Richmond County Schools is celebrating major gains in the 2025-2026 state accountability results released this week by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

The district’s four-year graduation rate continued its upward trend in 2025-2026, increasing to 90.4%, above the state rate of 88.8%. The increase follows hard work by students alongside continued dropout prevention efforts and individualized support from staff to help students stay on track for graduation.

“Seeing our graduation rate reach 90.4% is something I am extremely proud of,” said Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell. “Graduation is what we are working toward for every student who walks through our doors. Our students deserve tremendous credit for getting there, and so do the teachers, counselors, administrators and staff who support them.”

Richmond County Schools’ overall achievement composite increased five percentage points from 2024-2025, with achievement increasing on 12 of 18 state assessments. Behind that growth has been an intentional focus on high-quality instruction, deep student engagement and creating a sense of belonging for all students.

The district saw substantial improvement at the high school level. Achievement increased in every tested high school subject, with Richmond Senior High School among the schools posting major achievement gains this year. Cordova Middle School, Ellerbe Middle School and Monroe Avenue Elementary School each posted major gains in student achievement scores. Likewise, middle and high school English Language Arts results were also up across the board, with increases on every secondary ELA assessment.

Richmond Early College High School and Cordova Middle School exceeded expected growth. Across schools, student data chats have also become part of the academic conversation, giving students an opportunity to understand their performance and take a more active role in setting goals for their own learning.

Four schools also exited the state’s low-performing designation, following continued work to improve student achievement and growth. Principals have played a central role in that work through a commitment to instructional leadership and keeping student achievement at the center of everything they do.

Ashley Chapel Educational Center continued its progress under North Carolina’s alternative school accountability model, earning a Progressing designation again for 2025-2026.

“Our teachers and school leaders have put an incredible amount of work into improving instruction and meeting students where they are academically,” Smith said. “We are seeing that work pay off in schools across the district. We also know where our challenges are, and we have work to do. We will celebrate these successes while continuing to push for growth in the areas that need our attention.”

The districts increases are a result of the hard work and dedication of many staff and the structures put in place to support the whole child.