East Mississippi schools deserve a gold star, because not only are the students receiving a good education, but they are inspired to become better people in their community. Here are some examples:

Lauderdale County School District

The mission of Lauderdale County School District is to educate all students so they are competent, contributing members of society. The system maintains high academic standards, managing four elementary schools, four middle schools and four high schools. One high school is in each of the following areas: Clarkdale, Northeast, Southeast and West Lauderdale.

Meridian Public School District

Meridian Public School District has six elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and two additional learning facilities. Its mission is for all students to receive a quality education while respecting those around them, and participating in community service. The schools incorporate culture, technology, professional and business resources to serve the needs of the diverse student population.

Private Schools

Parents in East Mississippi have several options for private schools, especially in Meridian where three such schools prosper. St. Patrick Catholic School is the only non-public school in the region that is accredited by the Mississippi Department of Education, and students consistently score significantly higher than the national average on the Stanford Achievement Test.

Lamar School, with 500 students in grades pre-K through 12, features an elementary school building, cafetorium (stage, cafeteria and three classrooms), a middle/high school building, a science and computer building, and a gymnasium. Russell Christian Academy has 275 students and is affiliated with Russell Baptist Church, and is accredited by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools.

East Mississippi Community College

East Mississippi Community College serves Lauderdale, Clay, Kemper, Lowndes, Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties in east central Mississippi. The system has two principal campuses and offers courses at three other locations, providing a broad range of academic and technical programs. EMCC is one of 15 community colleges in Mississippi.

Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College provides GED classes, two-year programs, university transfer options, community education classes and online courses. The college also gives employers a better educated workforce through its workforce development training programs.

Mississippi State University-Meridian

Mississippi State University-Meridian, established in 1972, has degree offerings that include bachelor's in the arts, science and business fields, and master's degrees in business and education specialties. Certificate programs in criminal justice and gerontology are also available.

University of West Alabama

University of West Alabama in Livingston, Ala., was founded in 1835. UWA offers a variety of degree programs for associate, bachelor's, master's, and educational specialist degrees.