Record Graduation Rates
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Reports Record Graduation Rates and Higher Test Scores
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Key Points
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In the 2025-26 accountability year, 36% of North Carolina public schools earned A or B, up from 29% the year before; the share of D or F schools fell to 23%, and only 3.2% of schools received an F.
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About 73% of schools met or exceeded growth in 2025-26, indicating sustained progress in student growth alongside higher achievement.
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North Carolina’s school grades are calculated with 80% of the score coming from student achievement (test results) and 20% from growth, on a 15-point scale (A = 85–100, F = 39 or less).
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The state provides a searchable database that allows parents to view per-school results, including growth and achievement, with a breakdown visible for math, reading, and overall academics.
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Science testing changed in 2025 with more rigorous standards, meaning 2025 and 2026 science results aren’t directly comparable to earlier years.
North Carolina's public schools hit a major milestone in 2025-26, with the state reaching a record 88.8% four-year graduation rate and a 59.2% proficiency rate on state exams — the highest level in several years and the first time above pre-pandemic levels Blue Ridge Now. The gains reflect broad improvement across the state, with 36% of schools earning A or B grades, up from 29% the previous year, and only 3.2% receiving an F DPI.
Fourth Straight Year of Better Graduation Rates
North Carolina's graduation rate has climbed for four consecutive years, reaching 88.8% in 2025-26 Citizen Times. This represents steady progress toward keeping more students on track through high school. Individual school districts also reported strong results — Cumberland County Schools, for example, posted a district-wide graduation rate of 88.7%, matching the state trend Biz Fayetteville.
More Schools Earning Top Grades, Fewer Failing
The share of North Carolina schools receiving A or B grades jumped to 36% in 2025-26, up from 29% the year before DPI. At the same time, schools earning D or F grades dropped to 23%, down sharply from 31%. The state grades schools on a 15-point scale, with 80% of the score based on student achievement test results and 20% on student growth DPI.
Test Proficiency Climbs Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
State exam proficiency reached 59.2%, marking the highest rate in several years and the first time the state has topped its 2019 pre-pandemic level Blue Ridge Now. This improvement came despite pandemic-related disruptions to schooling. About three-quarters of schools — roughly 73% — met or exceeded growth targets in 2025-26, showing sustained progress in how fast students are learning DPI.
Science Standards Change Complicates Year-to-Year Comparison
North Carolina introduced more rigorous science standards in 2025, meaning that 2025 and 2026 science test results cannot be directly compared to earlier years DPI. Math and reading scores, however, show clear multi-point gains and remain comparable over time. The state emphasizes that test scores are just one measure of student learning and does not capture every aspect of what students know and can do.
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