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Mississippi ranked 16th in U.S. for...

Mississippi ranked 16th in U.S. for education in latest Kids Count national report

By: Frank Corder - June 9, 2025

  • A decade ago, Mississippi ranked 48th in education in the annual publication.

The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book released today reports that Mississippi’s education ranking has climbed to 16th in the nation, the state’s highest ranking ever. The state ranked 48th in 2014.

Last year, the Data Book ranked Mississippi 30th in education.

Over the past decade, the Mississippi Department of Education notes that the statewide graduation rate has risen from 75 percent to 89.2 percent, higher than the national average.

The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book is a 50-state report of data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, analyzing how children and youth are faring across the nation. The Data Book reports on national and state data from 16 indicators related to economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors. The Data Book then ranks the states according to how children are faring overall.

Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education, said in a statement that Mississippi’s momentum in education is the result of strong policies and dedicated, effective educators.

“Our students’ achievements have made the state a national leader in improving academic outcomes,” Evans stated. “I am tremendously proud that our national ranking for education has steadily climbed from 48th in 2014 to 16th in 2025. Mississippi students have proven once again that there is no limit to what they can accomplish with the strong support of Mississippi educators.”

Overall, the Data Book ranked Mississippi 48th in child well-being, up one spot from the prior year.

You can read the full Data Book report on Mississippi here.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com