Nash County Public Schools Reaches Highest Academic Performance in a Decade

NASHVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2025) — Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) has reached a new milestone in academic achievement. Data from the 2024–2025 school year reveal that 73.9% of NCPS schools earned a School Performance Grade (SPG) of A, B, or C, the highest percentage since the state began issuing SPGs in 2015.

 

Of the 23 schools evaluated, 17 received a grade of C or higher. This performance reflects steady gains across the district, driven by a continued focus on instruction, data-driven supports, and family engagement.

 

Superintendent Dr. Steven Ellis said, “I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students, teachers, and staff. These strong test scores reflect not only the talent and determination of our students but also the commitment of our teachers to providing high-quality instruction every day. While we celebrate this success, we also recognize it as a stepping stone toward even greater achievement. We will continue to raise the bar and strive to make Nash County Public Schools a high performing district.”

 

Performance Overview

 

• Twelve schools exceeded growth expectations, while six schools met expected growth, according to the state’s accountability report.
• Tar River Academy has maintained its status as “progressing,” the highest level of performance in the Alternative School Accountability Model.
• Schools that exceeded growth include CITI High School, Coopers Elementary, Englewood Elementary, Nash Central High School, Nash Central Middle School, Nashville Elementary, Northern Nash High School, Nash Early College High School, Rocky Mount High School, Rocky Mount Middle School, Southern Nash High School and Southern Nash Middle School.
• Schools that met growth include Benvenue Elementary, G.R. Edwards Elementary, M.B. Hubbard Elementary, Middlesex Elementary, Red Oak Elementary and Nash Everywhere Digital Academy.
• Nash Early College High School earned an A, ranking among the state’s top academic performers for the sixth for the sixth year in a row.
• Coopers Elementary, Nash Central High School and CITI High School earned B grades, reflecting sustained academic strength and growth.
• Several schools recorded significant gains in their School Performance Grades. Coopers Elementary increased 8 points, rising from 65 (C) to 73 (B). Englewood Elementary gained 8 points, improving from 52 (D) to 60 (C). Nash Central High School advanced 7 points, moving from 66 (C) to 73 (B). Nashville Elementary achieved a 13-point increase, from 56 (C) to 69 (C). Rocky Mount Middle School improved 9 points, from 34 (F) to 43 (D).

Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services and Accountability Melissa Dancy-Smith said, “I am extremely proud of this accomplishment for our school district. It reflects the strength of collaborative teamwork among school leaders, district staff and teachers, ensuring that evidence-based practices reach our classrooms—where the true impact on students takes place.”

The district continues to expand supports designed to meet the needs of all learners. For the 2025–26 school year, priorities include expanding Advanced Teaching Roles (ATRs) by adding more multi-classroom leaders to strengthen instructional coaching and teacher leadership; extending the reach of excellent teachers. This ensures that every student has access to excellent instruction. The ATRs initiative provides pay increases and leadership opportunities for educators. Other priorities include a continued focus on K-3 literacy; increasing access to Career and Technical Education pathways, early college programs and industry-recognized credentials; and strengthening student support services through expanded mental health and counseling resources, wraparound services, and community and family engagement initiatives.

 

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Media Contact:

Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer

hlfinch@ncpschools.net