CMS reports historic academic gains as most schools earn passing grades

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is celebrating what district leaders are calling historic academic gains after the release of the latest state accountability data.

Of CMS’ 184 schools, 136 received an A, B, or C grade. Only two schools received an F.

The number of CMS schools designated as low-performing also dropped significantly, from 50 during the 2021-22 school year to 28 this year.

“Today’s results give us many reasons to be encouraged,” said Dr. Melissa Balknight, CMS deputy superintendent.

One of the schools showing significant improvement is Ashley Park Pre-K-8 in west Charlotte.

The school improved from an F to a C in just two years.

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Timmy Embaye initially pulled his son from Ashley Park after becoming frustrated with his third-grade education.

“In 3rd grade he went here, he didn’t learn much, so that’s why we pulled him out,” Embaye said.

This year, he decided to give the school another chance. He said he is already seeing a difference in the way his son is supported.

“If he’s behind, they pull him out and take him to another class, one-on-one teacher,” Embaye said.

CMS leaders said literacy achievement was a particular bright spot. Nearly 77% of third graders reached proficiency, an 11-percentage-point improvement from the pandemic.

“Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools outperformed North Carolina in overall grade proficiency and college and career readiness,” said Beth Thompson.

CMS Board Vice Chair Dee Rankin credited strong goals, strategy and discipline throughout the district.

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“I think having strong goals, strong strategy, discipline with culture, and having all that flow from the leader all the way down to the classroom,” Rankin said.

Despite the gains, CMS leaders acknowledged there is still work to do.

“We are not satisfied with where we stand in terms of achievement gaps,” Thompson said.

The district also saw gains in graduation rates, with nearly 88% of students graduating with their cohort last year.

CMS Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was not at the event. She was in Raleigh at the state Department of Public Instruction, where CMS was recognized for student achievement from the previous school year.

You can view the drastic improvement within Cabarrus County Schools here.