Middle Schools in Clarksdale Municipal School District

The Clarksdale Municipal School District in Mississippi is home to two struggling middle schools: Oakhurst Intermediate Academy and W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy. Both schools have consistently low test scores, with proficiency rates well below the state averages in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. In fact, only 17.7% of 6th graders at Oakhurst Intermediate Academy were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state average of 39.7%, while at W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy, a mere 9.7% of 7th graders were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state average of 40.8%.

The two middle schools in the Clarksdale Municipal School District also struggle with poor statewide rankings, with W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy ranking 256th out of 264 middle schools in Mississippi for the 2023-2024 school year. Both schools serve a predominantly African American student population, with over 96% of students identifying as such, and have high rates of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, with 100% of students at both schools qualifying. Despite the high per-student spending at these schools, ranging from $8,773 to $9,689 per student, the lack of improvement in their performance over the past few years suggests a systemic issue within the district that needs to be addressed.

Overall, the data analysis reveals that the middle schools in the Clarksdale Municipal School District are facing significant challenges, with consistently low academic performance, poor statewide rankings, and serving a population with significant socioeconomic challenges. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving student outcomes and providing a quality education for the community.