Communities
Locations throughout the State of Mississippi are mobilizing to ensure their children are better prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
Excel By 5 certification identifies gaps in community resources, promotes community collaboration, volunteerism and economic development. On the whole, children in Excel By 5 communities will be healthier and better prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
Communities begin the Excel By 5 certification process by forming a local leadership team made up of representatives from key community groups, including schools, churches, businesses, parents, hospitals, early care and education centers and government organizations.
The Excel By 5 certification requirements are divided into four groups: Community Involvement; Family and Parent Support; Early Care and Education; and Health and vary according to community size and capacity. The certification process takes about two years to complete, and the certification is awarded for three years.
Use the map below to find an Excel By 5 Community near you!
Zoom in to see more communities.
= Certified Communities
= Candidate Communities
BOTH CLOSED- DON'T DELETE
Excel By 5 Certified Communities
These communities have met the challenge and fulfilled the requirements to become certified Excel By 5 “early childhood” communities. They support parents and children by connecting them with the available resources and services they need to lead healthy, strong lives.
Our goal is for all of the children in these Excel By 5 communities to be healthier and better prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
Our Excel By 5 communities are out to spread the word!
Click on the links below to visit the community.
- Biloxi
- Central Clarke County
- Cleveland
- Corinth Alcorn County
- Drew
- Duncan
- Durant
- Gulfport
- Hancock County
- Hattiesburg
- Hernando
- Horn Lake
- Indianola
- Isola
- Lee County
- Louisville/Winston County
- McComb
- Mid Jackson
- Moss Point
- New Albany/Union County
- North Madison County
- Ocean Springs
- Oktibbeha County
- Pascagoula
- Petal
- Poplarville
- Senatobia
- Southern Pearl River County
- Tallahatchie County
- Vicksburg/Warren County
- West Point
Excel By 5 Candidate Communities
These communities have accepted the challenge to become certified Excel By 5 “child-friendly” communities. As a program–and as a community–they support parents and children by connecting them with the available resources and services they need to lead healthy, strong lives.
Our goal is for all of the children in these Excel By 5 communities to be healthier and better prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
Our Excel By 5 communities are out to spread the word!
Click on the links below to visit the community.