By Kelly Jones
CCS Public Information Officer
The Columbus County School system is celebrating significant improvement across the district in the 2024-25 school year, marking a milestone in student achievement, school performance, and graduation success.
For the first time since before the pandemic, the district has officially exited low-performing status. Over half of Columbus County schools made or exceeded expected growth and achieved a C or higher in their performance grade, surpassing the 50 percent threshold required for the district to exit low-performing status.
Columbus County Schools recorded a notable 2.5 point increase in K-8 reading proficiency and a remarkable 9.7 point combined improvement in high school math proficiency on state assessments. The district’s four-year graduation rate surged by more than three points, rising from 85.7 percent in 2024 to an impressive 88.5 percent this year, reflecting the dedication of students, teachers, and staff. Additionally, Columbus County Schools’ graduates continue to lead the state and the nation in post-high school planning and success, with greater than 80 percent FAFSA completion two years running.
A majority of schools within the district made substantial school performance progress this past year. In total, 58.3 percent of schools received a school performance grade of C or better this past year, up sharply from just 41.6percent in 2024. Five schools—Columbus Career and College Academy, Old Dock Elementary, Chadbourn Elementary, Hallsboro Artesia Elementary, and West Columbus High School—each improved their school performance grade, while Old Dock Elementary also exceeded annual growth expectations. Ten out of the district’s twelve schools made or exceeded annual growth this past year, an increase from 41.6 percent to 83.3 percent in one year.
Notably, Columbus Career and College Academy advanced from a C to a B, gaining 13 points, while Old Dock Elementary jumped from a C to a B, improving by 10 points. West Columbus High School and the elementary schools at Chadbourn and Hallsboro Artesia also saw their grades rise, demonstrating a commitment to school improvement and student achievement.
“These outstanding results are the product of hard work, dedication, and collaboration across our schools,” said Eddie Beck, the Superintendent of Columbus County Schools. “The progress highlights the commitment of teachers, staff, students, and families to academic excellence and ongoing improvement.”
Columbus County Schools remains committed to building on these achievements and ensuring every student is equipped for success. The district will continue to focus on academic growth, innovation, and partnership to sustain and exceed these results in coming years.
