ECPPS Celebrates the Biggest Gains in Student Achievement to Date

Elizabeth City, N.C. — September 2, 2026 — Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) is celebrating its strongest gains in student achievement to date, with significant improvement in district proficiency, graduation rates, subject-area performance, school performance grades and achievement gaps.

On Wednesday, September 2, the district hosted a press conference at the College of the Albemarle to officially release the results of the 2025-26 North Carolina School Performance Grades. 

Student proficiency is defined as a student who scores a level 3, 4, or 5 on a North Carolina End of Grade or End of Course assessment and has demonstrated sufficient mastery of the standards in their grade level or course. A growth score is a measurement that shows how much a student has grown from previous years or subjects, and how a student compares to other students across the state in the same grade level or subject. 

The district’s overall proficiency increased 21.1 percentage points, rising from 34.1% in 2022 to 55.2% in 2026. During the same period, the district’s four-year cohort graduation rate increased 17.5 percentage points, from 65.4% to 82.9%.

The gains extend across all three tested subject areas. Since 2022, ELA proficiency increased from 35.1% to 49.2%, math proficiency increased from 28.6% to 53.8%, and science proficiency increased from 43.5% to 63.2%. Math experienced the largest increase, with proficiency climbing 25.2 percentage points.

The district also made progress in closing achievement gaps. The gap between student subgroups narrowed from 17 percentage points in 2022 to 10.5 percentage points in 2026, a reduction of 6.5 percentage points.

Gains Across Every ECPPS School

The district’s progress is reflected throughout its schools. Every school increased its achievement score since 2022, and five schools moved up two letter grades. In total, 11 schools increased their letter grade during the period highlighted in the district data.

Among the individual school highlights since 2022:

• Central Elementary School increased its school performance grade from 44 in 2022 to 57 in 2026, moving from a D (Low Performing) to a C.
• J.C. Sawyer Elementary School increased its school performance grade from 35 to 64, moving from an F (Low Performing) to a C since 2022.  
• Northside Elementary School increased its school performance grade from 48 to 63, moving from a D (Low Performing) to a C. NES also exceeded growth expectations in 2025-26.
• P.W. Moore Elementary School increased its school performance grade from 38 to 56, moving from an F (Low Performing) to a C. P.W. Moore exceeded growth expectations in 2025-26. 
• Sheep-Harney Elementary School increased its school performance grade from 50 to 63, moving from a D to a C.
• Weeksville Elementary School increased its school performance grade from 62 to 77, moving from a C to a B.
• Elizabeth City Middle School increased its school performance grade from 46 to 54 since 2022. While its 2026 performance grade is a D (Low Performing), the school is only 1 point away from a C, and the school’s achievement score remains higher than its 2022 score.
• River Road Middle School increased its school performance grade from 43 to 56, moving from a D (Low Performing) to a C.
• Northeastern High School increased its school performance grade from 53 to 73, moving from a D (Low Performing) to a B. NHS also exceeded its expected growth in 2025-26.
• Pasquotank County High School increased its school performance grade from 46 to 67, moving from a D (Low Performing) to a C. The school also exceeded its expected growth in 2025-26.
• Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Early College increased its school performance grade from 73 to 100, moving from a B to an A, and becoming the first school in the history of the district to have 100 percent proficiency in all state exams. ECPEC also exceeded its expected growth in 2025-26.
• H.L. Trigg (HLT) increased its school performance grade from 46 to 73, moving from an Alternative D designation to an Alternative B designation.
• Ignite Academy (Micro School): While the district’s micro school program does not receive a School Report Card grade from the state, students demonstrated strong academic growth, increasing an average of 11 points in reading and 8 points in math compared with their previous-year scores. Ignite Academy students’ data contributes to the achievement data of their home-zoned schools.

ECPPS students are also taking greater advantage of opportunities to earn college credit and career credentials while still in high school. Since fall 2022, the number of ECPPS students participating in dual-enrollment curriculum programs through College of the Albemarle has increased from 130 to 233 students, a 79% increase. Since 2022, 146 ECPPS students who participated in Career and College Promise curriculum courses at COA have gone on to earn 195 curriculum credentials, providing students with valuable college and career preparation before they graduate from high school.

Progress Beyond Test Scores

The district’s progress extends beyond academic achievement. Results from the state’s Teacher Working Conditions Survey show that 88.69% of staff agreed that their school is a good place to work and learn, up from 77.07% in 2022, an increase of more than 11 percentage points.

“This progress is a reflection of the hard work of our students, educators, school leaders, families and community partners,” said Superintendent Dr. Keith Parker.   “These numbers represent more than improved scores. They represent students who are learning, teachers who are making a difference, and schools that are continuing to move forward. We are proud of how far ECPPS has come, and excited about the achievement that awaits in the upcoming school year. When we work together and stay focused on student success, there isn’t anything we cannot achieve.”

The district’s 2025-26 school performance data also shows continued growth across elementary, middle, and high schools, with multiple schools meeting or exceeding their expected academic growth.

While ECPPS is celebrating these accomplishments, district leaders emphasize that the work is not finished. The district will continue focusing on student achievement, growth, opportunity, and preparing every learner for success beyond graduation.

“This is a moment to celebrate and a moment to commit to what is possible for our students in the community,” said Board of Education Chair Angela Cobb. “Our goal is not simply to improve a number or a letter grade. Our goal is to ensure that every ECPPS student has the skills, opportunities and support needed to live a life filled with their hopes and dreams.”

By the Numbers

• +21.1 points — District proficiency increased from 34.1% to 55.2%
• 82.9% — District cohort graduation rate, up from 65.4% in 2022
• +25.2 points — Math proficiency increased since 2022
• 5 schools — Increased two letter grades since 2022
• 11 schools — Increased a letter grade since 2022
• Every school — Increased its achievement score since 2022
• 6.5 points — Reduction in the district achievement gap
• 88.69% — Staff who say their school is a good place to work and learn

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About Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools serves students throughout Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, North Carolina. The district is committed to reimagining education so that every learner is academically challenged and prepared for life.