Guilford County, N.C. – A new record-high graduation rate and across-the-board increases in proficiency highlight Guilford County Schools’ (GCS) accountability results for the 2025-26 school year. The district shared results Wednesday at Ferndale Middle, one of 86 schools that showed an increase or continued high levels of academic achievement through state testing.
The Class of 2026 had a graduation rate of 93 percent, the district’s highest ever, and an increase of nearly a full percentage point from 2025’s rate of 92.1 percent.
Districtwide academic gains
End-of-grade and end-of-course test scores districtwide increased by 3.9 percentage points, and 86 schools showed increased performance or stayed above 95 percent proficient.
Of the 19 tested subjects, grade-level proficiency increased in 17 subjects, with the largest increases in biology, high school Math 1, third-grade reading, English II and eighth-grade science.
Proficiency increased across ethnic and racial groups, with some longstanding achievement gaps narrowing.
School performance grades improved, with 27 schools improving by at least one letter grade. The district also had the lowest number of low-performing schools in more than a decade, and more schools receiving B or C grades.
Sixty-nine percent of schools met or exceeded growth, based on how much progress students are expected to make during the course of the year.
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"These results are worth celebrating, and I want to honor the hard work of our educators and leaders to ensure that our students are on track to thrive after high school,” said Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley. “Test results are only one part of that process, and we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to help them find their path and get a head start on their future.”
While celebrating these gains, district leaders emphasized that continued progress will depend on maintaining access to the academic supports and opportunities that help students succeed.
Funding challenges and ongoing support
School districts across North Carolina continue to face financial challenges after temporary federal recovery funding expired. GCS is no exception. District leaders noted that sustaining this progress will require continued investment in the academic supports that contributed to student recovery and growth.
Superintendent Oakley stated, “Our students have made tremendous progress, but maintaining the academic supports and opportunities that helped drive these gains will be increasingly difficult considering the property tax moratorium and the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this November.”
College and career readiness
GCS leaders also highlighted achievements beyond the state's accountability system that demonstrate how the district is preparing students for life after high school through the Guilford Guarantee, which is our promise that students can graduate with college credit up to an associate's degree, a career credential or a meaningful workplace experience.
Students can earn college credit through advanced placement (AP) courses. Last year, two-thirds (67 percent) of GCS students who took an AP course had the potential to earn college credit. Of the 12 percent of students taking community college courses through the Career and College Promise program, 93 percent earned college credit.
Early literacy and national recognition
Early literacy results also showed promise, with K-3 students showing an average 15-point gain in literacy skills between the beginning of the year and the end of the year. Every student group showed a double-digit increase in literacy proficiency.
The district also celebrated its most recent national recognition from the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The Early College at Guilford was once again named the No. 1 high school in North Carolina, followed by the STEM Early College at No. 2, Weaver Academy at No. 7 and Northwest High at No. 25. Brown Summit Middle was ranked the No. 1 middle school, while The Academy at Lincoln was ranked the No. 2 elementary school in North Carolina.
To view the Accountability presentation, click here.
