Mississippi Fourth Graders Achieve Top National Scores

Mississippi has achieved notable educational improvements, particularly among fourth graders, who have ranked first nationally in reading and math for the first time since 2013, with proficiency in math increasing from 32% in 2022 to 38% in 2024. This progress is attributed to significant education reforms initiated in 2013 and the dedicated efforts of educators across the state. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board's recent report indicates that charter schools are also making strides, with some schools showing impressive growth in Kindergarten Readiness, surpassing state averages. House Bill 1432 aims to further expand charter school opportunities by allowing more establishments in various district ratings, although the charter sector remains limited with only ten operational schools currently. The combination of these efforts reflects a broader initiative to elevate educational standards in Mississippi, despite challenges in the charter school system's expansion. Educational leaders are optimistic about continuing to raise expectations for student performance moving forward.