Graduation rates for Senatobia High School were above the state average during the 2023-24 school year, according to statistics released by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE).
SMSD had a four-year graduation rate of 90.4% among 115 students, a sharp increase from 78.7% among 127 students in 2022-23. Senatobia also had a dropout rate of 7%,
a significant dip from 20.2% in 2022-23 and below the state average.
MDE announced Thursday, Feb. 20, the state’s 2023-24 school year graduation rate of 89.2% and dropout rate of 8.5%. The latest numbers are based on students who entered ninth grade for the first time during the 2020-21 school year. The statewide graduation rate does not include students who earned a GED or a certificate of completion.
The Tate County School District’s four-year graduation rate rose dramatically from 76% in 2022-23 to 85.4% among 164 students in 2023-24. TCSD had a dropout rate of 13.4%, – down sharply from 18.3% in 2022-23.
Strayhorn High School had the highest graduation in TCSD at 86.7% among 60 students, slightly ahead of Independence at 85.7% among 84 students. Both rates were above what each school registered the previous school year.
Coldwater High, which officially closed in 2023, was included in the report from MDE. Coldwater had a graduation rate of 80.0% among 20 students.
Statistics from MDE also show Coldwater with a dropout rate of 15%, followed by Independence High at 14.3% and Strayhorn at 11.7%.
In 2020-21, passing requirements were waived due to COVID-19 for high school end-of-year assessments in Algebra I, English II, Biology and U.S. History. The waivers had a positive impact on the graduation rate, and that impact was expected to diminish for the 2023-24 school year.
Mississippi’s current graduation rate exceeds the latest national rate of 86.6% from 2021-22 reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Historically, public school students in Mississippi have achieved continued improvement. The statewide graduation rate was 74.5% in 2013, and the statewide dropout rate has decreased from 13.9% in 2013.
“With a graduation rate of 89.2%, Mississippi continues to surpass the national average and demonstrate the dedication and hard work of our school communities,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “We are committed to providing the support and resources needed to help every student succeed. Our progress over the past decade is a testament to the resilience and determination of our students, teachers, and families.”
