Mississippi saw a slight decrease in its high school graduation rate while the dropout rate stagnated.
According to a report from the state’s Department of Education, Mississippi’s 2023-24 school-year graduation rate was 89.2% — down just 0.2% from the previous year. The dropout rate, on the other hand, remained at 8.5%.
For students with disabilities, the 2023-24 graduation rate was 65.2%, a 4.8% drop, as the dropout rate increased by 2.3% to 20%. The latest rates are based on students who entered ninth grade for the first time during the 2020-21 school year. The statewide graduation rate does not include students who earned a GED or a certificate of completion, per a release.
In 2020-21, passing requirements were waived due to COVID-19 for high school end-of-year assessments in Algebra I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. The waivers had a positive impact on the graduation rate, and that impact was expected to diminish for the 2023-24 school year.
Mississippi’s graduation rate exceeds the latest national rate of 86.6% from 2021-22 reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. Historically, Mississippi’s public school students have continued to improve. The statewide graduation rate was 74.5% in 2013, and the statewide dropout rate has steadily decreased from 13.9% in 2013.
“With a graduation rate of 89.2%, Mississippi continues to surpass the national average and demonstrate the dedication and hard work of our school communities,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans said. “We are committed to providing the support and resources needed to help every student succeed. Our progress over the past decade is a testament to the resilience and determination of our students, teachers, and families.”
The full report can be found here.
