Covington Independent Public Schools is celebrating notable progress in the latest state testing cycle, with significant improvements in many areas. The scores reflect the ongoing work of teachers, staff, and students throughout the district.
The district is overjoyed with the overall progress, which is attributed to the effectiveness of districtwide systems driven by professional learning communities and our districtwide curriculum.
"This is great news, great progress," said Superintendent Alvin Garrison. "The results show that the systems we put in place are working and we are headed in the right direction. I am so proud of our staff and students. They have worked hard to make this achievement possible."
While the majority of the schools showed improvement, administrators are especially pleased with the dramatic turnaround at Holmes High School. Traditionally categorized as a "red" school, the high school has made a remarkable climb over the past 3 years from a “red” rating in 2023, to an “orange” rating in 2024, and now progressing again in 2025 to a “yellow" rating, just one category away from the state’s "green" proficient benchmark. The high school also improved its graduation rate and its college and career readiness numbers.
The high school had a low index rating of 35.2 three years ago, which required assistance from the state and targeted assistance for its Hispanic and special education student populations. To improve scores, the high school assembled teams, led by administrative and teacher leadership, that continually focuses on developing a more rigorous curriculum. Through consistent team effort, the high school has increased its overall rating every year since by an average of 9 points per year, now earning an impressive index rating of 62.0, a yellow school with zero federal designations.
“The significant rise in scores marks a pivotal moment for Covington schools, signaling a positive trajectory for student achievement and educational quality within the district,” Garrison said.
Covington Schools Highlights
Covington elementary schools moved from “Orange” to “Yellow” (54.5 to 58.8)
Glenn O. Swing increased from “Yellow” to “Green”
John G. Carlisle increased two categories from “Orange” to “Green”
Latonia remained “Yellow”
Sixth District remained “Orange”
Ninth District decreased from “Yellow” to “Orange”
Holmes Middle increased from “Red” to “Orange” (32.4 to 45.0)
Holmes High increased from “Orange” to “Yellow” (51.4 to 62.0)
Total Indicator growth for Holmes High:
21-22 – 35.2 (Red rating - CSI designation)
22-23 – 42.0 (Red rating – TSI designation for Hispanic and Special Education students)
23-24 – 51.4 (Orange rating – TSI designation for Special Education students)
24-25 – 62.0 (Yellow rating – no federal designations)
4-year graduation rate: 5-year graduation rate:
21-22 – 80.2% 21-22 – 86.5%
22-23 – 83.2% 22-23 – 85.4%
23-24 – 91.9% 23-24 – 86.2%
24-25 – 92.5% 24-25 – 95.6%
Postsecondary Readiness:
21-22 – 45.8%
22-23 – 52.6%
23-24 – 69.0%
24-25 – 80.1%