FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026
Chatham County Schools Continues Strong Academic Performance in 2025–2026 Accountability Results
District surpasses state proficiency and graduation rates as schools demonstrate continued growth and achievement
Pittsboro, N.C. – Chatham County Schools students continue to outperform their peers statewide, according to the 2025–2026 North Carolina accountability results, with the district exceeding state averages in both academic proficiency and graduation rates while schools across Chatham County demonstrated significant growth and achievement.
Across 11,915 state assessments administered during the 2025–2026 school year, 66.1% of Chatham County Schools students demonstrated grade-level proficiency, compared with 59.2% statewide — a difference of nearly seven percentage points.
The district’s four-year cohort graduation rate also climbed to 92.3%, exceeding North Carolina’s statewide graduation rate of 88.8% by 3.5 percentage points.
“These results reflect the tremendous work happening every day in classrooms throughout Chatham County,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelly Batten. “Our students continue to demonstrate what they are capable of achieving when they are challenged and supported by educators who believe in their success. While we are proud of these accomplishments, we also recognize that accountability data gives us valuable information about where we can continue to grow. Our focus remains on moving forward together and ensuring every student has access to opportunities for high quality teaching and learning needed to succeed.”
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE CONTINUES TO CLIMB
Chatham County Schools saw continued improvement in School Performance Grades during the 2025–2026 school year, with two schools earning an “A” and 11 schools earning a “B.”
Among the district’s notable achievements:
Seaforth High School improved its School Performance Grade from a “B” to an “A.”
Chatham Early College earned an “A” School Performance Grade for the fourth year in a row.
J.S. Waters School improved from a “C” to a “B.”
Silk Hope School improved from a “C” to a “B.”
The results reflect continued academic progress at schools across grade levels and communities throughout the district.
11 SCHOOLS EXCEED EXPECTED GROWTH
In addition to strong proficiency results, 11 Chatham County schools exceeded expected academic growth during the 2025–2026 school year.
Growth measures provide an important complement to proficiency data by examining how much academic progress students make over the course of a school year.
Several schools continued particularly strong records of sustained growth.
Virginia Cross Elementary School exceeded expected growth for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating consistent academic progress and sustained instructional success.
Chatham Early College exceeded expected growth for the fourth year, continuing its strong record of student achievement.
“These sustained results are especially meaningful because growth tells us about the progress students are making from where they began,” Batten said. “Whether a student enters the year already performing above grade level or needing additional support, we want each student to grow. This student-centered focus guides our work as ONE Chatham.”
CHATHAM STUDENTS OUTPACE STATE PERFORMANCE
Districtwide proficiency results again demonstrate strong academic performance compared with North Carolina as a whole.
Of the 11,915 state tests administered to Chatham County Schools students, 66.1% were proficient, compared with a statewide proficiency rate of 59.2%.
The district also continued to outperform the state in one of its most important student outcomes: high school graduation.
Chatham County Schools posted a 92.3% four-year cohort graduation rate, compared with 88.8% statewide.
Together, the results demonstrate both strong student achievement and continued progress across Chatham County Schools.
FORWARD TOGETHER
The 2025–2026 accountability results provide Chatham County Schools with an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of students and employees while also identifying areas for continued improvement.
As the district begins the 2026–2027 school year under the theme “ONE Chatham: Forward Together,” CCS remains focused on building upon its academic successes, strengthening instructional practices and ensuring students throughout Chatham County have access to excellent educational opportunities.
“Our accountability results are one measure of our progress and impact. More importantly, we are an organization centered on people and relationships. One assessment does not capture the full impact of students, teachers, principals, support staff, and families working together,” Batten said. “We will celebrate what has been accomplished, identify targeted areas for improvement, and then we will keep moving forward together. That is what our strategic focus of “ONE Chatham” is all about.”
For more information about Chatham County Schools, please contact CCS’s Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasión at (919) 542-3626 or visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us. For the 2025-2026 school year, parents are encouraged to review the district’s testing calendar and Right to Know Guide on our website at https://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/page/accountability.
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Media Contact:
Jessica Pasión
jpasion@chatham.k12.nc.us
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626
About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 8,600 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, anπd engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.
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