Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School is celebrating a meaningful step forward. The school improved its accountability rating from D to C for the 2025–2026 school year, earning the higher rating as Mississippi increased its accountability point thresholds.
The school’s Spring 2026 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) results also show areas of strength in mathematics, English Language Arts, and science, with several grade-level results exceeding corresponding statewide percentages.
The accomplishment reflects the collective efforts of Bolton-Edwards’ Achievers, teachers, administrators, support staff, and families.
“Bolton-Edwards’ move from a D to a C is an accomplishment worth celebrating, especially as Mississippi raised the accountability bar,” said Dr. Mitchell M. Shears, Superintendent & Chief Learner. “I am proud of our Achievers and grateful for the dedication of our educators and families. We will build on these strengths while continuing to provide the instructional support needed to help the school reach even higher.”
Mathematics Leads the Gains
Schoolwide mathematics results show substantial improvement. Math proficiency increased from 32.0% to 43.1%, a gain of 11.1 percentage points. The school’s math growth measure increased from 44.2% to 63.4%, a gain of 19.2 percentage points.
Progress was especially encouraging among students in the lowest-performing 25% in mathematics. Their growth measure increased from 42.2% to 60.0%, a gain of 17.8 percentage points. The school’s current result also exceeded the corresponding statewide measure of 58.0%.
Third-grade mathematics was a particular strength. 61.1% of third-grade Achievers scored Proficient or Advanced, exceeding the statewide percentage of 48.8% by 12.3 percentage points.
The school’s third-grade results included 36.1% Proficient and 25.0% Advanced, with both categories exceeding their respective statewide comparisons. When the Passing category was included, 88.9% scored Passing, Proficient, or Advanced—14.5 percentage points above the State.
Fourth-grade mathematics also showed strengths. 46.4% of Achievers scored in the Proficient category, exceeding the corresponding statewide percentage by 12.3 points. The combined Proficient and Advanced percentage reached 53.5%, compared with 51.5% statewide.
Additional mathematics highlights included:
· Sixth grade: 35.5% scored in the Proficient category, compared with 35.3% statewide.
· Eighth grade: 81.6% scored Passing, Proficient, or Advanced, exceeding the corresponding statewide percentage by 3.2 points.
ELA and Science Show Additional Strengths
In English Language Arts, 13.9% of third-grade Achievers scored Advanced, exceeding the statewide percentage by 1.3 percentage points. In fifth grade, 40.0% scored in the Proficient category, surpassing the corresponding statewide percentage by 4.7 points.
The ELA growth measure for the school’s lowest-performing 25% reached 56.8%, compared with 51.5% statewide—an advantage of 5.3 percentage points.
Science proficiency increased schoolwide from 51.3% to 56.0%, a gain of 4.7 percentage points. Grade-level highlights included 42.9% of fifth-grade Achievers scoring in the Proficient category, exceeding the corresponding statewide percentage by 6.9 points. In eighth grade, 39.5% scored Proficient, exceeding the corresponding statewide percentage by 6.1 points.
These results identify specific strengths to build upon. Percentages for the Proficient category alone are distinct from overall proficiency, which combines Proficient and Advanced performance.
Building on Progress
“Moving from a D to a C reflects the hard work of our Achievers and the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families,” said Zackery Hodge, Principal of Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School. “We are proud of this accomplishment, and we know there is more work ahead. Our focus is on strengthening daily instruction, responding to each Achiever’s needs, and building the partnerships that will help Bolton-Edwards reach even higher.”
The move to a C is a milestone and a foundation for continued improvement. Hinds County School District remains focused on helping more Achievers reach Proficient and Advanced performance through strong instruction, ongoing assessment, and focused academic support.
District and school leaders will continue reviewing academic data, observing classroom instruction, and collaborating with teachers to identify successful practices and address areas of need.
Families remain essential partners. Regular attendance, reading and practicing academic skills at home, and ongoing communication with teachers reinforce learning and help sustain progress.
For Bolton-Edwards, the story is one of measurable improvement—and a shared commitment to keep moving forward.