Summary:
The city of Ackerman, Mississippi, is served by just two schools within the Choctaw County Schools district: Ackerman Elementary (grades PK–6) and Choctaw County High School (grades 7–12), with both schools serving a very high-poverty population where more than 99% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Ackerman Elementary is the clear standout, earning a 5-star rating for three consecutive years and ranking in the 92nd–99th percentile statewide—including an impressive 5th place finish in 2024–2025. Its 2025–2026 proficiency rates exceed state averages in every tested subject, with particularly dramatic gaps in 3rd grade ELA (91.1% vs. 48.5%) and 6th grade math (88.9% vs. 52.7%). The school also boasts a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 9.8%, far below the state’s 23.9%, which likely contributes to its success. In contrast, Choctaw County High School is ranked much lower, sitting in the 31st–56th percentile over the same period with a 2- or 3-star rating. Its end-of-course scores are mostly below state averages, though 7th grade math stands out at 70.6% proficiency versus 57.7% statewide. The high school’s graduation rate is a notable strength at 92.9%, above the state’s 89.2%.
The district’s overall 4-star rating masks a stark divide between these two schools. While the elementary school ranks among the top in Mississippi, the high school struggles academically, and the absence of a separate middle school means students transition directly into a high school setting for 7th grade. Year-over-year data reveals declines at both schools, including sharp drops in elementary math and high school biology and Algebra I, although the elementary school remains above state averages in most areas. For parents, this means Ackerman offers an excellent elementary experience, but the middle and high school years may require additional academic support, even as the high school does a strong job of ensuring students graduate.
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