Jefferson County School District records its highest graduation rate ever at 96.1 percent, ranking fourth in the state

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: February 17, 2022

Jefferson County School District records its highest graduation rate ever at 96.1 percent, ranking fourth in the state 

According to a report released by the Mississippi Department of Education, Jefferson County School District recorded the highest graduation rate in its history at 96.1 percent.  The new graduation rate indicates that Jefferson County School District continues to graduate a greater share of students than the state and nation.

The graduation rate increased from 89.9 percent to 96.1 percent.  This rate exceeds the state and the national average.  Additionally, Jefferson County School District has one of the lowest dropout rates in the state of Mississippi, at 3.9 percent.  

Jefferson County School District ranked NUMBER 4 among the state’s Top 10 Districts with the Highest Graduation Rates.  Moreover, the school district ranked NUMBER 3 among the state’s Top 10 Districts with the Highest Graduation Rates for Students with Disabilities.  The report found that 85.7 percent of our students with disabilities received a diploma.  In contrast, an average of only 59.9 percent of students with disabilities received a diploma across all Mississippi public schools.

“We are thrilled to know that our graduation rate is the fourth highest in the state, and we have the third-highest graduation rate for students with disabilities,” said Adrian Hammitte, superintendent of education.

The National Center for Education Statistics found that 79 percent of African American students graduated from America’s public schools.  In Jefferson County, 96 percent of African Americans graduated from high school.

Moreover, the state’s report found that 98 percent of females graduated, and 94.1 percent of male students graduated, which is an increase for both subgroups from last year.

“As the educational leader of our school district, I could not be prouder of the collaborative work taking place to ensure that every child graduates from Jefferson County School District,” Hammitte said.  “I continue to be proud of our team in the Special Services Department under the leadership of Dr. Cartrell Hammitte.  Their commitment to our students with disabilities is unmatched and evident in our graduation rate.”

“While we celebrate the increased graduation rate, we remain committed to getting 100 percent of our students across the stage.”