Carteret County Public Schools is celebrating a year of significant academic progress, with students across the district achieving higher proficiency and schools demonstrating strong academic growth.
According to the official statewide release of 2025–2026 academic performance data, CCPS reached an overall district proficiency rate of 72.8%, an increase of 5.3 percentage points over the previous year and above pre-pandemic levels. The district also saw 87.5% of its schools meet or exceed expected growth, with 75% of CCPS schools increasing their overall proficiency.
The gains were evident across grade levels and subject areas. High school overall proficiency increased 8.3 percentage points to 78.0%, while NC Math 3 proficiency rose 11.6 points to 88.4%. Biology proficiency increased 9.4 points to 79.9%, and Grade 8 Science proficiency increased 7.4 points to 77.9%.
Students also made strong gains in English II, Grades 3–8 mathematics, and Grades 3–8 reading. Particularly notable were the 10-point increase in Grade 3 reading proficiency and the 9.9-point increase in Grade 8 reading proficiency.
Seven CCPS schools exceeded growth: Bogue Sound Elementary, Beaufort Elementary, Morehead City Primary, Newport Elementary, White Oak Elementary, Croatan High School, and East Carteret High School.
Seven additional schools met growth: Atlantic Elementary, Harkers Island Elementary, Morehead City Elementary, Beaufort Middle School, Broad Creek Middle School, Morehead City Middle School, and Newport Middle School.
Superintendent Richie Paylor credited the accomplishments to the collective work of students, educators, staff, and families across Carteret County.
“I am immensely proud of our students, teachers, dedicated staff, and supportive families whose hard work made these remarkable achievements possible,” Paylor said. “Reaching an overall district proficiency of 72.8%—surpassing even our pre-pandemic baselines—is a testament to the culture of excellence across Carteret County Public Schools.”
The 2025–2026 results reflect continued momentum across the district, with students making measurable progress in classrooms throughout Carteret County. CCPS is proud of the work that led to these results and remains focused on building on this success to ensure every student continues to grow and achieve.
