Strong Academic Progress in the Latest State Accountability Results

Kannapolis City Schools is proud to announce strong academic progress in the latest state accountability results, reflecting the district’s commitment to “Building Bridges & Filling Gaps” and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Districtwide Highlights

• Graduation rate climbed to 89.3%, an increase of nearly 9 percentage points from last year and the highest in recent history.
• Students earned a record 2,315 career credentials in 2024–25, compared to just 536 in the previous year.
• Achievement scores increased across multiple schools, with notable gains in reading and math.
• English Learner (ELL) progress continues to rise, especially in elementary grades.
• The district’s implementation of the CKLA reading curriculum is already showing a positive impact on literacy outcomes.
• Math growth was strong districtwide, with several schools exceeding state expectations.

School-Level Successes

• A.L. Brown High School: Achievement up 9.1 points; graduation rate and credentials rose dramatically.
• Kannapolis Middle School 7/8: Positive math growth, increased stability in staffing. 
• Kannapolis Middle School 6: First year as an independent school, but overall achievement was seen for this cohort. 
• Forest Park Elementary: Met all growth indicators, exceeding in math.
• Fred L. Wilson Elementary: Exceeded growth in both reading and math.
• G.W. Carver Elementary: Achievement increased 9.4 points and exceeded growth in both reading and math. 
• Jackson Park Elementary: Met growth status with consistent reading and math results.
• North Kannapolis Elementary: Achievement up 6.2 points, with notable science growth.
• Shady Brook Elementary: Achievement up 9.5 points; school performance grade increased.
   

“These results show the incredible effort of our students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Superintendent Sara Newell. “From the record-breaking number of career credentials to the impressive increases in graduation rates and academic growth, Kannapolis City Schools is moving forward with momentum. Our focus on aligned instruction, coaching, and student-centered supports is paying off, and we will continue to work together to get 1% better every day.” 

Kannapolis City Schools will continue to build momentum in postsecondary readiness, math and reading growth, and ELL achievement through an expanded instructional support model with a focus on instructional coaching K-12, Multilingual and Academically Gifted Specialists, and Instructional Technology Facilitators working in classrooms with teachers to provide targeted support for teachers and students alike. Kannapolis City School teachers are passionate, dedicated, and work hard to ensure every student in their classroom succeeds. We will continue to grow every day, and we know the achievement of students will reflect the hard work and time given by staff and students daily.