Smith County School Makes U.S. News and World Report Top 5

Nestled in the heart of Smith County, Mississippi, Raleigh High School is making waves on the state and national stage. In a remarkable achievement, the school has secured a spot in the top 5 on the U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools List for Mississippi, a testament to its commitment to excellence in education.

For a rural school like Raleigh High, access to resources and funding is often limited compared to larger urban schools. Yet, the 458 students and dedicated staff have proven that determination and strong relationships can bridge these gaps. The school's principal, Staci Hughes, took the helm when Raleigh High was on the brink of receiving an F grade. Her leadership and strategic focus have since transformed the school into an A-rated institution for two consecutive years.

One of the cornerstones of Raleigh High’s success is the strong bond between students and teachers. Principal Hughes emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and fostering a welcoming environment for families. "We did a comprehensive needs assessment and found out that sometimes families didn’t feel comfortable being here, so I worked on my relationship with families," she explained. This focus on building trust and collaboration within the community has been pivotal in boosting attendance and student engagement.

Academics at Raleigh High are bolstered by a range of innovative programs and resources. The introduction of the College and Career Course has been instrumental in preparing students for life after high school. This course helps students apply to colleges, take the ACT, write resumes, and develop essential career skills.

Teachers at Raleigh High are also committed to continuous improvement. Daily group meetings allow educators to share strategies and support each other in enhancing student learning. Incorporating technology and diverse instructional methods has made learning more engaging and effective. "The ability to have technology and show a different way through a video and hands-on instruction from a teacher has really helped promote learning," said teacher Cisly Boykin.

The hard work of the Raleigh High community is reflected in their impressive graduation rate, which has soared from 85% to 96%. “I feel like we have so much pride in our small school," said Valedictorian Anistyn Ivy. "We’re not ashamed to be a small school. We’re not ashamed to not have as much money as other places, because look where it got us. We are still in the top five, and we can still do as much as any other school.”

Raleigh High School's journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication, strong relationships, and a focus on innovation, even small-town schools can achieve greatness. As graduation season continues, we salute Raleigh High School for their remarkable achievements and the bright future they are creating for their students.