UCPS continues to lead the state in overall student proficiency, East Elementary and Monroe High exit low-performing status

A teacher in front of students giving a lesson.

Sep 2 2026

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) continues to lead the state in End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) student proficiency rates. For the second consecutive year, UCPS ranks the highest in the state with 73.8% of students who were proficient, earning a three, four or five on EOG and EOC exams. The state’s average is 59.2%.

Following the release of accountability results by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, UCPS staff announced district and state data at the Sept. 2 Board of Education meeting. View presentation

Student Proficiency

A teacher leans over a round table where four students are working.

UCPS has outperformed state averages and the 12 largest districts in multiple testing and accountability areas. UCPS ranked number one in the following areas.

All reading EOGs combined (grades 3-8), all math EOGs combined, all science EOGs combined
All EOGs and EOCs combined (grades 3-12)
NC Math 1, NC Math 3, English 2 EOC, Biology EOC
ACT Proficiency and ACT/WorkKeys Combined Proficiency
Four-year Cohort Graduation Rate, Five-year Cohort Graduation Rate
English Learner (EL) Progress

When asked about the recent accountability results, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan said we set goals, implemented effective plans and stayed the course to move our schools in the right direction.

“Our teachers, school administrators and support staff are to be commended. These results show that there is high-quality teaching and learning happening in our schools every day. To have the highest proficiency rates in the state for two consecutive years is quite an achievement. We have made a 10.8 percentage point increase over the last five years and have surpassed pre-pandemic test scores. I am extremely proud of team UCPS.”

In addition, UCPS announced that East Elementary and Monroe High made significant academic gains and are no longer on the state’s low-performing list.

“The staff at these two schools have worked hard for years to move off the list and I want to publicly acknowledge their dedication and thank them for believing in themselves and our students,” Dr. Houlihan said. “The students, teachers, parents and principals should all be proud. When a school exits this list, it promotes a sense of pride and achievement.”

A graduate hugs a teacher while the other is walking behind her with his diploma in hand.

Graduation Rate

The UCPS 2026 Cohort Graduation Rate (CGR) is 93.4%, the highest graduation rate among the 12 largest districts, and the highest in UCPS history since the state implemented the current accountability model.

The state’s four-year graduation rate is 88.8%.

Growth and School Performance Grades

In 2025-2026, more schools met or exceeded growth than the previous year. State results show that 46 out of 50 schools (92%) met or exceeded growth. All high schools in UCPS met or exceeded growth.

UCPS also had notable gains in School Performance Grades (SPG). In 2025-2026, 47 out of 50 schools (94%) earned a SPG of A, B or C. This compares to 90% in 2024-2025.

With East Elementary and Monroe High moving out of low-performing status, UCPS now has three low-performing schools, compared to 13 in the 2021-2022 school year. For the second year, UCPS does not have any schools with a School Performance Grade of F.

Students are engaged in drawing and writing at their desks.

We also want to highlight the following schools for improving their School Performance Grade:

Cuthbertson Middle: B to A
Kensington Elementary: B to A
Indian Trail Elementary: C to B
Marshville Elementary: C to B
Parkwood Middle: C to B
Sun Valley High: C to B
Monroe High: D to C
East Elementary: D to C

Note: Three schools—South Providence, Walter Bickett Education Center and Wolfe School—participate in the Alternative Accountability Model.

Non-accountability performance indicators

Two students in a workshop are examining a network system training board.

UCPS also reported on several non-accountability performance indicators for high school students.

Students earned 13,312 Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials, compared to 13,259 in 2024-2025.
A total of 8,588 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams were taken in 2025-2026. This is up from 8,083 in the previous year.
The district’s AP pass rate is 82.9%, up from 80% in 2024-2025.

Key accomplishments and highlights:

UCPS is ranked number one in the state for Overall EOG/EOC Proficiency.
94% of schools earned a School Performance Grade of A, B or C.
92% of schools Met or Exceeded Growth.
Graduation rate is 93.4%. The highest in UCPS history since the new accountability model has been in place.