We talk plenty about the problems with education in North Carolina. There are. plenty of challenges. Yet we shouldn’t forget there are good things going on, things that should be highlighted and celebrated.
In a recent release our friends at the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools highlighted the top ten charter schools for student growth. What do most of them have in common. Most all of the schools have high populations of economically disadvantaged students.
Of course, since many students from disadvantaged backgrounds already come to school behind academically, such schools have a higher ceiling for growth. So, the findings shouldn’t be totally surprising.
Fair. But schools still need to meet the challenges of educating kids that are behind and help them to grow academically. The schools listed below have and have excelled at the task.
| School | Location/(County) | % Economically Disadvantaged |
| Institute for the Development of Young Leaders | Durham County | 56% |
| Durham Charter School | Durham County | 71% |
| Reaching All Minds Academy | Durham County | 94% |
| Triangle Math and Science Academy | Wake County | 11% |
| The Sallie B. Howard School | Wilson County | 63% |
| KIPP Gaston College Preparatory Academy | Northampton County | 72% |
| Sugar Creek Charter | Mecklenburg County | 64% |
| Wilson Preparatory Academy | Wilson County | 66% |
| Henderson Collegiate | Vance County | 70% |
| Math and Science Academy of Apex | Wake County | 6% |
The results show us how schools can help all kids learn and excel, no matter the background. They also show us what our schools can do when we give them the freedom to create and innovate. A salute to these public charter schools for all the good you do. Congratulations!
