COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) – Recent accountability grades are raising questions about academic performance in Columbus.

Columbus High School received a D for the 2025-26 school year.

The grades from the Mississippi Department of Education provide families a look at how their schools are performing.

The department uses factors including student achievement, academic growth, graduation rates, and test participation to grade school districts.

Columbus Municipal School District received a D in the state’s 2025-2026 accountability results.

“I see the effort that those teachers and principals put in to make sure that those students are ready for testing, so I’m actually pretty shocked that that was the actual outcome,” said Lakeydra Wells, a parent.

Mississippi raised its accountability standards for the 2025-2026 school year, meaning schools had to meet higher requirements to earn certain letter grades.

The state says this year’s grades cannot be directly compared with previous years.

The district plans to review school performance data, strengthen instruction and provide more support for students who are struggling.

“We continue to work hard to ensure they are meeting state standards and ensure our students are receiving the best, high-quality education.”