SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is proud to announce remarkable academic achievements for the 2023-2024 school year, as reflected in the latest performance data. The district’s commitment to educational excellence has resulted in significant academic growth, placing JCPS among the top-performing districts in North Carolina.
The performance data, released annually by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), showcases the district’s continued progress in key academic areas. JCPS students at all grade levels have excelled in various state assessments, reflecting the district’s dedication to providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment for all students.
“These amazing results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff, and our shared passion for education,” stated JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy. “It shows that we have some of the best students and educators in the state.”
Overall district performance and student achievement have been a point of emphasis since 2018 and the district’s overall performance has improved significantly since. JCPS was ranked 80th in 2018 and 83rd in 2019. The district has progressed significantly since, ranking 41st in 2023, and is currently ranked 35th in the state, according to data.
JCPS student achievement data has progressively improved since the pandemic. The district was recognized in 2023 as one of six North Carolina public school districts to exceed pre-pandemic achievement, a noteworthy achievement within itself. New data shows that JCPS is currently one of only 12 districts to exceed pre-pandemic achievement. JCPS has increased its pre-pandemic proficiency percentage by 3.5 percentage points. This change is the third greatest increase in the state among public school systems. “We are extremely proud of our accomplishments in recent years,” stated Bracy. “However, our district never stopped striving for excellence and we gladly celebrate this year’s results.”
The 2023-2024 results, which were released by NCDPI on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, shows an increase in school performance. Data indicates that the total number of low-performing schools decreased throughout the state. Likewise, JPCS saw a significant decrease in low-performing schools. The district currently has only one low-performing school, which is a decrease from 16 schools in 2018. JCPS is currently the largest district with the lowest percentage of low-performing schools.
Academic growth has been a common goal of the district, particularly since 2018. In 2018, 29% of JCPS schools met or exceeded growth, compared to the now 85%, which is an increase of 2% from 2023. Data shows that 72.5% of the schools across the state have met or exceeded growth during the 2023-2024 school year.
Likewise, in 2018 65% of JCPS schools received a school letter grade of A, B, or C. The district is proud to announce that 89% of the schools received a school letter grade of A, B, or C according to the recent report, surpassing the state average of 66.6%.
JCPS continues to exceed the state average graduation rate. The four-year Cohort Graduation Rate for the class of 2024 was 91.3%, which is well above the state average of 86.9%. “When students enter our buildings, our primary focus is to provide a quality education, within a safe environment, and build upon their knowledge day after day, and year after year,” stated JCPS Board Chair Lyn Andrews. “We understand that the ultimate goal is to equip our students with the education and skill development necessary for our students to graduate and become productive and successful citizens of society. These results make us very proud!”
JCPS has achieved consistent academic growth since the pandemic and has taken a strategic and unified approach to enhancing educational excellence, ensuring that all students reach grade-level proficiency, and beyond. “Johnston County Public Schools has seen remarkable academic achievement across our school system, thanks to the successful implementation of our rigorous K-12 core curriculums. Our comprehensive assessment system, paired with regular data reviews, has empowered our talented teachers to tailor their instructional strategies to meet the specific needs of each student,” stated JCPS Chief Academic Officer Anna Kuykendal. “This data-driven approach has been instrumental in driving student success and ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. The dedication of our educators and their commitment to excellence is truly the cornerstone of our district’s academic progress.”
Data shows that all JCPS subgroups have exceeded their pre-pandemic performance and that achievement gaps are closing. This collaborative approach, which encourages participation and engagement from students, parents, staff, and leadership has proven to be effective and has produced excellent results.
“Though we have achieved great success over the past few years, our entire school system is committed to pursuing excellence and striving for greater results,” stated Bracy. Recently, the district’s strategic plan was released and included a goal that by 2029, JCPS will perform in the top 20% in North Carolina for key indicators. Though a lofty goal, it is certainly one the district has proven to be capable of achieving. Bracy continued, “I am confident that we can achieve the desired results. We have brilliant students, outstanding educators, and parents who are committed to education. I look forward to seeing future success.”
(JCPS Press Release)
