COLUMBUS, Miss. (CMSD) - The Columbus Municipal School District continues to move forward with implementing its 2022–2027 Strategic Plan across the district. One of the final action steps in the plan is to “restructure schools to confine focus and expectations,” which means transitioning to grade-span schools.
Fairview Elementary School will close its doors for the final time on June 30, 2026. Teachers and students will be relocated to other elementary schools within the district. CMSD Superintendent of Education Mr. Craig Chapman has met with principals, district leaders, and teachers.
At this time, the move to grade-span schools will affect only elementary schools, as Hunt, Columbus Middle School (CMS), and Columbus High School (CHS) already operate in grade-specific configurations.
What Is Changing?
Grade-Span Schools When: Beginning the 2026–2027 school year
Why Grade-Span Schools?
· What’s best for students: Grade spans allow schools to better meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students at similar developmental stages.
· Stronger learning environments: Teachers can focus instruction and planning on a more limited age range, resulting in stronger academic support and greater consistency.
· Improved safety and supervision: Fewer age groups in one building reduce large age gaps and improve student monitoring.
· Age-appropriate experiences: Schedules, activities, behavior expectations, and extracurricular opportunities are tailored to each age group.
· Stronger relationships: Students build deeper connections with teachers and peers over time.
What This Means for Families
· Clear school identities and expectations
· Improved communication focused on your child’s stage of development
· Schools are intentionally designed to prepare students for the next level.
Please see the flyer below for parents to meet with Mr. Chapman to ask questions about grade span.
