Mississippi saw a rise in graduation rates as the number of high school students who dropped out decreased.
According to an 83-page report released by the Mississippi Department of Education on Thursday, 90.8% of high school seniors graduated, while 7% of students dropped out during the 2024-25 academic year. The figure marked a 1.6% increase in students turning the tassel and a 1.5% decline in pupils foregoing a high school education compared to the prior academic year.
Among students with disabilities, the 2024-25 graduation rate was 71.1% – a 5.6% hike from the year before – while the dropout rate was 14.6% – a 5.4% drop from 2023-24.
“The latest rates are based on students who entered ninth grade for the first time during the 2021-22 school year,” a release from the state department of education reads. “The statewide graduation rate does not include students who earned a GED or a certificate of completion.”
Officials say the latest numbers highlight the state’s efforts to ensure that each public school student in Mississippi earns a high school diploma. The state attributed the positive results to dedicated teachers, increased options for meeting graduation requirements, and an increase in students completing career and technical education programs.
Mississippi’s graduation rate exceeds the latest national rate of 86.6% from 2021-22 reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. The 2024-25 year also marked a milestone of improvement in the state. Back in 2013, the graduation rate in Mississippi was 74.5%, and the dropout rate was 13.9%.
“These results reflect the hard work of teachers, administrators, parents, and, of course, students,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans said. “With continued support from the state Legislature to provide funding, MDE is committed to supporting students with innovative programs and educators with professional learning opportunities designed to produce continued progress across the state.”
As Mississippi’s education success continues, so do efforts to give educators another pay raise. Both chambers of the state legislature have passed bills to increase the salaries of educators. The Senate’s proposal includes a $2,000 raise, while the House’s bill includes a $5,000 bump in pay.