City schools increase to ‘B’ rating

The Philadelphia city schools reported an increase to a “B” in their school accountability rating for the 2023-2024 school year, showing marked improvement from the failing grade the district had just five years ago. 

The state’s “A” to “F” accountability grades from the Mississippi Department of Education center on students’ progress from one year to the next. 

The district was graded a “D” for the 2018-2019 school year. Due to COVID-19, there was no rating for the 2020-2021 school year, and the district increased to a “C” rating the following year. Last year, the school remained a “C” school with a total of 573 points used for the rating system. The most recent report released on Tuesday showed the district increased to 630 total points. 

“We are immensely proud of our students, administrators, teachers, and staff for their relentless hard work and dedication,” Superintendent Dr. Shannon Whitehead said in a press release. “ This high-performing B rating reflects the collective effort to foster a supportive and challenging learning environment. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Philadelphia High School had an overall “C” rating with an 88.7 percent graduation rate. 

Philadelphia Elementary School had an overall “B” rating and ranked fifth in the state in science.

“As the school board president, I am incredibly proud to announce that our school district has achieved a historic, high-performing rating,” Harold Coburn said in a release from the district. “This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators.”