Mississippi Names Four 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools: Ackerman and Madison Station Elementary Among Honorees
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced in Jackson on October 27, 2026, that four schools have been named 2026 Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools. The recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance and/or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups, with two schools in each of two performance categories.
The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Ackerman Elementary School, in the Choctaw County School District, and Madison Station Elementary, in the Madison County School District. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Northeast Lauderdale High School, in the Lauderdale County School District, and Oakdale Elementary School, in the Rankin County School District.
MDE said the schools were selected based on student performance data, including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, and family and community involvement. The Department said Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards, showcase effective teaching methods and robust professional development, use data-driven instruction, and rely on collaboration among families, communities and educators.
MDE established the Mississippi Blue Ribbon Schools program in 2025, following the termination of the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The state designation uses the same criteria for selection as the former national program and carries the same level of prestige, continuing the annual recognition of the state's highest-performing schools.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 位于密西西比州哈蒂斯堡的 Eaton 小学（资料图）。Woodlot 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Eaton Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi (file photo). Photo by Woodlot, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
