North Carolina school districts report significant academic growth

Two North Carolina school districts, Dare County and Lee County, have reported significant academic improvements and performance milestones for the recent school year.

Dare County Schools achieved a record four-year graduation rate of 96.4%. For the first time, two district schools, Dare Early College and First Flight High School, earned A performance grades. Additionally, Manteo Elementary School improved from a D to a C. The district reported that all schools met or exceeded expected academic growth, with a combined average growth score of 84.8%.

Lee County Schools reported a major turnaround, noting that the district no longer has any schools designated as “low performing.” This makes Lee County one of only 24 districts in North Carolina without such designations. All 14 of the district's graded schools showed improvement in either their School Performance Score, academic growth, or both. East Lee Middle School saw the largest district-wide improvement, increasing its overall state performance grade by 14 points.