JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has announced the state’s graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year at 89.2%, with a dropout rate of 8.5%.
This marks a slight decrease of 0.2 percentage points in the graduation rate from the previous year, while the dropout rate remained unchanged. Among students with disabilities, the graduation rate is 65.2%, and the dropout rate stands at 20%.
The reported 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.
The graduation rate for Mississippi students has seen continued progress over the years. In 2013, the statewide graduation rate was just 74.5%, and the dropout rate was 13.9%. The latest figures show Mississippi’s graduation rate surpasses the national average of 86.6%, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
The state’s 2023-24 graduation rate reflects a return to regular assessment requirements, after COVID-19-related waivers had a positive effect on earlier graduation rates. In 2020-21, high school end-of-year assessments in Algebra I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History were waived due to the pandemic.
State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans highlighted the ongoing improvements in Mississippi schools, emphasizing the resilience of students, teachers, and families.
“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,” Evans said. “Our progress over the past decade is a testament to the resilience and determination of our students, teachers, and families.”
