Starkville, Mississippi, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District has successfully retained its A rating for the 2024-2025 academic year, as reported by the Mississippi Department of Education. This achievement distinguishes SOCSD as one of only two districts in the area to maintain its rating, amid a general decline in achievement scores statewide. The district’s score has increased, reflecting significant progress in various schools, despite challenges faced by neighboring districts.
Starkville, Mississippi — The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) has successfully maintained its A rating for the 2024-2025 academic year, as reported by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) following the release of updated accountability scores for all public school districts in the state. The SOCSD is one of only two districts in the area, along with the Lowndes County School District, to preserve its rating, while the Columbus Municipal School District saw a drop from B to C.
The updated accountability ratings were disclosed by the MDE on a Thursday, outlining a system that evaluates schools on an A-F grade scale, with a total of 1,000 points available. The assessments measure proficiency and growth in mathematics and English Language Arts for students in grades 3-8, evaluate performance in science for fifth and eighth graders, and track the growth of the lowest performing 25% of students. For high schools, the ratings also consider graduation rates and scores on the ACT and other state assessments, along with involvement in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses.
Overall, 87.2% of districts achieved a grade of C or higher this year, which shows a notable decline from 93.9% in the previous year. Despite this downward trend, SOCSD distinguished itself as the only district in the region to improve its score, which rose by eight points. Most schools within the SOCSD either maintained their ratings or showed improvement. Noteworthy progress was seen at Overstreet Elementary and Starkville High, which both achieved A ratings, while Armstrong Junior High fell from B to C.
The district’s success has been attributed to the dedication and efforts of the teaching staff, as noted by district officials. To further bolster academic performance, especially in light of recent statewide declines in eighth-grade math achievements, additional personnel and resources will be allocated effectively for this critical area. The district anticipates changes in the accountability model, slated to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, which will incorporate new metrics focused on college and career readiness.
In contrast, the Lowndes County School District, which has held an A rating for the past seven years, experienced a decline in its overall score, dropping from 708 to 684 points. Of the eight schools in the district, five maintained their previous ratings, while others suffered declines, notably West Lowndes Elementary, which dropped from B to F. Meanwhile, the West Point Consolidated School District slipped from B to C, losing nearly 60 points overall, and experienced letter grade drops across its schools.
Additionally, the Noxubee County School District fell from B to D, with all schools in this district reporting downgrades. Noteworthy among these was B.F. Liddel Middle School, which dropped from C to F. This year’s fluctuating assessment standards and shifts in the accountability model have sparked questions within district circles regarding their impact on year-over-year growth assessments.
As school districts navigate these challenges, they continue to strive towards improving instructional strategies while adhering to new state requirements that may affect future educational outcomes.
FAQ
Which school districts maintained their A ratings for the 2024-2025 academic year?
The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) and Lowndes County School District maintained their A ratings for the 2024-2025 academic year.
How did the Columbus Municipal School District perform in the latest accountability ratings?
The Columbus Municipal School District fell a letter grade from B to C in the latest accountability ratings.
What are the criteria for the accountability ratings?
The accountability ratings are based on proficiency and growth rates in math and English Language Arts for grades 3-8, performance in science assessments for grades 5 and 8, and growth of the lowest performing 25% of students. High school ratings include graduation rates, performance on the ACT and various state assessments, as well as participation in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses.
Key Features of Accountability Ratings
| District | 2024-2025 Rating | Last Year’s Rating | Score Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) | A | A | +8 Points |
| Lowndes County School District | A | A | -24 Points |
| Columbus Municipal School District | C | B | -N/A |
| West Point Consolidated School District | C | B | -60 Points |
| Noxubee County School District | D | B | -N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State University Partners with SOCSD for New High School
New Starkville High School to Transform Education
Partnership to Build New High School in Starkville
Mississippi State University and SOCSD Collaborate on New High School
Starkville High School Plans Exclude MSMS
Starkville Academy Softball Celebrates a Big Win!
Starkville High School Teacher Recognized for Excellence
Baptist Memorial Health Acquires OCH Regional Medical Center
Starkville School Board Approves MOU for New High School
Starkville Recognizes Impactful Educators
Additional Resources
- Starkville School District News
- Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi
- C Dispatch – Starkville Lowndes Schools
- Google Search: Mississippi Department of Education
- Clarion Ledger – New School District Consolidation Effort
- Google Scholar: Mississippi School Districts Accountability
- Starkville Daily News – Starkville Academy Band
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi School System
- C Dispatch – CMSD Accountability Rating
- Google News: Mississippi School Districts
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
