Mississippi Graduation Rate reaches Peak

Mississippi Department of Education announced that the state's graduation rate is at the highest it has ever been at 88.4%. Twin States News spoke with Meridian Public School District (MPSD) whose graduation rate is right behind the states at 85.1%

MPSD announced that their 2021 class had a graduation rate of 85.1%.

Superintendent Dr. Amy Carter credits the accomplishment to the district’s teachers, counselors, and parents:

“It’s no secret these last couple of years have been challenging, so first and foremost I’d like to thank our teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff that encouraged a student over the past years to stay the course on the path to graduation”, said Dr. Carter.

Over the last two years, schools have gone back and forth between virtual learning and in-person learning. Dr. Carter tells us how the district managed to increase its rate by more than 5% despite the pandemic’s challenges:

“The pandemic allowed us to have some flexibility with the stated assessments. More importantly you had that flexibility, but you also had challenges that pandemic brought”, explained Carter. “So, it was a combination of making sure students identified their goals, making certain that educators and counselors work alongside those students. Remind them of the goals they set. Those graduation pathways and then just being able to go one course, one semester at a time, one year at a time.”

The district is not only pushing to make sure students graduate but is also setting the foundation of achievement after receiving a diploma.

“Graduating from high school is one milestone. What’s important to us now is making sure that students walk away from Meridian High School knowing that they are well prepared, well equipped to fight for their country, enter the workforce, and most importantly to go to college.”

The graduation rate for the district’s students with disability is within the top 20% of the state.