Charlotte, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools achieved notable academic progress, outperforming the state average in student proficiency rates. Approximately 56% of students met proficiency on statewide exams, indicating a positive trend in performance. School grades improved, with 39% of CMS schools receiving A or B ratings, and a significant decrease in underperforming institutions. Reading and math scores also saw increases, reflecting a commitment to quality education. CMS aims to continue enhancing educational outcomes as they strive for zero F-rated schools in the coming years.
Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) achieved significant academic progress during the 2024-25 school year, as indicated by new state accountability data. The data highlights that CMS students outperformed the state average in overall student proficiency, with approximately 56% of students deemed proficient on statewide exams. This figure represents a 3 percentage point increase from the previous year, while the state average proficiency rate stands at 55%, marking a nearly 1 percentage point increase. A student is classified as “proficient” when scoring at least three out of five on end-of-grade exams.
Despite improvements, CMS’s proficiency rates have not yet returned to the pre-pandemic level of 59.8% recorded in the 2020-21 school year. Superintendent Crystal Hill expressed enthusiasm about the notable advancements observed in CMS and referenced the positive trends that have emerged in recent years.
Improving School Performance
In the recent analysis, around 39% of CMS schools received an A or B performance grade, which is a 7 percentage point increase from last year. A total of twenty-nine schools in the district achieved an A grade. Additionally, the number of schools receiving grades of D or F saw a marked decline, dropping from 40% to 29% in the 2024-25 school year, indicating overall better academic standing.
Out of the 6 schools that received an F rating, CMS officials aim for zero F-rated schools by the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Notably, approximately 61% of CMS campuses (113 schools) exceeded their growth targets, illustrating a healthy upward trend compared to just above one-third that accomplished this in the previous year. Overall, an impressive 90% of CMS schools met or exceeded their growth goals, outperforming the state average of 71% in this regard.
Reduction in Underperforming Schools
There was a significant decrease in the number of CMS schools identified as low-performing, dropping from 56 in 2023-24 to 32 in 2024-25. This marks a remarkable 43% reduction and brings the number of struggling schools below the pre-pandemic level of 42 from the 2018-19 school year.
Academic Gains in Reading and Math
The state data indicates improvements in reading and math performance among CMS students. Reading scores for grades 3-8 increased by 5.2%, while math scores saw a rise of 4.6%. The most substantial gain was observed in Math III, with an 8.2% increase. These accomplishments signify the best academic performance recorded in the history of CMS, which serves approximately 142,000 students across nearly 180 schools in the district.
Focus on Quality Education
CMS officials remain dedicated to providing quality education and enhancing educational outcomes for all students. The newly released accountability data allows parents and local communities to gain valuable insights into the performance metrics of schools and students, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to academic success across the district.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 academic year has showcased Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ commitment to improving student performance with significant gains in proficiency levels, school performance, and reductions in underperforming institutions. These trends reflect CMS’s objective to foster an academic environment conducive to learning and growth for all students.
FAQ
What was the overall proficiency rate for CMS students in 2024-25?
Approximately 56% of CMS students were proficient on statewide exams, reflecting a 3 percentage point increase from the previous year.
How many CMS schools received an A or B performance grade?
Around 39% of CMS schools received an A or B performance grade in the 2024-25 school year.
What are the current growth targets for CMS schools?
Currently, approximately 90% of CMS schools met or exceeded their growth goals, surpassing the state average of 71%.
What improvement was seen in reading and math scores?
Reading scores increased by 5.2%, while math scores rose by 4.6%, with Math III scores showing the largest increase at 8.2%.
| Feature | 2024-25 Achievement |
|---|---|
| Overall Student Proficiency Rate | 56% |
| A or B Performance Grades | 39% |
| F-rated Schools | 6 |
| Schools Exceeding Growth Targets | 61% |
| Decrease of Low-Performing Schools | 43% |
| Increase in Reading Scores | 5.2% |
| Increase in Math Scores | 4.6% |
| Increase in Math III Scores | 8.2% |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer Article
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- WCNC News Article
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 2025 academic performance
- WSOC TV News Article
- Google Scholar: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- QC News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- Charlotte Weekly Article
- Google News: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools education 2025
Author: HERE Charlotte
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