
NC State Test Scores Hit 59.2% Proficiency, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
North Carolina released 2025-26 public school accountability results on September 2, 2026, showing a statewide proficiency rate of 59.2% on state exams. This marks the first time the passing rate has exceeded the 2019 pre-pandemic benchmark of 58.8%. While overall scores improved, the state’s letter grade system remains heavily weighted toward test scores rather than student growth, and significant disparities persist between affluent and low-income schools.










