W.A. Higgins Academy Of Arts/International Studies

W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy is a public middle school in Clarksdale, Mississippi, serving 281 students in grades 7-8 as part of the Clarksdale Municipal School District.

The school has consistently ranked in the bottom quartile of Mississippi middle schools over the past 10 years, with a 0 or 1 out of 5 SchoolDigger star rating, indicating very poor academic performance. This is reflected in the school's significantly below-average test scores across all grade levels and subject areas, often 20-30 percentage points or more below the state and district averages. For example, the school's projected 7th grade ELA proficiency rate for 2024-2025 is just 12.1%, compared to the state average of 37.3%. Additionally, W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy has experienced alarmingly high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 23.9% to 44.2% over the past few years, which is significantly higher than the state average.

When comparing W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy to the nearby Oakhurst Intermediate Academy (within the same district) and Quitman County Middle School (in a different district), the challenges faced by W.A. Higgins appear to be more severe. Oakhurst Intermediate Academy, which serves grades 5-6, generally outperforms W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy, suggesting a potential decline in student performance as they transition to the higher grade levels. Additionally, while Quitman County Middle School is still underperforming the state averages, it has higher academic proficiency rates and a higher statewide ranking than W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy. The extremely high chronic absenteeism rates at W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy are likely a significant contributing factor to the school's consistently low academic performance, and the school's 100% free and reduced-price lunch rate indicates that it serves a highly economically disadvantaged student population, which may require targeted interventions and support.