NEWTON, N.C. (WHKY) — Catawba County Schools is reporting widespread academic gains in newly released testing results for the 2025-26 school year.

The district says 25 of its 27 tested schools increased proficiency over the previous year, while 24 schools — 89% — met or exceeded academic growth expectations. Eight schools exceeded growth expectations: Clyde Campbell Elementary, Maiden Elementary, St. Stephens Elementary, Snow Creek Elementary, Arndt Middle, River Bend Middle, Bandys High and Fred T. Foard High.

Catawba County Schools also outperformed statewide results in two key measures. The district posted an overall composite proficiency rate of 61%, compared with 59% statewide. Its four-year cohort graduation rate reached 91.8%, above North Carolina’s record-high statewide rate of 88.8%.

At the elementary level, 14 of 16 schools increased proficiency. Third-grade reading proficiency increased 12.5%, third-grade math rose 7.2%, and overall elementary proficiency increased 3%.

All five middle schools increased proficiency, with eighth-grade science up 10% and overall middle-school proficiency increasing 5%. All six high schools also increased proficiency. Biology proficiency rose 8.3%, Math 1 increased 4.3%, and overall high-school proficiency increased 5%.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover said the growth reflects the work of students and educators and that the district will continue building on the progress.

Catawba County Schools administered 21,498 End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments during the 2025-26 school year.