W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy serves 375 students in grades 7-8.
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy placed in the bottom 50% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%) for the 2020-21 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 37%) for the 2020-21 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15% (which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 35%) for the 2020-21 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Mississippi state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 375 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MS
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy's student population of 375 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has grown by 43% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
Total Students
375 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 805 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-21 school year.
The diversity score of W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy is 0.08, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#664 out of 805 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
37%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
35%

Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
14:1

American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
2%
4%

Black
96%
47%

White
2%
43%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
100%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
7%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy's ranking?
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy is ranked #664 out of 805 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Mississippi.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% MS state average), while 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 35% MS state average).
How many students attend W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy?
375 students attend W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy students are Black, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy?
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 14:1.
What grades does W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy offer ?
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy offers enrollment in grades 7-8
What school district is W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy part of?
W.a. Higgins Middle School Academy is part of Clarksdale Municipal School Dist School District.
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