North Carolina Graduation Rate Hits Record 88.8% as Test Scores Improve

North Carolina public schools posted a record four-year graduation rate of 88.8% for the 2025-26 school year, up from 87.8% the year before, according to results released Wednesday by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Across end-of-grade and end-of-course assessments, 59.2% of students were proficient across all subjects and grades, the highest statewide composite of the past three years. The share of students considered college and career ready rose to 37.5%, compared with 34.7% in 2024-25. Biology proficiency increased sharply, reaching 59% after standing at 48% a year earlier.

School performance grades also improved. NCDPI reported that the share of schools receiving a D or F fell to 23% from 31%, while 162 fewer schools were designated low-performing. Ten districts were designated low-performing, 13 fewer than in the previous year.

The state cautioned that this year’s ACT results include a one-time score correction tied to a technical scoring issue affecting spring 2026 online school-day testing nationwide.