MACHIPONGO, VA- Northampton County Public Schools (NCPS) was highlighted during the September 23 meeting of the Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) for significant three-year growth in both Mathematics and Reading. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognized the division’s progress in recent Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment data, and NCPS was the only school division in Virginia to receive recognition for this multi-year dual growth.
NCPS achieved an impressive 19-point increase in overall pass rate in mathematics between the 2023-2024 and 2025-2026 school years, along with a 19-point surge for English learners and a 6-point increase for students with disabilities. Reading assessment data also showed steady growth over three years, including a 19.87-point increase in Grade 3 Reading pass rates after the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) was implemented. Grades 4 through 7 also demonstrated consistent gains, with Grade 4 scores rising 6.5 points and Grades 5 through 7 increasing between 8.49 and 8.93 points.
These results reflect the collective work of our teachers, administrators, instructional staff, and students, stemming from teacher-led curriculum design, structured collaboration, and targeted interventions. Over the past several years, NCPS has focused on strengthening curriculum alignment, developing pacing guides and unit plans, and creating model lesson plan templates. Elementary schedules were re-evaluated to maximize instructional time, while dedicated math and reading tutors and specialists provided direct support to students across grades K-8. These efforts were complemented by specialized middle school support classes, weekly K-8 Professional Learning Community meetings, and hands-on teacher training through the division’s Instructional Summer Academy in partnership with Virginia Literacy Partners and the Collaborative for Teaching and Learning Group.
“When we analyzed our 2024 data, we built a strategic roadmap to accelerate learning. By empowering our teachers to design tailored curriculum and providing them with structured collaboration time, we established a strong foundation. These double-digit SOL gains prove our approach is working. Combining rigorous instructional alignment with wraparound supports ensures every student gets the help they need to succeed, and this milestone fuels our momentum moving forward,” said Dr. Taneshia Rachal, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.
“Behind every point of growth is a student who worked a little harder and a teacher who believed in them,” shared Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of Schools. “This progress is proof of what happens when we listen to our educators, respond to student needs, and provide the time, resources, and support necessary for our students to flourish. These improvements reflect the dedication of our students and educators and inspire confidence in our community’s educational future. While our work is far from finished, these results affirm that our collective efforts are making a meaningful difference. We want to thank our community for their ongoing support in this shared success.”
About Northampton County Public Schools: Located at the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Northampton County Public Schools (NCPS) is a PreK-12 school division dedicated to providing a high-quality, inclusive education that reflects our community’s values. By balancing innovation with a supportive, small-school atmosphere, NCPS strives to prepare every learner to be a productive, responsible, and proud citizen. The division is committed to elevating instructional quality and expanding student support services to foster community pride and to ensure all students are ready for enrollment, employment, or enlistment in an ever-changing global society.
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