Editor's Note: "The print version of this story, 'Local Schools Earn Strong Marks in State Accountability Ratings,' published on Oct. 8, 2025, incorrectly stated that the Newton Municipal School District received a "C" rating. The correct information is that Newton Municipal received a "B", with high marks in History Proficiency and Acceleration, as well as having one of the top graduation rates in the state. We apologize for the error and are happy to make the correction.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has released school and district accountability ratings for the 2024–2025 year, and several area districts continue to perform well, even as statewide results reflected a modest dip in math achievement.
Despite the decline, 87% of Mississippi districts and 80% of schools earned a C or better, a testament to the state’s focus on academic growth and recovery following the pandemic. State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans said the department is already providing targeted support to schools where scores slipped, underscoring the state’s reputation as a national leader in student achievement.
Newton County School District: Rated A, with strong marks in reading (61.3% proficiency), math (70%), and science (70.1%). The district earned an overall score of 734 points, with notable success in college and career readiness and a graduation rate of 93.8%.
Union Public School District: Also an A-rated district, Union excelled in math (66.2% proficiency) and history (91.5%), with one of the region’s highest graduation rates at 96.9%. The district posted a total of 710 points.
Newton Municipal School District: Newton Municipal earned a B rating, with great marks in history proficiency (74.7%) and acceleration (84.2%). The district’s graduation rate continues as one of the best in the state, coming in at 95.7%.
Lake School (Scott County School District): Lake High School received a B rating with 625 points. Students posted a 52% math proficiency and a graduation rate of 82.4%, supported by strong growth scores.
Neshoba Central (Neshoba County School District): A consistent high performer, the district earned an A rating with 751 points. Neshoba Central posted a math proficiency of 74.8%, history proficiency of 81.8%, and a graduation rate of 96.6%, among the best in the state.
Sebastopol Attendance Center (Scott County): Sebastopol maintained solid performance under the Scott County School District umbrella, which as a whole received a B rating, supported by 52% math proficiency and growth scores above 60%.
The statewide dip was not unexpected. For several years, education leaders anticipated a leveling off in growth rates after the sharp gains that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. Growth remains a key component of Mississippi’s accountability system, and last year’s unusually strong results made year-to-year gains harder to replicate.
Dr. Evans emphasized that testing is a tool to pinpoint where students need help: “This is precisely how assessment data should be used—so that every student can meet his or her potential.”
Looking forward, MDE announced it will expand the so-called “Mississippi Miracle” by adding literacy supports into grades 4–8 and bolstering math instruction in grades 2–6. These efforts build on two decades of national recognition for Mississippi’s steady climb in student achievement.
For Newton County families, the latest ratings highlight both areas of strength and opportunities for continued growth. With Union, Newton County, and Neshoba Central all achieving “A” ratings, and Newton Municipal, Lake and Sebastopol showing solid “B” performance, local students are well-positioned for continued success.
