Each year, student outcome data is released by the state of North Carolina in the Fall. This data reflects the outcomes students achieved in the previous school year and is a reflection of how students are performing academically and is an indication of the overall health and success of a school. This past school year our teachers, staff, and students did an outstanding job. Our students Exceeded Expected Growth in Reading and Math with an EVAAS growth score of 6.45. Only 10 schools in GCS Exceed Expected Growth with an index of 5 or more, and WGHS was one of them. This is only the 3rd time our school has Exceed Expected Growth and the first time since 2016. What I am most proud of with our student growth is that our teachers met or exceeded expected growth with every single demographic student group in our school. At WGHS, our teachers and staff are intentional to ensure all students grow.
NC School Report Card Grades are a measure of how well a school is performing in all areas including Grade-Level Proficiency in Reading and Math, CTE Credentials, ACT scores, Graduation Rates, English Language Learners, student growth and many more metrics. Simply put, just about every data point generated related to student outcomes is represented in a School Report Card Grade. Our School Report Card Grade has increased by 6 points from last year. Only 21 schools in GCS increased their performance composite by 5 or more points and WGHS was one of them. This is the highest school report card grade our school has received since 2018.
As an AP Capstone School, we pride ourselves on offering students opportunities to experience the rigor of college courses and earn college credit, while still in high school by taking AP Classes. Last year our AP Teachers and AP students increased the percentage of students earning a 3 or higher on AP Exams from 51% to 65%.
As a result of all of these positive student outcome trends, the U.S. New and World Reports has again recognized Western High School as one of the “Best High Schools in America” for the 2025 School Year, ranking our school among the top 25% of all public high schools in the Country. (Click Here for More Information).
I want to thank all of our teachers and staff who make up the Hornet Nation Allstars Team for their hard work and dedication that made these outcomes possible. I want to thank all of our students for their hard work and for "trusting in the process” of the work we do here each day to create opportunity and access for their futures. And finally, I want to thank all of you for entrusting us with your students and for your continuous support.
