A new report ranks Mississippi’s K-12 education at 16th in the nation, the state’s highest ranking ever.

The state’s Kids Count score has steadily risen from 48th in 2014 to 30th last year — though other measures have stagnated. 

The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, puts Mississippi at 48th for overall child well-being, 47th for economic well-being, 50th for health and 48th for family and community. 

The education rating is based on how many young children are in school, reading proficiency by fourth grade, math proficiency by eighth grade and high school graduation rates. Mississippi just barely bests the national averages in all categories except math proficiency. 

A press release from the Mississippi Department of Education points out the state’s graduation rate has risen from 75% to 89.2% over the past decade. 

“Mississippi’s momentum in education is the result of strong policies and dedicated, effective educators,” said state superintendent Lance Evans in the release. “Our students’ achievements have made the state a national leader in improving academic outcomes.

“Mississippi students have proven once again that there is no limit to what they can accomplish with the strong support of Mississippi educators.”

Linda Southward, executive director of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, said that the gains were largely due to improved graduation rates. Her organization helps create a “Factbook” for the data each year.

She also noted that rankings are impacted by what’s happening in other states.

“When we look at education, Mississippi’s ranking has held steady and increased in some areas, while other states’ performances may have worsened during the pandemic,” she said. “This is a testament to the importance of dedicated teachers, students and parents who are all part of the educational experience.”