Oxford, Lafayette County school districts earn A ratings in Mississippi 2026 accountability results

Oxford Lafayette County school districts A ratings 2026 — Oxford and Lafayette County school districts both earned A ratings in Mississippi’s 2026 accountability results, holding their ground as the state applied newly elevated standards for the first time. Oxford scored 746 points, while Lafayette County scored 703 points. For Lafayette County, the A rating marks the ninth consecutive year at the top tier.

District scores and proficiency

Oxford’s reading proficiency reached 64.5% and mathematics proficiency hit 73.5%. Lafayette County posted 60.5% in reading and 71.5% in mathematics, keeping both districts above 70% in math. Growth scores also reflected momentum: Oxford recorded 73.7 in reading and 75.6 in math, while Lafayette County posted 68.8 in reading and 73.9 in math.

High school results

At the high school level, Oxford High School earned an A with 839 points. Lafayette High School earned a B with 765 points. Their subject strengths diverged: Lafayette High notched 87.4% math proficiency and 58.8% reading proficiency. Oxford High recorded 81.6% in math and 65.4% in reading.

School-level ratings

Several elementary and middle schools earned A ratings. In Oxford, Bramlett Elementary, Oxford Early Childhood Center, Central Elementary, Della Davidson Elementary, and Oxford Middle School received A ratings, while Oxford Intermediate School earned a B. In Lafayette County, Lafayette Elementary and Lafayette Upper Elementary earned A ratings; Lafayette Middle School received a B.

Improvements and strategies

Oxford improved in English language arts, mathematics, and science, ranking fifth statewide in ELA. Lafayette Elementary and Lafayette Middle each increased overall scores by 53 points, and Lafayette Middle moved from a C rating in 2025 to a B in 2026.

Lafayette County Superintendent Jay Foster said the district expected stricter guidelines under the new standards and expressed confidence in supporting teachers with instructional strategies and curriculum input. He noted students grew and moved into proficiency in several categories.

Oxford High principal Dr. Dana Bullard said the focus remains on the success of all students, from the lowest to the most advanced, which allowed the school to move up to a No. 7 ranking. She said the school is still setting high goals and is proud of students and teachers.

Oxford Deputy Superintendent Marni Herrington called the most encouraging finding the increase in proficiency across all three tested areas. She noted Oxford ranked fifth statewide in ELA and described an approach built on setting goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting instruction to improve achievement.

Lafayette County assistant superintendent Patrick Robinson pointed to teacher preparation, benchmark testing, student monitoring, and high-quality materials as factors behind the gains.

Statewide context

Across Mississippi, 31 districts earned an A rating under the new standards. The state accountability system measures achievement, growth, graduation rates, and participation.