Mississippi News is a non-profit news source. Mississippi’s high school graduation rates are steadily increasing and now exceed the national average. According to data released Thursday by the Mississippi Department of Education, the graduation rate was at its highest point of 83 percent for the 2016-2017 school years. The national graduation rate is currently at 84 percent. Students with disabilities saw their graduation rate rise slightly from 34.7 percent to 36.4 percent in the previous school year. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Education, said, “I congratulate the school districts for ensuring students are completing high schools successfully, so that they can pursue their goals at college, postsecondary training or the military or workforce.” “A diploma is essential for success in life after highschool.” Wright reminded the State Board of Education that the graduation rates of all subgroups (which includes African Americans, Hispanic/Latino students, economically disadvantaged, and English Language Learners) have increased each year since 2015. Mississippi Department of Education has added alternatives to the graduation process that could replace the passing of end-of-year subject-area exams. To earn a diploma, students must complete the required amount of Carnegie units and pass the subject-area tests. Students can now graduate by passing required courses, passing the subject-area exam, obtaining a score 17 or higher on the ACT in the subject or earning a C in a dual enrollment/dual credits course. Students will be able use their subject-area test scores for 25 percent of the final course grades in the 2018-2019 school years. Students will be able to get an endorsement on their diploma. You can view the 2018 graduation report by clicking here. Top 10 districts with the highest graduation rates: * Mississippi School for the Arts* Mississippi School for Math and Science* Pearl Public School district * Chickasaw County School Board District* Monroe County School Board District* Lamar County School School Area * Enterprise School School Division* Ocean Springs School School Domain * East Tallahatchie Consolidated School School School (Starkville-Oktibbeha School School) * Oakley Youth Development Center* Mississippi School for the Deaf* Mississippi School for the Deaf* Mississippi School for the District* Coa County School * Coa County School * Greenwood Public School * Hazlehurst School * Jackson Public School School * Jackson Public School School School School