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WCPSS graduation rate reaches all-time high; academic proficiency improves significantly in 2023-24

Sept. 4, 2024

 

The Wake County Public School System’s four-year graduation rate reached an all-time high, and proficiency on standardized state tests approached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels in many subjects and grades, according to data released today by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

 

Our four-year graduation rate increased significantly in 2024 to 91.3%, up 1.4 percentage points from 2023. This surpasses the previous highest rate of 90.8%, set in 2020. The record-high graduation rate is especially remarkable considering these students were entering 9th grade in fall 2020, in the depths of the pandemic.

 

On state standardized tests, math scores for grades 4, 5, 6 and 8, reading scores for grades 4 and 5, science scores for fifth grade, and all end-of-course subjects except Biology for high school students are higher than before the pandemic.

 

Find more detailed statistics below. 

 

“This is a watershed moment for our school district,” says Dr. Robert P. Taylor, WCPSS superintendent. “Just a few short years ago, we were mired in the uncertainty and learning disruptions caused by the pandemic. Now - thanks to the ingenuity, professionalism, and good old fashioned hard work of our teachers and staff - we have not only mostly recovered from the pandemic, we are on a trajectory toward a new level of excellence. 

 

“Let me be clear: we are by no means declaring victory. We still have a long way to go, particularly for our students of color and lower-income students. But today is a day to celebrate everything that our students, families, and staff have accomplished in the face of adversity, even as we train our eyes on the next summit.”

 

Graduation rate

Most demographic subgroups saw an increase in the four-year graduation rate, including: 

  • English Learners - up 8.9 percentage points
  • Hispanic/Latino - up 5.6 percentage points
  • Economically Disadvantaged - up 1.5 percentage points

A number of high schools also saw significant improvements in their graduation rates, including:

  • Leesville Road High School, up 5.4 percentage points
  • Southeast Raleigh High School, up 4.9 percentage points
  • Wake Forest High School, up 4.9 percentage points
  • Wakefield High School, up 4.6 percentage points
  • Heritage High School, up 4.2 percentage points

“At the high school level, we know that the path to graduation starts as soon as students walk in the door as 9th graders,” says Malik Bazzell, principal of Wakefield High School. “That’s why we have been intentional and data-driven in our efforts to identify students who need additional support inside and outside of the classroom and to monitor their progress ”

 

Besides academic support, Bazzell credits two other factors that contributed to more students graduating on time and ready for college or career. “We encouraged students to forge a connection with the school, whether that be through athletic participation, the arts, student clubs, or even just establishing a mentor relationship with one of our staff members,” he says. “We also helped students form a plan for after graduation so they can leave confident in their next steps. Both these efforts have produced graduates who aren’t just crossing the finish line of high school, but who are prepared and inspired to succeed in the next chapter of their lives.”

 

Proficiency on standardized tests

Academic proficiency is defined as students who score a 3 or higher on state standardized tests.

 

Our overall proficiency rate is 64.2 percent, up 0.8 percentage points from the previous year, and 1 percentage point below the pre-pandemic proficiency level of 65.2 percent.

 

There was an improvement from the previous year in most grades and subjects, including:

  • Sixth grade math, up 2.9 percentage points
  • Fifth grade reading, up 2.7 percentage points
  • Math 1, up 1.9 percentage points

Most demographic subgroups also saw an increase in overall academic proficiency, including: 

  • Economically Disadvantaged, up 2.3 percentage points
  • Black/African American, up 2.0 percentage points
  • Multiracial, up 1.0 percentage point

Many schools made significant improvements in their academic proficiency, including:

 

Elementary

  • Vandora Springs Elementary School, up 15.2 percentage points
  • Beaverdam Elementary School, up 15.1 percentage points
  • Kingswood Elementary School, up 11.0 percentage points

Middle

  • West Millbrook Middle School, up 7.4 percentage points
  • Wendell Middle School, up 6.4 percentage points
  • Wakefield Middle School, up 6 percentage points

High

  • Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy, up 5.9 percentage points
  • South Garner High School, up 4.5 percentage points
  • Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy, up 3.3 percentage points 

 

Beaverdam Elementary in Raleigh increased its overall proficiency rate by more than 15 percentage points compared to the previous school year, one of the largest increases in the district. Principal Stacie McGuirt says the pandemic took a significant toll on academic performance and overall morale at Beaverdam.

 

Under her leadership, teachers, instructional assistants, and instructional coaches - referred to as "partner teachers" - all take a hands-on role in giving each student what they need. Even art, PE, and music teachers work to reinforce what students are learning in the classroom.

 

That, combined with strengthened partnerships with parents, has resulted in a school climate where students are excited to learn and proud of their accomplishments. "At Beaverdam Elementary, our success starts with a fundamental belief that all students can learn," McGuirt says. "We have created a culture where every member of our staff has a vested interest in helping every child succeed. We are encouraged by our progress, and we are eager to build on it this school year."

 

Academic growth

The percentage of schools that exceeded expected growth in academic proficiency increased 11 percentage points to 40% of WCPSS schools. The last time WCPSS schools hit this mark was in 2012-13. In total, 77 schools exceeded growth, and 88 met expected growth, meaning 85% of our schools met or exceeded expected growth. 

 

Full statewide results.