FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 28, 2023  -  11:00 A.M.

OSSD RANKED THE #1 SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MISSISSIPPI BY MDE FOR THE FIRST TIME

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss (OSSD) -- The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has released accountability grades for the 2022-2023 school year, and Ocean Springs School District ranks as the #1 school district in the state with an overall score of 810 and earned an “A” rating for the tenth consecutive year.

In addition to OSSD being ranked #1 in the state for the first time in the accountability model’s history, Ocean Springs High School is ranked as the #2 high school in Mississippi, and all OSSD schools earned individual “A” ratings for the fifth consecutive year.

Some of OSSD’s highlights include:

• OSSD ranks #1 overall district in Mississippi with a score of 810.
• OSHS ranks #2 overall high school in Mississippi with a score of 903.
• OSSD ranks #1 in Mississippi for 6th Grade Math proficiency with 65.66 percent.
• OSSD ranks #1 in Mississippi for Algebra I proficiency with 92.8 percent.
• OSSD ranks #1 in Mississippi for 5th Grade Science proficiency with 90.6 percent.
• OSSD ranks #1 in Mississippi for the 3rd Grade Reading gate with a 95 percent pass rate.
• OSSD ranks #2 in Mississippi for 3rd Grade ELA proficiency with 83.1 percent.
• OSSD ranks #2 in Mississippi for 5th Grade ELA proficiency with 79.6 percent.
• OSSD ranks #2 in Mississippi for 8th Grade ELA proficiency with 64.2 percent. 
• OSSD ranks #2 in Mississippi for English II proficiency with 74.9 percent.
• OSSD ranks #3 in Mississippi for 7th Grade ELA proficiency with 62.2 percent. 
• OSSD ranks #3 in Mississippi for 8th Grade Science proficiency with 78.6 percent.
• OSSD ranks #3 in Mississippi for Biology proficiency with 89.3 percent.
• OSSD ranks #4 in Mississippi for 5th Grade Math proficiency with 71.46 percent.
• OSSD ranks #4 in Mississippi for 6th Grade Math proficiency with 78.46 percent.
• OSSD ranks #5 in Mississippi for 3rd Grade Math proficiency with 79.3 percent.
• OSSD ranks #6 in Mississippi for 7th Grade Math proficiency with 75.7 percent.
• OSSD ranks #6 in Mississippi for U.S. History proficiency with 89.5 percent.

First-year Superintendent, Michael Lindsey, says the latest results from MDE are a tribute to the community-wide effort put forth by the teachers, staff, administrators, students, and parents of OSSD.

“The accomplishments of this year’s accountability ratings speak to the amazing teamwork of our district,” says Lindsey. “The data released is a testament to our teachers, staff, administration, parents, and students, and their commitment to excellence. We are excited about what each of our schools accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for OSSD!”

The district is currently planning celebrations for both students and staff members in recognition of their efforts in making OSSD #1 in Mississippi.

Mississippi’s accountability grades help teachers, school leaders, parents, and communities know how well they are serving their students and community. The accountability system is based on state and federal law and includes student proficiency and growth, ACT scores, graduation rates, participation in advanced coursework, and other state-tested area metrics.

# # # #

ABOUT OSSD: Ocean Springs School District is home to more than 7,000 dedicated students and educators. It is the mission of the Ocean Springs School District to teach our students essential content and strategies that will enable them to apply knowledge beyond their school experience and to have a positive impact on society.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Trey Brennan
Director of Communications
Ocean Springs School District
tbrennan@ossdms.org - (228) 234-1457