
In Oxford and Lafayette County, the importance of a great education for the future of our community is widely understood. Area schools prepare students for entering college, as well as for entering the workforce. The Chamber recognizes the importance of an adequately trained workforce to attract new businesses, as well as encourage the expansion of existing enterprise. Various programs administered by the Chamber/EDF help provide support to students, educators and administrators for the continued improvement of public education in our community.
The University of Mississippi is an integral part of the local community. Focusing on seven major schools of study—liberal arts, engineering, law, education, pharmacy, business administration and accounting—the university offers complete programs for both undergraduate and advanced degrees. UM is home to national centers in three areas of research: physical acoustics, natural product development and food service management. The university also houses the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, an honors college, an institute for international studies and a leadership institute.
Founded in 1848, the university affectionately called “Ole Miss,” has grown to more than 14,000 students on three North Mississippi campuses. The state’s first public institute of higher learning to shelter a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Ole Miss is truly one of the most outstanding and respected universities in the South. To find out even more information about the University of Mississippi, see the next section dedicated to Ole Miss.
Northwest Community College, which has a branch in Oxford, is attended by more than 800 students from throughout Lafayette County and surrounding areas. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers more than 50 courses of study in various academic, vocational and technical programs, as well as several continuing education courses.
Lafayette County has two public school systems. With a combined enrollment of about 5,800 students, the Oxford Separate School District and Lafayette County School District serve children in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Nearly half of the teachers in both districts possess advanced degrees.
In recent years, the ratio of pupils per teacher at the two area high schools has been around one to 16, and average ACT scores have been above 21. Both educational districts are members of the prestigious Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Oxford-Lafayette School of Applied Technology is a vocational school that serves Oxford and Lafayette High School sophomores, juniors and seniors. Courses offered are Allied Health, Agricultural Mechanics, Automotive Mechanics, Business and Computer Technology, Cooperative Education, Building Trades and Metal Trades. Approximately 200 students are enrolled in one or more courses. The courses are one hour and 45 minutes in length. Adult courses are also offered in the evenings.
Area children also have the option of attending Regents School or Oxford University School, two of the several private institutions in the area, which offer classes for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
Quality day care and Montessori instruction are also available for preschool-age children.
Local School Contact Information
Lafayette County Schools
Superintendent’s Office
662-234-3271
www.lafayette.k12.ms.us
Lafayette Elementary School (Grades K-2)
662-234-5627
Lafayette Upper Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
662-236-3761
Lafayette Middle School
(Grades 6-8)
662-234-1664
Lafayette High School
(Grades 9-12)
662-234-3614
Oxford Schools
Superintendent’s Office
662-234-3541
www.oxford.k12.ms.us
Bramlett Elementary School
(Pre-kindergarten-Grade 1)
662-234-2685
Oxford Elementary School
(Grades 2-3)
662-234-3497
Della Davidson Elementary School (Grades 4-5)
662-236-4870
Oxford Middle School
(Grades 6-8)
662-234-2288
Oxford High School
(Grades 9-12)
662-234-1562
Oxford Learning Center
662-234-3588
Scott Center
662-232-2860
The University of Mississippi
Information
662-915-7211
www.olemiss.edu
Registrar
662-915-7792
Housing
662-915-7328
University Police Department
662-915-7234
Other Schools
Discovery Day School
662-234-3371
Happy House Preschool & Child Care Center
662-234-6961
Mother Goose Daycare & Kindergarten
662-236-2226
Northwest Community College
662-236-2023 www.northwestms.edu
Oxford University School
662-234-2200
www.ouschool.com/information.htm
Oxford-Lafayette School of Applied Technology
662-234-9469 www2.mde.k12.ms.us/3600/TECH
Regents School
662-232-1945
Twelve Oaks Montessori Preschool
662-281-8022