Education

Mississippi Achieves Record Education Gains with New Legislation

Mississippi has achieved unprecedented education results, leading the nation in reading gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the NAEP, according to state officials.

The improvements come amid strong economic growth and are credited to policy changes focused on student success, said House Speaker Jason White.

White praised House Bill 2, called the Mississippi Education Freedom Act, as a key step in expanding educational opportunities and empowering parents to choose the best learning options for their children.

The legislation creates Magnolia Student Accounts, allowing families to access private schools, specialized instruction, therapies, and other services regardless of income or zip code.

It also aims to remove barriers to high-quality public school options while maintaining local school boards’ authority to accept transfer students.

Supporters say the bill emphasizes results, financial literacy, and career preparation, investing in Mississippi’s economic future.

White called for the bill’s passage, expressing confidence that it will sustain Mississippi’s momentum and continue building on recent successes.

Mississippi’s transformation has been dubbed the “Mississippi Miracle,” reflecting the state’s progress through conservative, student-focused policies and dedicated educators.

Jon Myers

Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."