Media Contact
Abi Douglas-Lott, Communications Manager
601.545.3002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025

PETAL, Miss. – Petal High School (PHS) has earned high national, state and metro-area rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best High Schools, based on performance on state tests, graduation rate and how well the school prepares students for college.

PHS ranked number one in the Hattiesburg, MS Metro Area High School category, number four in Mississippi High Schools and in the Top 9 percent in the nation.

“These rankings highlight the incredible work happening at Petal High School and across the district each day,” said Dr. Matt Dillon, Petal School District superintendent. “Our students consistently rise to high expectations, supported by outstanding teachers and staff and a community that values education. This is truly a team effort, and we are honored to be recognized among the best in the nation.”

The 2025 edition of Best High Schools includes a numerical ranking of almost 18,000 public high schools nationwide, as well as detailed school-specific information on enrollment, graduation rates, student body demographics, location, school type and results of state assessments, as well as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests.

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