Raleigh, North Carolina, September 7, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina has recorded an historic high in graduation rates and standardized test scores following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The four-year graduation rate reached 87.7%, displaying three years of steady improvement. Additionally, 12 out of 15 standardized tests showed improved scores, although reading proficiency in grades three to eight still lags behind pre-pandemic levels. Despite challenges such as funding and natural disasters, the educational outcomes indicate a positive trajectory for students across the state.
Raleigh, North Carolina – North Carolina students have achieved a record high in graduation rates and standardized test scores as they recover from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI), the four-year graduation rate rose to 87.7% for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking the highest level ever recorded in the state and representing three consecutive years of improvement.
In addition to the graduation rate, students reached a three-year high in most standardized tests, with 12 out of 15 math and reading assessments showing higher scores compared to the previous year. The exceptions were in third-grade reading, English II, and NC Math I, which experienced declines. Further, 11th graders recorded a slight increase in their composite ACT scores, climbing to 18.2 from 18.1.
The increase in graduation rates and ACT scores is particularly notable, given the challenges faced by educators and students during the recent academic years. The impact of Hurricane Helene resulted in lost instructional days for schools in several western North Carolina districts, including Buncombe County Schools, Henderson County Schools, and Asheville City Schools. In response, the U.S. Department of Education granted a waiver that allowed ten affected schools to opt out of fall end-of-course testing, providing some relief amid the disruption.
Despite these achievements, there are lingering challenges. Reading proficiency for students in grades three through eight remains below pre-pandemic levels, with only 52.5% deemed proficient. Additionally, North Carolina continues to rank 48th nationally for per-pupil spending, falling approximately $5,000 below the national average, which raises questions about equitable funding for educational resources.
Improvement in test scores was seen across all racial and ethnic groups, highlighting widespread progress. However, the new, more rigorous science test standards mean that comparisons to previous years are not entirely valid, prompting calls for further investment in educational resources to sustain this positive trajectory. The overall proficiency of students in state exams during the 2024-2025 school year reached 55%, up from 54.2% the year before but still below the pre-pandemic level of 58.8%.
For the first time since significant federal COVID-19 relief dollars ceased, the 2024-2025 school year faced challenges regarding funding. Nevertheless, the state noted a decrease in schools receiving D and F grades, with nearly 50 fewer schools identified as low-performing, indicating noteworthy strides in educational quality.
The results from the latest round of testing are expected to serve as a baseline for future efforts toward improving educational outcomes across the state.
FAQs
What is the graduation rate for North Carolina students in 2024-2025?
The graduation rate for North Carolina students in the 2024-2025 academic year is 87.7%, the highest rate recorded in the state.
How did standardized test scores change in 2024-2025?
In 2024-2025, scores increased on 12 out of 15 math and reading assessments, with only declines in third-grade reading, English II, and NC Math I.
What factors affected academic performance during the 2024-2025 school year?
The impact of Hurricane Helene, which resulted in lost instructional days, affected several western North Carolina schools. Additionally, the cessation of federal COVID-19 relief dollars posed challenges for funding educational resources.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% – Highest recorded in NC history |
| Standardized Test Improvements | Increased scores in 12 of 15 assessments |
| Reading Proficiency | 52.5% of students (grades 3-8) proficient |
| Average ACT Score | Increased to 18.2 |
| Per-Pupil Spending Ranking | 48th nationally, with a deficit of $5,000 |
| Low-Performing Schools | Nearly 50 fewer schools rated D and F |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Metro Area Showcases Top Private K-12 Schools
UNC Asheville Launches Centennial Campaign with Historic Donation
Dr. Jeremy R. Gibbs Appointed Principal of SILSA
UNC Asheville Gains New Honors Amid Program Changes
UNC Asheville’s New Core Curriculum Approved
Record Enrollment Achieved at UNC System
Florida Governor DeSantis Faces Backlash from Immigrant College Students Over Proposed Tuition Hikes
Asheville Community Addresses Future of Education
Additional Resources
- WLOS: North Carolina Students’ Achievements
- NC Newsline: Test Scores & Graduation Rates Rise
- WRAL: North Carolina School Performance
- News Observer: Educational Outcomes in NC
- WECT: NC School Performance Updates
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- Google Search: North Carolina Education
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
