CMS Sees Improvement, Still Below Pre-COVID

Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is celebrating a stronger showing in the 2025 state accountability scores. For the first time in district history, 123 schools earned an A, B, or C performance grade – adding 21 schools in one year and a record single‑year jump. 

However, 30% of the schools in the district still have a D or F performance grade, which Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill vowed to eliminate by next year, no matter how improbable.

Across the district, 156 schools met or exceeded growth targets. While much of North Carolina saw statewide student rise in math and reading, CMS was just barely above the state average in overall grade‑level proficiency at 55.8% compared to 55%.

Even with the increase, state testing scores still lag behind scores pre-COVID.

Comparatively, in national test scores released back in January, CMS performed better than national large city public schools in math, and on par nationally in reading, while seeing a decline in that category. 

Brett Jensen (@Brett_Jensen)

Senior Reporter

WBT News