MDCC Congratulates Western Line Collegiate Academy on Being Approved as School of Innovation

Moorhead, Miss. (Mar. 27, 2024) - Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) applauds the Mississippi State Board of Education’s (SBE) decision to approve Western Line Collegiate Academy in the Western Line School District to become a School of Innovation for the 2024-25 school year. This significant achievement highlights Western Line Collegiate Academy's commitment to innovative education and student success.

The SBE has also approved New Albany Middle School in the New Albany School District to join Western Line Collegiate Academy as a School of Innovation for the upcoming academic year. These approvals mark a significant milestone for education in Mississippi, bringing the total number of Schools of Innovation in the state to 21.

Legislation passed in 2015 allows school districts and schools within a district to apply for District of Innovation or School of Innovation status, granting exemptions from certain state regulations to improve student achievement. Through this innovative model, districts and schools gain flexibility in areas such as seat time and teacher certification, enabling them to implement innovative scheduling and instruction methods.

Western Line Collegiate Academy serves as a middle college program for 11th and 12th-grade students from O’Bannon High School and Riverside High School who attend classes on the MDCC Greenville Campus.

The program aims to equip students with an associate degree or advanced national certification alongside their high school diploma. The academy's goal is to achieve an 85% graduation rate among its students. To ensure student success, GPA and ACT scores will be closely monitored, with students having the opportunity to take the ACT multiple times starting in ninth grade.

Vice President of Instruction Teresa Webster noted the excellence required of the academy to become a School of Innovation. “MDCC is thrilled that Western Line School District has earned the School of Innovation distinction. They should be congratulated for this achievement as the process is extremely rigorous. We are delighted to continue our middle college partnership with O'Bannon and Riverside High Schools.

Vice President of Effectiveness and Enrollment Dr. Ben Cloyd believes the approval for Western Line Collegiate Academy exemplifies the district’s commitment to enhancing learning opportunities and preparing students for success.

“MDCC truly appreciates our innovative partners in the Western Line School District, from Dr. Lawrence Hudson and his wonderful team to the students and families who have blazed the trail for Middle College,” said Cloyd. “Western Line’s pioneering efforts have helped to make Middle College and the dream of high school seniors graduating with both their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree a reality.”

MDCC President Dr. Tyrone Jackson commended Western Line Collegiate Academy for their commitment to innovation and student achievement. "We are proud to support Western Line Collegiate Academy in their journey to become a School of Innovation. By embracing innovative approaches to education, they are not only enhancing learning for their students but also inspiring educational excellence across the state. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these initiatives on student success."

Schools of Innovation play a vital role in enriching learning opportunities, implementing rigorous standards, and fostering student engagement for all. They contribute to reducing achievement gaps and post-graduation remediation, while empowering students to excel academically. MDCC remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting innovative educational initiatives that inspire and equip students for success.