Starkville, Mississippi, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University and Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District have formalized an agreement to build a new Starkville High School on the MSU campus. This initiative aims to integrate students more closely with a collegiate environment, enhancing educational opportunities and resources for local students. The proposed facility will focus on STEAM education and expand dual enrollment options, expected to open in 2027. The project has garnered support for public funding to facilitate its construction, marking a significant step forward for education in the Starkville community.
Starkville, Mississippi — A significant collaboration between Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) is set to reshape education in the region. On September 29, 2025, MSU President Mark Keenum and SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a new Starkville High School located on the MSU campus, directly beside Partnership Middle School. The educational initiative aims to integrate the high school into a collegiate environment, benefiting students and the broader community.
The projected location for the new facility will occupy the north edge of MSU’s campus, with property values estimated between $5 million and $10 million. This initiative builds on the previous collaboration between MSU and SOCSD that began with the successful opening of Partnership Middle School in 2020. The new high school is envisioned as a model for innovative teaching and learning, which could also serve as a valuable resource for educational initiatives across the state.
One of the primary benefits outlined in the partnership is the direct exposure for students to the university environment, particularly for first-generation college students. Superintendent McGee emphasized the importance of this experience in encouraging students in their academic journeys. To aid in the construction of the new school, SOCSD approved a bond issue in July, securing essential funding for the project.
The design of the new high school will be undertaken by the Biloxi-based architecture firm MP Design Group, with the design phase expected to last between six to eight months. The anticipated completion and opening of the high school target a timeline in 2027, offering a spacious and resource-rich learning environment for local students.
The partnership includes aspirations to expand dual enrollment opportunities with MSU, allowing high school students to earn college credit while enrolled in courses. There are ongoing discussions about the possibility of including a specialty school that could focus on areas such as engineering or cybersecurity, enhancing the educational offerings available to students within the district.
In a recent assessment by the Mississippi Department of Education, SOCSD received an A-rating, reaffirming the district’s commitment to educational excellence in preparation for the high school project. In line with modern educational priorities, the new school aims to strengthen STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education by utilizing resources and facilities accessible at MSU.
Support for the high school initiative extends to various legislators, including District 43 Rep. Rob Roberson, who discussed pursuing additional funding to ensure the project’s success. While the final cost for the construction has yet to be determined, Superintendent McGee aims to manage borrowing carefully to keep taxpayer burdens minimized, targeting to remain below the authorized maximum limit of $125 million.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a pivotal moment for both institutions and reflects a growing commitment to providing Starkville students with enhanced educational opportunities that bridge high school and college.
Key Features of the New Starkville High School Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North edge of Mississippi State University campus |
| Estimated Value | $5 million to $10 million |
| Target Opening Year | 2027 |
| Design Firm | MP Design Group from Biloxi |
| Educational Focus | STEAM education with dual enrollment opportunities |
| Potential Specialty School | Engineering or cybersecurity |
| Bond Issue Approval | Approved in July by SOCSD |
| Legislative Support | Rep. Rob Roberson is discussing additional funding |
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between MSU and SOCSD?
The MOU outlines a partnership aimed at developing a new Starkville High School located on the MSU campus, adjacent to Partnership Middle School.
What are the plans for the new Starkville High School?
The new high school will aim to enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education by leveraging resources and facilities available at MSU.
When is the anticipated opening date of the new high school?
The anticipated completion and opening of the new Starkville High School is targeted for 2027.
How will the school be funded?
The school district approved a bond issue in July to facilitate funding for the construction of the new high school.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Partnership to Build New High School in Starkville
Tennessee Triumphs Over Mississippi State in Overtime
Mississippi State University and SOCSD Collaborate on New High School
Mississippi State Falls to Tennessee in Overtime Showdown
Starkville High School Plans Exclude MSMS
Mississippi State Football Falls in Overtime to No. 15 Tennessee
Bulldogs Fall to Volunteers in Overtime Thriller
Tennessee Outscores Mississippi State in Overtime Showdown
Tennessee Football Survives Overtime Thriller Against Mississippi State
Mississippi State Soccer and Volleyball Achieve Victories
Additional Resources
- WCBI: Starkville High is Moving to MSU
- Google Search: Starkville High School MSU
- The Dispatch: MSMS No Longer Part of Starkville High School Plan
- Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi
- Djournal: MSMS No Longer Part of Starkville High School Plan
- Google Scholar: Starkville High School
- Starkville School District: A New Era as MSU and SOCSD Ink Partnership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Starkville High School
- WTVA: MSU, Starkville School District Partner for New High School
- Google News: Starkville High School MSU
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.
