OSD continues to stand among the state’s highest-performing districts.
As the percentage of Mississippi school districts earning an “A” rating dropped from 35.1% in 2025 to just 20.9% in 2026, the Oxford School District (OSD) continues to stand among the state’s highest-performing districts. For the 12th consecutive year, OSD has earned an “A” rating from the Mississippi Department of Education. The district ranks 7th statewide when accounting for ties, placing Oxford among the top 10 districts in Mississippi.
While fewer than one in four Mississippi school districts earned an “A” rating this year, Oxford School District’s continued success reflects a longstanding commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.
Since 2021, when OSD earned 704 accountability points, the district has increased its score by 42 points. This sustained progress is a testament to the collective efforts of students, teachers, administrators, and families who work together to ensure every student has opportunities to succeed.
Statewide Rankings
The Oxford School District’s 2025–2026 accountability results include several impressive statewide rankings:
- #3 district in reading growth
- #3 district in achievement readiness (measuring diploma endorsements)
- #3 district in assessment readiness (measuring SAT, ACT, and WorkKeys)
- #5 district in reading proficiency
- #9 district in math proficiency
Proficiency rates in all three subject areas increased this past school year.
- ELA Proficiency: 63.8% in 24-25 to 64.5% in 25-26
- Math Proficiency: 72.9% in 24-25 to 73.5% in 25-26
- Science Proficiency: 74% in 24-25 to 80% in 25-26
These results demonstrate OSD’s commitment to both academic achievement and preparing students for opportunities beyond high school.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
At the heart of Oxford School District’s sustained success is a districtwide culture of continuous improvement. Rather than relying on short-term initiatives, OSD has established systems that empower teachers, administrators, and students to regularly evaluate progress, identify opportunities for growth, and implement meaningful changes.
Through Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, school scorecards aligned with district strategic goals, and collaborative professional learning communities, educators continuously refine instructional practices to meet the needs of students.
Deputy Superintendent Marni Herrington emphasized that OSD’s consistent ranking among the top school districts in Mississippi is a direct result of the district’s intentional approach to instructional improvement and accountability. “Our gains in ELA, math, and science proficiency reflect our commitment to continuous improvement. Each principal leads with clear scorecard goals, specific instructional strategies, and intentional progress checks throughout the year. By having a clear system to measure impact, we are turning intentional efforts into stronger student achievement.”
This approach reinforces the district’s belief that academic excellence is not the result of a single initiative but the collective impact of consistent, intentional work across every classroom and school.
Looking Ahead
While Oxford School District celebrates another year of outstanding academic performance, district leaders remain focused on the future. Building on a strong foundation of academic achievement, OSD will continue identifying opportunities to strengthen instruction, support student growth, and prepare graduates for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
“We definitely want to take time to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. At the same time, we know many of our students did not perform to the levels they are capable of. Therefore, we remain focused on ways to better meet the individual needs of students to help them achieve even greater levels of academic success, ” Interim Superintendent, Dr. Germain McConnell.
The Oxford School District extends its appreciation to the teachers, staff, students, families, and community members whose dedication makes these achievements possible. Together, the district remains committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for every student.
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