Ashe County Schools Achieves Top 10 Ranking in North Carolina for 2023-24 Academic Year
Ashe County, NC – September 2024 – Ashe County Schools is thrilled to announce its outstanding performance in the 2023-24 North Carolina End-of-Course (EOC) and End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments. The district has earned a prestigious TOP 10, ranking 9th of 115 school districts statewide, showcasing its dedication to academic excellence.
Key highlights of Ashe County Schools’ 2023-24 testing results include
- #1 in the State for 6th Grade Math: Our 6th graders led the state in mathematics achievement.
- #1 in the State for All 8th Grade Tests: Ashe County’s 8th graders ranked first in overall performance across all tests.
- #2 in the State and #1 in the Region for 8th Grade Math: Our 8th-grade math students placed second in the state and first in the region, across both EOGs and EOCs.
- #3 in the State and #1 in the Region for 7th Grade Math: Our 7th-grade math students achieved third place in the state and first in the region.
- #3 in the State and #1 in the Region for Grades 5 & 8 Science: Students in grades 5 and 8 excelled in science, securing a top-three state ranking and leading the region.
- #4 in the State and #1 in the Region for Grades 3-8 Math: Across grades 3 through 8, our students collectively ranked third in the state and first in the region for math.
- #4 in the State and #1 in the Region for 8th Grade Science: Our 8th-grade science students ranked fourth in the state and first in the region.
- #1 in the Region and #8 in the State for High School ACT: Ashe County’s high school students excelled on the ACT, achieving the top regional score and placing 8th in the state in the percentage of students who are considered college and career-ready.
In addition to these remarkable rankings, 100% of elementary and middle schools in Ashe County met or exceeded academic growth expectations. This achievement highlights the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational progress. Notably, Ashe County Middle School ranks in the top 3% of all schools in North Carolina for academic growth and the Graduation Rate for Ashe County Schools has climbed to 88.89%, the highest in Ashe County Schools’ history, surpassing the State of North Carolina.
Superintendent Dr. Eisa Cox praised the district’s success, stating, “These results reflect the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and all staff. Ashe County Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares our students for success, and these rankings are a testament to our collective efforts. The love, time, and care our teachers and staff pour into each student are the true foundations of these accomplishments, ensuring every child feels supported and valued on their educational journey. And we are thankful to our parents and community for being true partners in this effort.”
It’s important to recognize that state testing covers only a small portion of the subjects and courses that students study in school. These school report cards do not reflect critical areas such as history, social studies, health, art, music, physical education, many of the sciences, and advanced mathematics, all important for a well-rounded education. Under a comprehensive educational model, we provide ALL students with opportunities not measured in state testing.
Over the past four years, Ashe County Schools’ students have excelled in career and technical education, earning 6, 116 industry-recognized credentials, preparing them for future employment. During the same period, 120 students completed an associate degree or certificate from Wilkes Community College while still in high school. Our exceptional children (EC) participating in the Occupational Course of Study completed over 600 work-based learning hours each. In the 2023-24 school year, 234 high school students completed at least one class at our community college, with over 150 students earning college credit in math or science courses, setting them on a path to post-secondary success.
These achievements result from the collective courage, hard work, communication, guidance, and care of our students, teachers, parents, and staff, from the moment students enter our pre-K program to the day they walk across the graduation stage. Ashe County Schools is committed to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond state testing, ensuring every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for success. By working together, we strive to improve lives and provide all students with a safe and enriching learning experience every day, without exception.
About Ashe County Schools:
Ashe County Schools is committed to delivering a comprehensive and rigorous education to all students, collectively inspiring and preparing students to live their best lives. All students receive free breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of northwest North Carolina, the district serves 2850 students pre-K–12 and is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth for every child.
