Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) achieved the highest graduation rate in district history at 91.7% in 2024–25, according to statewide proficiency and accountability results released today by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The milestone surpasses last year’s 90.6% and eclipses the district’s previous record of 91.4% set in 2020. 

The historic graduation rate headlines a year of significant academic improvement across all grade levels, with CCS students posting their highest proficiency levels since 2019 and showing strong growth in both math and reading achievement – improving the district’s state ranking in Grade Level Proficiency (GLP) to 8th of 115 districts statewide.  CCS was ranked 15th in GLP last year. 

“These milestone graduation rate and grade level proficiency gains are a testament to the commitment of our students, families, educators, and staff,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki. “It reflects the shared belief among us all that every student can and will succeed.” 

The historic graduation rate headlines a year of significant academic improvement across all grade levels, with CCS students posting their highest proficiency levels since 2019 and showing strong growth in both math and reading achievement. Nine CCS schools ranked in the top 10% statewide for student growth – led by W.R. Odell Elementary, who was the highest growing elementary school in North Carolina for the 2024-25 school year. 

"These results are a testament to the relentless dedication of our teachers, school leaders, and staff, who work tirelessly each day to support student growth and achievement,” said CCS Chief Academic Officer Sarah Reeves. “This year, our schools have made meaningful gains, with many exceeding growth expectations and several improving their overall performance.  

“While there is more work to do, the overall upward trajectory is clear. We celebrate the collective efforts of our educators, staff, and students, and our progress reaffirms our commitment to providing every student with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed and reach their full potential. Even as we celebrate this past year’s successes, our teams remain fully engaged, working on continuous improvement on behalf of the more than 35,000 students and families we are honored to serve every day.” 

Key Highlights from the 2024–25 State Report Card Results 

• Record Graduation Rate: 91.7%, the highest in CCS history. 

• High growth:  W. R. Odell Elementary School produced the highest growth score in the state among elementary schools.  Other CCS schools whose growth scores cracked the top 10% statewide included Harris Road Middle , Hickory Ridge Elementary, Concord High, Harrisburg Elementary, Weddington Hills Elementary, Pitts School Road Elementary, Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College, and R.Brown McAllister STEM Elementary. 

• More “A” and “B” Schools: CCS increased from 18 to 20 “A” or “B” schools. 

• Consistent Excellence: Maintained 9 “A” schools from last year. 

• Growth Across High Schools: Every CCS high school (11) “Met Growth” or “Exceeded Growth.” 

• Improved Performance Scores: 34 of 41 schools increased their School Performance Grade numerical score. 

• Overall Proficiency: CCS reached 63.7% proficient on reading and math and science, the district’s highest since 2019—a 2.1% increase from last year and the highest-ever ranking in the state for CCS at #8 of 115 districts. 

• Student Achievement Gains: 

               Math Proficiency (Grades 3–8): Increased from 62.4% to 65.2%. 

               Reading Proficiency (Grades 3–8): Increased from 58.4% to 62.3%. 

• College and Career Readiness: 

               English Learner Progress: Improved significantly from 29.7% to 37.9%. 

               ACT college readiness benchmark attainment increased from 44.2% to 55.0%. 

               WorkKeys achievement rate rose from 61.4% to 66.2%. 

               Overall college/career readiness on ACT or WorkKeys improved from 56.0% to 56.7%. 

“These results show that we are not only graduating more students but also preparing them for success after high school—whether that’s college, a career, or the military,” said Dr. Kopicki. “The gains across every area of accountability reflect the dedication of our teachers and the resilience of our students.” 

For more information on statewide school performance data, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s website.