Itawamba County School District

The Itawamba County School District in Mississippi operates 6 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 1 high school, and 2 alternative schools. The district serves a predominantly rural area and faces challenges common to many high-poverty school systems, but several standout schools demonstrate the potential for academic excellence even in the face of economic disadvantage.

The crown jewel of the district is Itawamba Agricultural High School, which consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state. This school boasts impressive proficiency rates on end-of-course exams, with over 90% of students proficient in Algebra I and over 70% proficient in Biology, English II, and U.S. History. In contrast, the district's elementary schools show more variation in performance, with Fairview Attendance Center standing out for its strong math scores while Dorsey Attendance Center lags behind.

The district's two alternative schools, Mantachie Attendance Center and Tremont Attendance Center, also demonstrate impressive academic performance, often outperforming the district and state averages on end-of-course exams. This suggests these schools are effectively serving their student populations, which tend to face significant economic challenges, as evidenced by the high rates of free and reduced-price lunch across the district. Overall, the Itawamba County School District offers a mix of high-performing and struggling schools, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support to ensure all students have access to a quality education.