Last Updated on September 16, 2026 10:59 am
North Carolina public school students, including those across the High Country in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties, posted another year of academic gains in 2025-26, according to data presented to the State Board of Education this month, with a record-high graduation rate and improved performance on most standardized tests.
The four-year cohort graduation rate rose to 88.8% in 2025-26, up from the previous record of 87.8% the year before. State officials say the milestone moves North Carolina closer to a “Best in Nation” goal outlined in the state's strategic plan, Achieving Educational Excellence.
Statewide test proficiency also improved. The combined proficiency rate across all end-of-grade and end-of-course exams reached 59.2%, the highest mark in three years, with 14 of 15 reading and math tests posting three-year highs. Results improved across all race and ethnicity subgroups as well. College and career readiness — a score of 4 or 5 on state exams — rose to 37.5% of students, up from 34.7% the previous year, improving on 16 of 18 tests statewide.
Science scores saw a notable jump, led by biology proficiency, which rose from 48% to 59% — an 11-percentage-point increase in a single year. English Language Learners also posted gains, with 36% of students making progress or exiting EL status, up from 27% two years ago.
The average ACT composite score for 11th graders rose to 18.4, with 55% of students scoring a 17 or higher, the minimum for admission to a UNC System school. State officials noted this year's ACT results include a one-time statistical bump from a nationwide rescoring correction after a technical issue with spring 2026 testing, and said they will watch how results compare in future years.
School performance grades also improved, with the share of schools earning a D or F dropping to 23%, down from 31% the year before — 162 fewer low-performing schools than the previous year. Only 10 school districts statewide were designated low-performing this year, the fewest since 2018-19.
“These academic achievement results are a testament to the incredible work happening across North Carolina's public schools,” said State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. NCDPI Chief Accountability Officer Dr. Michael Maher added that “students and educators across North Carolina should be proud of this progress.”
