Pitt County Schools Hit Highest Graduation Rate Since 2013

Four struggling schools in eastern North Carolina just escaped the state's low-performing list, part of a district-wide turnaround that's lifted thousands of students.

Pitt County Schools released results from the 2025-26 school year showing dramatic gains across nearly every measure. The district's four-year graduation rate climbed to 86.4%, marking the highest level since 2013.

The numbers tell a remarkable story of sustained progress. District-wide proficiency jumped from 55.5% to 61.1% in just one year, building on gains that have added 10.7 percentage points since 2021-22.

What makes these results special is how widespread the improvement has been. Of the district's 36 schools, 31 increased their achievement scores while 34 met or exceeded expected academic growth targets.

Ayden Middle, Falkland Elementary, Grifton School, and Sam Bundy Elementary all exited the state's low-performing designation. These schools achieved the turnaround by meeting growth expectations or earning performance grades of C or higher.

The district's success extended to students who often face the steepest challenges. Among schools serving economically disadvantaged students, 33 of 36 met or exceeded expected growth.

English language learners showed particularly strong results, improving from the previous year and outperforming the state average by 6.1 percentage points. The district also beat state proficiency levels in 17 of 21 student demographic groups across all subjects.

The Ripple Effect

When a school district commits to leaving no stone unturned, the benefits reach far beyond test scores. These gains represent thousands of students in eastern North Carolina who now have better preparation for college, careers, and life opportunities.

For three consecutive years, Pitt County Schools has avoided having any schools receive an F performance grade from the state. This consistency matters because it shows sustainable improvement, not just a one-year spike.

Superintendent Dr. Steve M. Lassiter Jr. credited the results to instructional rigor and a commitment to every student's success. The district's teachers, school leaders, and staff turned these principles into measurable progress.

The turnaround proves that sustained focus on teaching quality and student support can transform outcomes even in schools that once struggled.