PLYMOUTH — Washington County Schools released student performance data from the 2025-2026 school year this week, showing improvement in reading and science even as district leaders flagged mathematics as an area requiring immediate attention.
“Our work is not finished,” Superintendent David White said. “We will continue moving forward with urgency, consistency, and purpose as we build sustainable success for every student and every school in Washington County.”
And yes, that is a file photo from Washington County High School’s commencement from May — photo pops better than a standard report card graphic.
District-wide reading scores improved, with third- and sixth-graders posting the most notable gains. Science scores also climbed, led by a substantial increase in fifth-grade performance and continued improvement in eighth grade. Biology scores at the high school level saw significant gains as well, and English II end-of-course results improved.
Washington County Elementary School stood out as an example of the district’s overall progress. The school’s state performance score rose eight points, from 44 to 52, and it exceeded its expected growth target, with its growth score jumping from 58.8 to 83.6.
The elementary school’s reading numbers reached five-year highs across the board. Its reading performance score rose from 39 to 52, reading achievement climbed from 33.0 to 42.7, and reading growth increased from 64.0 to 87.8 — all surpassing prior five-year marks. The school also posted gains in overall achievement, up from 39.8 to 43.6, and in science, up from 44.6 to 47.5. Its math growth score rose from 62.0 to 71.9, meeting the state’s expected growth benchmark.
Superintendent White credited the improvements to the work of students, staff and families districtwide, saying the results at the elementary school in particular showed what focused instruction and high expectations can accomplish.
Despite those gains, math performance declined across multiple grade levels and high school courses, prompting White to call it a district-wide priority moving forward. He said the district would use the data to sharpen instruction, expand intervention efforts, and make sure every student gets the support needed to improve.
District officials also want to build on this year’s reading progress. While every tested grade level improved, gains were strongest in fourth and fifth grade, and the district is aiming to bring similar growth to third grade and grades six through eight.
Officials noted that districtwide achievement figures in the release are preliminary and could shift once the state finalizes its data. Washington County Elementary’s results are posted on the North Carolina School Performance Grades Dashboard.
Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the district has named “Lesson Planning and Instructional Delivery” one of four core priorities. That effort will start with a standards-review process intended to give teachers a shared understanding of grade-level and subject-area expectations, followed by work on building and delivering lesson plans with an emphasis on standards alignment and meeting the needs of all students. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Office of District and School Support Services.
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