Student Test Results Show Continued Gains For Schools in Davie County
Mocksville, NC, September 2, 2026 – Davie County Schools (DCS) announced results from the 2025-2026 state accountability report, showing significant positive growth across the district, with strong progress in mathematics and college/career readiness indicators with a graduation rate that continues to climb.
The accountability data, available here, is provided annually by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The student achievement data for the 2025-26 school year is based on the proficiency of students on the end-of-grade and end-of-course tests, which align with the N.C. Standard Course of Study in English language arts (reading) and math and the Essential Standards in science.
A few highlights in the report for Davie County Schools include:
Highest five year graduation rate in Davie County Schools history - 92.4%; Second year in a row with a four year graduation rate over 90%
Overall Grade Level Proficiency is at 60%, the highest since before 2020
Six schools improved their overall grade level proficiency compared to 2024-2025
ACT performance (academic readiness) rose to 61.4%; an increase of 19.2 points over the last two years
ACT Work Keys (workplace readiness) rose to 67.8%
English Learners progress continues to improve and has more than doubled since the end of the 2021-2022 (35%)
College and Career Readiness in math improved 12.9 points over the last five years (now at 45.2%)
All six districtwide student group populations have increased in grade level proficiency over the last five years
11 schools maintained or improved their state letter grade compared to the previous school year
Five schools improved their overall School Performance Grade (SPG) over the 2024-2025 school year
Cornatzer Elementary increased a letter grade in SPG, improving by 13 points
Seven schools met or exceeded growth in 2025-2026
“Overall, Davie County Schools academic performance continues to move forward in a positive direction, with stronger student outcomes in several important areas,” said Dr. Heath Belcher, superintendent, Davie County Schools. “We are proud of the results so far, along with the hard work done to get us to this point. The next phase of improvement needs to be about consistency and closing gaps. As we continue to dream big for every student, we know there is more work ahead to ensure every student experiences that same level of success, while creating more consistent opportunities for success in every classroom, school and student group across our district.”
Also included in the annual report, the state issues the A-F letter grades to individual schools and identifies those that met academic growth targets. The school grades are based 80% on achievement, including proficiency on end of year tests and success in other indicators, and 20% on growth on tests. Schools which receive a “D” or lower and do not exceed growth expectations are categorized as low performing. Only one Davie County school, South Davie Middle School, fell into this designation. Cornatzer Elementary, last year’s only low performing school, exited that status this year.
“School letter grades do not tell the full story of what happens in our schools each day,” said Belcher. “They cannot fully capture the dedication of our educators, the hard work and growth of our students, the support of our families, or the meaningful relationships and opportunities that help prepare every student for a successful future. We are confident in the systems and supports we have in place to continue moving forward and improving outcomes for every student.”
Belcher added that the district will implement an updated strategic plan in October to build on the current progress, guide future goals and measure the progress of students and staff as we go along. “The plan will continue to help us stay focused on what matters most: student learning, strong instruction, and creating opportunities as we engage, equip, and empower all learners to dream big for their future.”