Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd leans over a desk to smile and talk with fifth-grade students surrounded by composition-notebook gift bags in a bright classroom.

Montgomery Public Schools Marks Historic Milestone with Highest State Report Card Score to Date

Monae Stevens

November 12, 2026

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) has reached a historic milestone, earning an overall score of 76 on the Alabama State Department of Education's latest report card, marking its highest annual score to date. The result reflects the ongoing work of MPS students, families, educators, administrators, staff, and community partners across the district.

This year's score builds on multi-year gains in academic achievement, college and career readiness, graduation rates, and student attendance. The report card also highlights areas and schools where MPS will continue to focus its efforts.

“We're proud of this achievement, and even prouder of the work behind it. This report card reflects real progress built one classroom at a time. Our students are achieving more, our schools are opening new pathways, and our educators and families are moving this work forward together," said Dr. Zickeyous Byrd, Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools. "What this recent report shows is MPS is making marked progress, building strong momentum, and raising the bar for student success across our city.”

At-A-Glance: District Wins + Progress

  • Highest annual score: MPS earned an overall score of 76, its highest annual grade to date, up from 75 last year.

  • College and career readiness: The score increased from 63.93% to 76.39%.

  • Graduation: The district's graduation rate reached 82%, narrowing the gap between graduation and college- and career-readiness to 6%.

  • Student attendance: Chronic absenteeism declined from 25% to 22%, the district's lowest rate.

  • Priority schools: Five campuses exited the state's priority list.

  • School performance: Nine schools raised their overall letter grades. Carver Elementary Arts Magnet and Floyd Middle Magnet School advanced from a B to an A. Pintlala Elementary and Catoma Elementary each moved from a D to a B, while King Elementary advanced from a C to a B.

  • Strong school results: Forest Avenue Academic Magnet maintained a score of 100. Bear Exploration Center, MacMillan International Academy, and LAMP High School each earned a 99.

MPS is building on this progress through Pathway to a B & Beyond, a campaign guided by Dr. Byrd’s strategic goals for 2026–2027. The district is expanding magnet programs and signature academies and strengthening workforce preparation for students.

The report card also points to work that needs to be done. MPS will continue its focus on student attendance, academic growth, and targeted support, including stronger reading instruction and tutoring. The district is also advancing opportunities through its Workforce Development Center and expanded magnet and signature academies.

"Montgomery, this is our moment," Dr. Byrd added. "We are proud of our progress, excited about our future, and just getting started.”

Click here to view the Alabama Department of Education (State Report Card).

Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd smiles while talking with two students at a classroom desk alongside a quote from him .

About Montgomery Public Schools

Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) serves more than 25,000 students across 50 schools in Alabama's capital city. The district is committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and opportunity for every child through rigorous instruction, community partnerships, and a focus on college and career readiness.