It has been proven that early learning for children is the cornerstone of their growth as students, and according to scores released by the Mississippi Department of Education, Vicksburg Warren School District is above average.

MDE released their kindergarten readiness scores over the last year and the VWSD jumped from an average score of 515 to 521, while the state average dipped to 501.

The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment evaluates early literacy skills, such as the ability to recognize letters and match letters to their sounds and a student’s recognition that print flows from left to right.

The results are due to the dedication of pre-K and kindergarten teachers in the school district, as well as a commitment of the school board to early learning and expansion of the pre-K classes from four to 17.

“We expected to see a rise in our scores and we are thrilled to see this steady increase.” Chad Shealy, VWSD superintendent, said 

A couple VWSD schools, however, stood out among all the others in the school district and is among the elite in the state.

Bovina Elementary had the second highest average in the state, scoring a 607, while Bowmar Avenue was fifth in the state with an average score of 585.

Bovina principal Miki Ginn credited the accomplishment to “dedicated teachers and assistants that come ready to give their all to the students each and every day. Parents make a big difference, too, we couldn’t do it without them.”

Overall, the district scored better than 82 percent of all of the districts in the state, with six of its eight elementary schools — Beechwood (516), Bovina (607), Bowmar (585), Redwood (537), South Park (509) and Warrenton (516) — besting the state average. Two others — Dana Road (491) and Sherman Avenue (485) —  landed within ten and 16 points of the state average.

We commend everyone involved for this great accomplishment and look forward to continued success as these students move forward.