Hinds County School District has much to celebrate: a “B” accountability rating, a rising graduation rate, fewer students dropping out, and Achievers outperforming statewide percentages across multiple grades and subjects.
These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our Achievers, the commitment of teachers and school leaders, and the support of families and community partners. Together, they provide a strong foundation for HCSD’s next goal: F.L.E.X. to A—The Road to 700 Points!
The district earned its “B” under Mississippi’s higher accountability thresholds, effective for the 2025–2026 school year. These thresholds determine how many accountability points schools and districts must earn for each letter grade. Districts now need at least 642 points for a “B” and 694 for an “A”, underscoring the expectations accompanying this year’s results.
More Achievers Crossing the Graduation Stage
Among HCSD’s most encouraging accomplishments is its graduation rate, which increased from 83% to 88.5%, a gain of 5.5 percentage points. The district’s dropout rate declined from 13.7% to 9.2%.
Both high schools contributed to this success. Raymond High’s graduation rate increased from 80.3% to 86.8%, while Terry High’s rose from 84.6% to 89.3%. Both schools also reduced their dropout rates.
Behind these percentages are young people reaching an important milestone and gaining greater opportunities for college, careers, and their futures.
Literacy Highlights Across Grade Levels
HCSD’s percentage of fifth-grade Achievers scoring in the Proficient category in English Language Arts exceeded the State: 38.7% compared with 35.3%. Bolton-Edwards and Gary Road Intermediate also surpassed the State in that category.
Raymond Elementary/Carver Middle’s fifth-grade Achievers distinguished themselves with 58.9% scoring in the combined Proficient and Advanced categories, exceeding the statewide rate of 55.8%.
In sixth-grade ELA, Raymond’s combined Passing, Proficient, and Advanced rate reached 89.2%, exceeding the State by 13.8 percentage points. Byram Middle surpassed the State on this combined measure in grades six, seven, and eight.
Additional bright spots included Bolton-Edwards’ third-grade Advanced percentage and Utica’s eighth-grade Proficient percentage, both above their respective statewide comparisons.
Mathematics Results Worth Celebrating
Third-grade mathematics was a particular strength at Bolton-Edwards, where 61.1% of Achievers scored in the combined Proficient and Advanced categories, compared with 48.8% statewide. Gary Road Intermediate also exceeded that benchmark at 56.5%.
Raymond Elementary/Carver Middle exceeded the State in the combined Proficient and Advanced categories in fifth-, sixth-, and eighth-grade mathematics. Its sixth-grade result reached 67.4%, surpassing the State by 14.7 percentage points.
Utica’s eighth-grade mathematics results also stood above the State in both Proficient and Advanced individually, with 54.5% scoring in the combined Proficient and Advanced categories, compared with 51.4% statewide.
Byram Middle’s Algebra I Achievers delivered an exceptional result: 96.1% scored in the combined Proficient and Advanced categories, exceeding the statewide rate of 66.0% by 30.1 percentage points.
Science Success from Elementary to High School
HCSD exceeded statewide percentages in the Proficient category in both fifth- and eighth-grade science.
Raymond Elementary/Carver Middle exceeded the State in the combined Proficient and Advanced categories at both tested grades, reaching 74.4% in fifth grade and 63.1% in eighth grade.
At the high school level, Terry High’s combined Passing, Proficient, and Advanced rate in Biology I reached 89.1%, exceeding the statewide rate of 80.5% by 8.6 percentage points. HCSD’s districtwide result also surpassed the State.
Celebrating Success, Pursuing Excellence
These results give our school community meaningful reasons for pride. They also help identify where additional support, stronger instruction, and focused attention can help more Achievers succeed.
“While we remain a B-rated district, we have identified areas for improvement and schools that need greater academic focus. I am committed to being present in classrooms through regular observations and ensuring our teachers and school leaders receive the academic support they need to strengthen instruction. We celebrate our successes while recognizing the work ahead to ensure every Achiever succeeds,” said Dr. Mitchell M. Shears, Superintendent & Chief Learner.
As HCSD moves forward with F.L.E.X.—Focused Leadership, Learning, Literacy to Elevate eXcellence, the district will build on these strengths while addressing areas of need at every school.
To our Achievers, employees, families, and community partners: thank you for the work, encouragement, and commitment behind these accomplishments. Together, we are Engaging, Empowering, Ensuring Excellence—and moving toward A!