CPSD earns A-Rating, ranks fourth statewide

Special to The Clinton Courier

     The Clinton Public School District once again earned an A-Rating from the Mississippi Department of Education’s accountability system, the highest possible academic rating a Mississippi school district can attain.

     MDE officially approved the accountability grades for the 2023-2024 school year during their board session on Tuesday, September 17.

     With an overall score of 780, the district ranks as the fourth-highest performing district in the state of Mississippi and continues to be the highest performing district in the metro area.

     This year’s achievement places CPSD in the top five school districts in the state for the third consecutive year since MDE resumed school accountability grades in 2022.

     This year, the Clinton Public School District recorded its highest proficiency scores in mathematics, English Language Arts and science in the history of the district, placing CPSD in the top-ten performing districts across the state and as the number one district at math proficiency at over eighty-three percent.

     Notable in this year’s accountability scores, Clinton Park Elementary ranked as the third highest performing elementary school, with Northside Elementary ranked as the seventh highest performing elementary school and Eastside ranked within the top twenty.

     Also, Clinton Junior High School ranked as the second highest performing middle school in the state.

     “Our students and teachers have once again proven that an unwavering commitment to excellence yields extraordinary results,” CPSD superintendent Dr. Andy Schoggin said. “Achieving the highest-ever proficiency rates in English language arts, science and leading the state in math is a reflection of the caliber of education in Clinton.”

     “I am incredibly proud of the consistent academic performance displayed by our students and staff. This achievement not only highlights our district’s focus on high standards, but also reinforces Clinton’s reputation as the number one place in the state for teachers,” he added.

     “We are beyond proud of our teachers, administrators and students for achievements. They have all set goals and focused on reaching those goals, regardless of any circumstances,” Clinton Public School District Board of Trustees president Paula DeYoung said.

     She added that expectations set by teachers and administrators for the students of the district are met with determination on all fronts.

     “These results are due to the high standards the Clinton Public School District places in all areas of academics,” she said. “Everyone pushes everyone to get where we are. We are so grateful for the commitment our teachers and students display on a daily basis.”

     Dr. Schoggin echoed her sentiments, adding recognition to the expectations and support of the community at large.

     “These results are a testament to the tireless efforts of our educators and the unwavering support from our community,” Dr. Scoggin said. “Clinton’s teachers are second to none, and this continued excellence is indicative of the environment we cultivate here—a place where both teachers and students thrive.”

     This year’s accountability rankings have Clinton Park, Northside, Eastside and Clinton Junior High School continuing their sustained A-Ratings.

     Lovett, Sumner Hill and Clinton High School finished this year’s rankings with B-Ratings.

     This year’s A-District celebration will be held at halftime during the Clinton Arrows Football game on Friday, October 18.

     Mississippi’s schools and districts are graded on an A-F scale. The grades are part of the state’s accountability system, which helps teachers, school leaders, parents and communities know how well their local schools and districts are serving their students.

     Calculations for the accountability grades rely heavily on the amount of progress elementary students make in English Language Arts, mathematics and science. Secondary students are also assessed in these areas, as well as in Algebra I, Biology, English II and U.S. History. Other factors such as graduation rates, English Learner progress and participation in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses are considered in the state’s accountability model.

     School- and district-level accountability results are available at MDEK12.org/OPR/Reporting/Accountability.

SIDEBAR:

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