Lafayette County School District sees historic levels of student achievement and now ranks 13th in the state
Oxford, MS - The Mississippi Department of Education released the new district accountability scores for the 2022-2023 school year. Lafayette County School District (LCSD) received its highest score and ranking in the history of the accountability rating system. Lafayette is now ranked 13th in the state and maintains its “A” rating.
The district scored a high of 741 points overall, a 47-point increase from the previous year. All the schools improved, with Lafayette High School (LHS) increasing 107 points, jumping from 729 points to 836 points. Lafayette Upper Elementary (LUES) saw a ranking improvement from a “B” to an “A” school by increasing 60 points. Lafayette Elementary (LES) gained 72 points and remained an “A” school as well. Lafayette Middle School (LMS) saw an increase of 21 points, continuing its steady growth.
“I just want to say thank you. I’m so proud of all of our employees, administration, teachers, students, and parents. Last year, we ranked at 24, the highest we’ve been. We set a goal to be top-ten. Our increase to 13th in the state was significant, and we are so proud to see this growth,” said Superintendent Jay Foster.
Math scores for all grade levels were especially noteworthy as growth scores were the key to improving the overall math performance. LUES and LMS saw a growth score of 78.8 and 72.4, respectively, while LES and LHS scored over 100 points in growth.
“It was a collective effort, district-wide, to increase our proficiency levels and focus on individual student growth. There’s a lot of planning and collaboration that takes place to continue to improve. We are building a system of collaboration from grade to grade, building to building,” added Foster.
The elementary schools continue to perform with great consistency and continued improvement. It adds to the conscious effort to focus on our individual students.
Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Ryals said, “It’s important to lay that foundation in the early grades. We are so proud of the efforts through literacy and the social-emotional gains to make sure our students have the tools to be successful. We want to make sure we are meeting all student needs.”
Student-focused education continues to the secondary level as LCSD sees success from the CTE programs and College and Career preparation.
“We are maximizing the CTE programs along with our AP and Dual Credit programs in moving us forward in acceleration points. We are meeting students where they are and giving them an avenue to succeed after high school, be it college, military service, or the workforce. We are building on the momentum of previous years, “ added Patrick Robinson, Assistant Superintendent.
To mark the historic performance, the Lafayette County School District will have a celebration ceremony on Thursday, November 2nd. The district will release more information soon.