New Hanover Schools results show graduation growth, failing schools

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — State Board of Education leaders released student, school performance grades this morning. Officials said while the graduation rate has increased across the state, school grades remained in similar positions as last year.

The assessments are based on standards that gauge grade-level proficiency (GLP) and career and college readiness (CCR).

In New Hanover County, school leaders said the graduation rate among students continues to climb, reaching 81.6% in 2015 compared to 74.3% in 2011. The state average graduation rate, however, was 85.4%. Data shows while the graduation rate is lower than the state average, NHCS has higher grade level proficiency scores and career and college ready scores compared to state averages.

NHCS READY Results

In terms of school performances, there were highs and lows:

• Elementary schools that scored A+ or A include Ogden (A+), Codington (A+), Parsley (A+) and Wrightsville Beach (A) elementary schools. Elementary schools that received an F include Freeman School of Engineering and Snipes Academy of Arts/Design. Gregory and Winter Park Model elementary schools received a D grade.
• No middle schools received an A grade. Noble Middle School was the only school to receive a B. D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy and Williston Middle Schools scored a D grade.
• Isaac Bear High and Wilmington Early College High scored an A grade. No high school scored a D or F. Ashley High and New Hanover High scored a C grade.

I’ll tell you, that’s one of the problems I have with this grading system,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said. “It tends to characterize an entire school and paint a broad brush. But the reality is when you go into these schools, there are great teachers providing great instruction to those students.”