Raleigh, North Carolina, September 8, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina’s public schools demonstrate a slight improvement in academic performance following COVID-19 disruptions. Test scores reveal that 55% of students achieved proficiency, a rise from the previous year but still below pre-pandemic levels. Graduation rates are on the rise, while the percentage of schools receiving lower performance grades has decreased. Nevertheless, challenges remain, notably the impact of Hurricane Helene, which disrupted education in some districts. State officials emphasize the importance of these results in shaping future academic goals, aiming for North Carolina to have the best public schools in the nation by 2030.
Raleigh, North Carolina – North Carolina’s public schools have shown a slight improvement in academic performance following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but proficiency rates remain below pre-pandemic levels. According to test scores released for the 2024-25 academic year, 55% of students achieved proficiency on state exams, marking an increase from 54.2% the previous year but still lagging behind the pre-pandemic proficiency rate of 58.8% from the 2018-19 school year.
In addition to the increase in overall proficiency, there are encouraging signs of progress, including a rise in graduation rates, improved passing rates on state exams, and a reduction in the number of schools receiving D and F performance grades. The proportion of schools classified as low-performing has decreased compared to the previous year, with 31.5% receiving a D or F mark, down nearly two percentage points from 2022.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The impact of Hurricane Helene was significant in Western North Carolina, disrupting educational progress and resulting in some districts losing as many as 30 instructional days. Districts like Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools experienced declines in proficiency rates that were less severe than those recorded in other areas affected by the storm.
State Superintendent Mo Green has highlighted the importance of recent test results as a benchmark for future academic progress. These scores are viewed as a starting point, with the State Board of Education aiming to establish North Carolina as home to the best public schools in the nation by 2030. The strategic plan lays out ambitious objectives for the next five years, including achieving a 92% graduation rate and an average ACT score of 20.
North Carolina’s proficiency rates on state exams fell to a pandemic low of 45.4% during the 2020-21 school year. Recent years have shown improvement, with proficiency rates rising in 12 out of 15 state math and reading exams compared to three years ago. However, third-grade reading proficiency has decreased to 46.6%, down from 48.6%, emphasizing persistent challenges in early literacy.
The four-year high school graduation rate has reached a record high of 87.7%, up from 87% the previous year, indicating a positive trend in high school completion. The state’s focus has also included significant investment in Career and Technical Education, with aims to increase credential attainment to 500,000 by 2030.
The implementation of the LETRS training program for teachers has brought a renewed focus on phonics in reading instruction, which is expected to enhance literacy outcomes. Proficiency levels in science are also worth noting, with fifth-grade passing rates at 62%, eighth-grade rates at 60%, and high school biology at 48.3%.
Amid these developments, concerns about public school funding persist. North Carolina ranks 48th in the nation for per-pupil spending. As a result, there is growing advocacy among educators for increased resources, particularly in light of a potential overturn of the 2022 ruling in the Leandro case that mandated enhanced education funding. The state’s strategic plan, shaped by feedback from over 5,000 residents, encompasses eight key pillars aimed at revitalizing public education, including initiatives focused on teacher recruitment and retention, as well as character development for students.
In conclusion, while North Carolina’s public schools are making strides in recovery from the pandemic, the journey towards achieving pre-pandemic academic achievement remains ongoing. The recent improvements serve as a foundation for future educational efforts and highlight the significant work that remains ahead.
FAQ
What is the current proficiency rate for North Carolina’s public schools?
As of the 2024-25 academic year, 55% of students in North Carolina’s public schools were proficient on state exams, which is an increase from 54.2% the previous year.
How did Hurricane Helene affect schools in North Carolina?
Hurricane Helene caused significant disruptions, with some districts losing up to 30 instructional days, impacting overall educational progress and proficiency rates.
What steps is the State Board of Education taking to improve public schools?
The State Board of Education has set a goal to have the best public schools in the nation by 2030, with strategic plans including targets for graduation rates, ACT scores, and increased funding for public education.
What were the graduation rates for North Carolina’s high schools recently?
The four-year high school graduation rate in North Carolina rose to 87.7%, which is the highest rate in state history.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Overall Student Proficiency | 55% on state exams |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% (highest rate) |
| D/F Performance Grades | 31.5% of schools received D or F |
| Impact of Hurricane Helene | Caused significant educational disruptions |
| Third-grade Reading Proficiency | 46.6% (decrease from last year) |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Nash Early College High School Academic Achievements
- News Observer: North Carolina Education News
- WCNC: North Carolina Student Performance 2024-25
- ABC11: Ambitious 5-Year Plan for Improvement
- NC Newsline: Board of Education Approves 5-Year Plan
- Wikipedia: Education in North Carolina
- Google Search: North Carolina Education Resources
- Google Scholar: North Carolina Public School Funding
- Google News: North Carolina Education Achievements
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.
