Montgomery, Ala. – Last night, Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) held our inaugural Celebration of Schools event, a moment to reflect on the district’s accomplishments and recognize the ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success. The event took place on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with Interim Superintendent Jamie Wilson highlighting the district’s significant progress and celebrating key achievements from the 2023-2024 school year. To view photos from last night's event visit,
https://flic.kr/ps/45t2St.
During the event, Interim Superintendent Jamie Wilson emphasized how MPS continues to advance through collaborative efforts, innovative programming, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student is equipped for success, both in and outside of the classroom.
“We are proud to share our progress and the work that has gone into getting us to this point,” said Wilson. “Together, we’ve made incredible strides in academic achievement, graduation rates, and preparing students for college and careers. This is just the beginning, and we are excited about the continued growth in Montgomery Public Schools.”
Key Highlights from the Celebration of Schools Event:
- Improved District Report Card: MPS raised its overall district report card by 7 points compared to last year, reflecting the continued commitment to academic excellence and operational improvement.
- Graduation Rate Growth: The district has seen a 12% increase in graduation rates, with a strong focus on keeping all students on track to graduate.
- College and Career Readiness (CCR): MPS improved its CCR rates by over 20 points, demonstrating significant growth in preparing students for life after high school.
- Dual Enrollment: MPS has expanded opportunities for its high school students, with 140 students currently enrolled in dual enrollment programs, giving them a head start in college and career preparation.
- Top State Schools: Several MPS schools were recognized as top performing schools across the state, including Baldwin Arts & Academics Magnet School, Floyd Middle School, and Forest Avenue Elementary, all of which made the state’s top school list. Forest Avenue Academic Magnet and Bear Exploration Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology School were also recently named Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.
- School Improvements: Thirty schools within the district have shown improvements in their overall report card grades, with seven schools moving up two letter grades. Notable improvements include:
- King Elementary, Carver High School, and Dannelly Elementary all moved up two letter grades.
- Dannelly Elementary saw an 18% increase in math scores, while Flowers Elementary saw a 13% increase.
- Vaughn Road Elementary, Morningview Elementary, Fitzpatrick Elementary and Halcyon Elementary have improved over 12% in reading scores
- STEM and Arts Achievements: Each elementary school now has one trained STEM teacher, and MPS continues to expand its arts programs, with students receiving national recognition for their talents. Our district's robotics teams continue to grow and excel across schools.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Expansion: Johnnie Carr Middle School and Park Crossing High School have both been authorized as International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, joining Macmillan International Academy, which has been reauthorized. This program further enhances MPS’s commitment to providing rigorous academic opportunities for all students.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE): Johnson Abernathy High School (JAG) celebrated the opening of new Career and Technical Education programs in cosmetology and barbering, providing students with hands-on training for career success.
- Teacher Residency Program: MPS continues to excel in teacher retention, with 90% of teachers participating in the district’s Teacher Residency Program choosing to remain in the district.
- Chronic Absenteeism: The district is making strides in reducing chronic absenteeism, ensuring that more students are present and engaged in their learning.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made this year, but our work is far from finished,” said Wilson. “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Montgomery Public Schools, and we are committed to building on this momentum as we move forward.”
We thank all families, community leaders, and members of the Montgomery community for their unwavering support and dedication to the success of our students. Your involvement plays a crucial role in helping us achieve these milestones, and together, we will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.
As we look to the future, Montgomery Public Schools remains committed to nurturing the potential of every student, expanding educational opportunities, and fostering a culture of excellence that benefits our entire community.
We thank the community for continued partnership in ensuring that our students have the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of Montgomery.
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Adoria M. Hughes
Marketing and Community Development Manager
Department of Communication and Strategy
Ph.334.531.1036
IP: 70258
632 S. Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
www.mps.k12.al.us
Engage, Educate, Inspire |
The MPS Mission: We will engage, educate and inspire our students to succeed in college, career and beyond!
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