nationally ranked public high schools and 229 evaluated across Mississippi, Ethel Attendance Center posted an overall score of 78.76 out of 100. The Tigers made their strongest mark on state assessment performance, ranking No. 2 statewide in overall assessment performance and No. 6 in state assessment proficiency.
The achievement is particularly notable given that 99% of the student body is classified as economically disadvantaged, highlighting the exceptional growth and academic output delivered by the school’s faculty and student body in Attala County. Nationally, Ethel Attendance Center ranked #3,812.
Ethel Principal Culley Newman credited the entire school community for putting in the effort required to reach such high academic standings.
“I want to say thank you to the teachers, students, and parents who worked hard last year and made this achievement possible,” said Newman. “Y’all have done a great job. Let’s get in the Top 10 this year!”
Key Ranking Highlights:
- Overall Mississippi Rank: #17
- Class 1A Rank: #1 in Mississippi
- State Assessment Performance Rank: #2 in Mississippi
State Assessment Proficiency Rank: #6 in Mississippi - National Rank: #3,812
Ethel Attendance Center serves grades 7-12 in the Attala County School District with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
Michael Holman
September 15, 2026 at 1:11 PMWay to go! Culley, take a bow for your work and your team! great accomplishment!