Lance Evans, Mississippi Superintendent of Education | Facebook
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has launched the Mississippi Blue Ribbon School program to recognize the state’s highest-performing schools. This new initiative follows the end of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in August.
The state-level program will use the same selection criteria as its national predecessor and aims to maintain a similar level of prestige. The recognition is given to schools that either excel in academic performance or make significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.
Schools can be recognized in two categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools, which are among the top performers on state assessments, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, which demonstrate success in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
For 2025, MDE named three inaugural Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools:
- Beach Elementary School, Pascagoula-Gautier School District (Exemplary High Performing School)
- Ocean Springs High School, Ocean Springs School District (Exemplary High Performing School)
- Bayou View Elementary School, Gulfport School District (recognized for both high performance and gap closing)
According to MDE, these schools are led by leaders who set clear goals for instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They emphasize effective teaching methods, provide professional development opportunities for staff, use data-driven instruction, and foster collaboration among families, communities, and educators.
Selection was based on student performance data such as assessment results, subgroup performance metrics, and graduation rates. Each nominated school submitted an application describing its culture, curriculum practices, leadership approach, and community involvement.
“MDE is proud to continue the longstanding tradition of recognizing outstanding schools that serve as models for the state and nation,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “Congratulations to the students, educators, families and communities of the inaugural Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools for earning the state’s top recognition for achievement.”
Further information about this announcement can be found at mdek12.org/news.
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