District of Innovation and School of Innovation designation gives school districts and schools additional flexibility in several areas governed by Mississippi Department of Education. School districts that create programs to better engage students in learning through innovative structures that are limited by state statute are encouraged to work with the Mississippi Department of Education to create an innovative plan. These districts and/or schools may apply to become a District of Innovation, or a School of Innovation. Currently, Mississippi’s Schools of Innovation follow the Early College High School or the Middle College High School model.
The MDE will host two District and School of Innovation Webinars for all districts and schools interested in applying for or needing to reapply for innovation status by December 1, 2025. These webinars will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:30 am CST and Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 3:30 pm CST. The information will be the same in each webinar, so pick the session that is most convenient.
Please see links below to join:
Applications for District of Innovation or School of Innovation, including early college high schools and middle college programs, are due on December 1st for the following school year.
District or School of Innovation:
Applications for District of Innovation or School of Innovation, including early college high schools and middle college programs, are due on December 1st for the following school year. Submit completed applications to InnovativePrograms@mdek12.org
David Cress
Innovative Programs
dcress@mdek12.org
601-359-3461
Wendy Clemons
Chief Academic Officer
WClemons@mdek12.org
601-359-3461
