Mississippi has achieved its highest-ever ranking in K-12 education, now positioned 16th nationwide, according to a new report. This significant milestone, highlighted in the latest Kids Count Data Book, reflects a decade of educational progress within the state.
State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Lance Evans, attributes this success to robust policies and the dedication of effective educators. “Mississippi’s momentum in education is the result of strong policies and dedicated, effective educators,” he stated.
The Kids Count Data Book evaluates children’s well-being across the nation, examining key metrics such as reading proficiency by fourth grade, math proficiency by eighth grade, and high school graduation rates. Notably, Mississippi’s graduation rate has risen from 75% to 89% over the past ten years, surpassing the national average.
Dr. Evans praised the achievements of Mississippi students, emphasizing the limitless potential demonstrated with support from educators. The state’s education ranking has seen a dramatic improvement, climbing from 48th in 2014 to 30th in 2024, before reaching the current 16th position.
Despite these advancements in education, the report also highlights areas of concern for Mississippi. The state ranks 48th in overall child well-being, 47th in economic well-being, 50th in health, and 48th in family and community.
Linda Southward, Executive Director of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, underscores the importance of addressing these challenges: “We know what children and youth need to grow up healthy and connected so they can thrive as adults: Stable homes, strong schools, nutritious food, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to learn, play, and grow.”
Southward acknowledges the state’s progress in education as a positive indicator for the future, emphasizing the crucial role of recruiting and retaining high-quality educators to sustain improvements.
The Kids Count Data Book, published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, continues to serve as a vital resource for assessing the well-being of children across the United States.
