The Biloxi Public School District reorganized its schools in 2002. Upon completion of the new Biloxi High School, the three junior high schools were consolidated. As a result, all seventh grade students attend Michel 7th Grade School and all students in grades eight and nine attend Biloxi Junior High School. The district offers a curriculum ranging from remedial education to college level advanced placement courses, as well as specialized programs in technology or vocational studies. There are four private schools in Biloxi: one high school and three elementary/junior high schools.
The following is a summary of data regarding Biloxi's public schools as of the 2002–2003 school year.
Total enrollment: 6,200
Number of facilities
elementary schools: 7
junior high/middle schools: 2
senior high schools: 1
Student/teacher ratio: 15:1
Teacher salaries (2004–2005)
minimum: $33,650
maximum: $62,965
Funding per pupil: $6,415
Public Schools Information: Biloxi Public School District; 160 St. Peters Ave., PO Box 168, Biloxi, MS 39533; telephone (228)374-1810; fax (228)436-5171
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has two campuses in Gulfport, and also offers classes in Biloxi through the Keesler Center of the Keesler Air Force Base. Also operating out of Keesler Air Force Base is the University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast, which offers a variety of classes for civilians and military personnel. University College, one of 11 colleges of New Orleans-based Tulane University, has a campus in Biloxi that offers associate's and bachelor's degrees. Located in nearby Gulfport are William Carey College and Madison University, both within comfortable commuting range of students from Biloxi.
The Biloxi Public Library, part of the Harrison County Library System, consists of a main building and three branches. Its collection exceeded 300,000 items in 2003, an increase of approximately 5,000 items over the prior year. Special collections include genealogy, local history, and Mississippiana. The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, located in Ocean Springs, is a state-funded institution administered by the University of Southern Mississippi. It offers a broad marine science curriculum and collaborates with the local commercial seafood industry to devise efficient methods of harvesting the waters and to develop future ventures, such as aquaculture.
Public Library Information: Harrison County Library System, 1300 21st Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501; telephone (228)868-1383; fax (228)863-7433