The back-to-school season came with an annual reminder of areas to celebrate and focus on for students in Surry County. According to the 2025-26 North Carolina Public Schools testing results presented to the State Board of Education members on September 2, Surry County Schools ranked 33rd out of 115 school systems in overall performance, placing the district in the top 29% of the state.
Students in grades 3-12 continued to achieve higher than the state and region. Surry County had an overall grade-level proficiency score of 60.8%, while the state of North Carolina had an overall score of 59.2%. This is a 3.1% increase from the 2024-2025 school year. 16 out of 20 schools in the district met or exceeded growth. Additionally, 50% of the district’s schools saw increases in their School Performance Grades.
The cohort graduation rate for the 2025–26 school year stands at 94.3%, placing Surry County Schools 5.5 percentage points above the state average of 88.8% and among the highest graduation rates in North Carolina. While the district’s graduation rate decreased slightly by 0.3 percentage points from the previous year, Surry County Schools has seen a 4.9 percentage-point increase over the past three years, reflecting a strong and sustained commitment to student success. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of students and staff, as well as the support of families and community partners. Local businesses continue to play an important role in preparing students for life beyond high school by providing internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, mentorship opportunities, and other real-world experiences.
Additional academic gains were seen across grade levels and subject areas. 6 of the 7 tested reading areas in grades 3-12 showed increases in proficiency, including a 5.5% increase in Grade 3 and a 6.2% increase in Grade 8. In math, 6 of the 8 tested areas showed gains, highlighted by a 4.1% increase in Grade 7 math and an 8.5% increase in Grade 8 math. Science also showed progress, with all test science areas from grades 5-12 increasing in proficiency. Grade 5 science increased by 3.8%, Grade 8 science by 14%, and Biology increased by 6.5%.
Surry County’s middle schools also achieved remarkable academic momentum with all middle schools meeting or exceeding their growth goals for the 2025-26 school year.
Dr. Steve Hall, Superintendent, was enthusiastic about the data, stating, “I could not be more proud of our students and staff and the remarkable results reflected in the 2025–2026 state testing data. Eighty percent of our schools, 16 out of 20, met or exceeded their growth targets, representing a 10% increase from the previous year, and every one of our middle schools met or exceeded growth. Even more encouraging, 11 of our 20 schools improved or maintained their School Performance Grade. These results are a powerful reflection of the hard work, determination, and commitment of our students, teachers, principals, and staff. I am incredibly grateful for the countless hours of teaching, learning, collaboration, and support that made these accomplishments possible. This is what happens when we believe in what is possible and work together to make it happen.”
As Surry County Schools begins a new school year, the district is carrying that momentum forward with a clear focus on what comes next. This year’s theme, Powered by Possibility, reflects the belief that every student has the potential to achieve more when given the right opportunities, support, and encouragement. The gains from 2025-26 provide a strong foundation, but the goal is not simply to celebrate where we are; it is to continue moving forward.