The Hazlehurst City School District is a public school district headquartered in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade across multiple campuses. It operates under state oversight and is responsible for curriculum delivery, staff management, student assessment, and facility maintenance within its designated geographic boundaries.
Located in the southeastern part of Mississippi, the district covers parts of Wayne County and includes several schools: Hazlehurst High School, Hazlehurst Middle School, and Hazlehurst Elementary School. It administers standardized testing aligned with Mississippi's College and Career Readiness Standards, reports annual performance data to the Mississippi Department of Education, and participates in federal Title I funding programs for low-income students.
As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the district reported enrollment of approximately 1,140 students. Student demographics reflect a majority African American population (86%), with smaller percentages identifying as White (11%) or Hispanic (2%). The district maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, slightly below the statewide average of 15:1.
Like all public school districts in Mississippi, Hazlehurst City School District is governed by a locally elected school board. This board sets policy, approves budgets, hires the superintendent, and oversees district-wide goals. The current superintendent leads instructional strategy, administrative operations, and community outreach efforts.
Each school within the district follows a unified calendar set by the board, with academic sessions beginning in late August and ending in early June. Attendance is monitored using state-mandated reporting systems, and student progress is tracked via the Mississippi Assessment Program (MAP), which measures proficiency in math, reading, science, and social studies.
A key operational responsibility is compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The district provides Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students and ensures access to special education services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support. According to the 2022 Mississippi Department of Education report, 13% of students in the district received special education services.
The district operates three main schools, each serving a distinct grade level:
| School Name | Grades Served | Enrollment (2022-2023) | Performance Rating (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazlehurst Elementary School | K-5 | 420 | Level 3 (Proficient) |
| Hazlehurst Middle School | 6-8 | 310 | Level 2 (Basic) |
| Hazlehurst High School | 9-12 | 410 | Level 2 (Basic) |
Performance ratings are assigned by the Mississippi Department of Education based on test scores, graduation rates, and attendance. Level 3 indicates that a school meets or exceeds state standards. Levels 1-4 reflect decreasing performance, with Level 4 being lowest.
Specialized programs include the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, offering courses in automotive technology, health sciences, and computer applications. Students may earn industry certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials. The district also partners with local businesses and community colleges to provide work-based learning opportunities.
Non-public charter schools do not operate within the Hazlehurst City School District's boundaries. All institutions are traditional public schools funded through state and federal allocations, with additional revenue from local property taxes.
Another misconception is that the district offers online-only instruction. While emergency remote learning was implemented during the 2020-2021 pandemic, the district currently requires in-person attendance for all core subjects. Hybrid models are available only for medical exemptions or family hardship cases, and enrollment in virtual academies is limited to specific grades and approved applicants.
A lesser-known fact: Hazlehurst High School hosts a dual-enrollment program with Delta State University. Juniors and seniors may take college-level courses in history, psychology, and biology for both high school and university credit. Over 60 students participated in the program during the 2022-2023 school year.
In 2023, a senior at Hazlehurst High School named Jamal Thompson earned a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi through the Mississippi Promise Scholarship. He qualified based on his GPA (3.8), SAT score (1240), and participation in the district's CTE health sciences program. His success reflects the district's focus on academic rigor and career preparation.
During his junior year, Jamal completed a clinical rotation at the Wayne County Health Department, shadowing nurses and recording patient vitals under supervision. He also presented a research project on diabetes prevention at the state-level Science Fair, earning second place in the health category. His achievements were supported by teachers who used project-based learning frameworks aligned with state standards.
This case demonstrates how the district integrates academics, real-world experience, and college readiness into its programming. It also shows that individual student outcomes depend on consistent access to resources, mentorship, and structured support systems.
Understanding the Hazlehurst City School District begins with recognizing its role as a single, localized educational authority. It is not a network, a charter system, or a state-run program. Its mission is to prepare students for life beyond high school through rigorous academics, equitable access, and community engagement.