New Hanover County Schools reports significant academic gains in 2026

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Schools is reporting significant academic gains in 2026, including double-digit increases in Math 1 and Biology proficiency and a graduation rate that reached its highest level in 10 years.

According to the district, NHCS performed above the North Carolina average on 17 of 18 summative assessments.

Following the 2024-25 school year, the district identified High School Math 1, the graduation rate and third-grade reading as strategic academic priorities. NHCS said it implemented targeted strategies and instructional initiatives focused on improving student achievement in those areas.

The district’s 2026 results include:

• Math 1 proficiency: Increased 14.7 percentage points, from 32.4% to 47.1%. NHCS also improved its statewide ranking from 65th to 33rd.
• Biology proficiency: Increased 15.4 percentage points, from 44.3% to 59.7%. The district improved from 52nd to 33rd statewide.
• Graduation rate: Increased to 89.4%, exceeding the statewide average of 88.8%. NHCS improved its statewide ranking from 62nd to 56th, marking its highest graduation rate in 10 years.
• Graduation rate for students with disabilities: Increased to 75.1%, up 3.5 percentage points from 2025 and 8.4 points over the past 10 years.
• Reading grades 3-8: Proficiency reached 58.5%, 2.8 percentage points above the state average and ranked first among surrounding districts.
• Math grades 3-8: Proficiency reached 65.6%, 6 percentage points above the state average and ranked first among surrounding districts.
• ACT: NHCS posted an average score of 61.3, compared with 54.5 statewide, ranking 15th in North Carolina.

NHCS also ranked first among surrounding districts in seven measures, including ACT, Reading 3-8, Math 3-8, English 2, EL Progress and overall EOG/EOC performance.

Among its Big 12 comparison districts, NHCS ranked in the top four in nine of 13 core measures. That included third in ACT and fourth in Math 1, Reading 3-8, Math 3-8, Biology, English 2 and overall EOG/EOC performance.

“These results are a reflection of what is possible when talented educators, experienced school leaders, supportive families, and a committed community come together with a shared focus on student success,” superintendent Dr. Christopher R. Barnes said.

Barnes also highlighted the role of qualified educators and experienced administrators in the district’s performance.

The superintendent said the district will celebrate the progress while continuing to focus on areas where students need additional support.

“Our work is not simply about moving up a ranking; it is about preparing every student for what comes next,” Barnes said. “Our goal is for every graduate to have a clear path forward, whether that means enlisting in the military, enrolling in higher education, or entering employment.”

NHCS said the 2026 results will be used to guide instructional planning, school improvement efforts and resource allocation during the 2026-27 school year.

The district’s full academic results are available through the New Hanover County Schools website.