Cabarrus County Schools reach historic milestone with zero low-performing schools

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Cabarrus County Schools recorded zero low-performing schools on its latest state report card, marking the first time in district history that every school met state standards.

The performance results also revealed that the district surpassed its pre-pandemic proficiency levels.

Across the district, 25 schools earned an A or B School Performance Grade, the highest total in Cabarrus County Schools history.

The district also achieved its highest four-year graduation rate on record at 92.5%. Sarah Rees, representing Cabarrus County Schools, praised the widespread success across all communities in the district.

“It doesn’t matter where your zip code is in this county. You are going to receive an excellent education for your child,” Rees said.

Concord Middle School highlighted the district’s progress by recording one of the largest turnarounds in North Carolina.

The school climbed from the bottom 5% in the state last year to the top 3% this year.

Adam Auerbach, principal of Concord Middle School, credited the school’s staff and students for the progress.

“It’s 180 degrees from where we were,” Auerbach said. “This school had never exceeded growth, and now we’re one of the top schools in the state.”

Auerbach attributed the historic change to daily engagement and effort within the classrooms.

“Our students have a lot of pride in school, our teachers are teaching, our kids are fully engaged. We see it in discipline, attendance and academic data,” Auerbach said.

Students at the school also noted the changing environment.

One sixth-grade student at Concord Middle School said the achievement “makes me feel proud to be here.”

The student added, “Yes, I showed them my homework and what I got. And they were like, ‘Wow and they were so proud.’”

The district’s academic achievements occurred alongside sustained student population growth.

Cabarrus County Schools has nearly doubled in size over the last two decades, with its student population growing 21% between 2010 and 2020 alone.

To accommodate the increasing enrollment, the district opened three additional schools this school year.

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