Summary:
The city of Ackerman, Mississippi is home to two schools - Choctaw County High School and Ackerman Elementary, both part of the Choctaw County School District. While Ackerman Elementary is a standout performer, consistently ranked among the top elementary schools in Mississippi, Choctaw County High School is underperforming compared to other high schools in the state.
Ackerman Elementary is a shining star, ranked 20th out of 390 Mississippi elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year and maintaining a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past three years. The school's test scores significantly outpace the district and state averages, with 92.5% of 4th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 85.2% for the district and 57.1% for the state. In contrast, Choctaw County High School's statewide ranking has declined from 83rd out of 228 high schools in 2021-2022 to 145th out of 228 in 2023-2024, with test scores in subjects like Algebra I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History lagging behind the district and state.
The data reveals a stark contrast in the performance of the two schools, which may be influenced by factors such as student demographics, economic disadvantage, and per-student spending. Ackerman Elementary's higher percentage of White students and lower percentage of economically disadvantaged students could be linked to its stronger academic outcomes. This raises questions about equity and the distribution of resources within the Choctaw County School District, and the importance of early intervention and a focus on foundational skills in the elementary grades to improve outcomes at the high school level.
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