Photo Credit: Chris Facey for SBHS
(Wilson, N.C.) – September 4, 2025 – Sallie B. Howard has reached a historic milestone: for the first time in its 28-year history, the National Blue Ribbon charter school has scored a performance grade of “A” on state exams for the 2024-2025 school year.
According to data released yesterday by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, SBH earned an 87 overall school performance composite score with a 98.7 growth score and 9.26 growth index, placing the school in the top 2% of all schools in North Carolina for academic growth and the top 10 of all 200+ charter schools in the state for performance scores.
This achievement reflects a decade-long climb in student performance. SBH has been on a steady growth trajectory since 2014, when its performance grade was a C (56).
Student Achievement Highlights:
- Reading & Math Growth: Students in grades 3–8 scored 79 in reading (up from 70 last year) and 89 in math (up from 82) on the End-of-Grade (EOG) test.
- Subgroup Success: English Learners achieved 64% overall proficiency (the state averages 24%), while Students with Disabilities (SWD) scored 52% (versus the state’s 19% average), both holding strong to last year’s performance.
- Science Assessment: 5th and 8th grade students scored 84% on the new, more rigorous science exam, down from last year’s 93. Biology scores dropped to 60% from last year’s 86%. Retesting was not allowed on this year’s state science assessments.
- Career & Technical Education: High school students earned 123 industry-recognized credentials in Microsoft, Adobe, and BioWork certifications.
- ACT WorkKeys: For the first time, 8 high school seniors took the ACT WorkKeys. All were proficient, earning National Career Readiness Certificates (2 platinum, 1 gold, 5 silver).
End-of-Course (EOC) scores among SBH high school students remained strong. The 9-12 graders earned 92% overall proficiency, slightly down from last year’s 93%. Still, 100% of students passed both Math I and Math III, while 89% of high school students passed English II and 81% were proficient in AP Earth & Environmental Science.
“This accomplishment belongs to our entire school community—students who work hard, teachers who go above and beyond, and families who support learning at home,” said Glenn Reaves, K–12 Principal of Sallie B. Howard. “From our cafeteria workers to our custodians to our classroom teachers, every staff member plays a role in creating an environment where children can thrive. We are closing the achievement gap one student at a time.”
Sallie B. Howard School serves more than 1,200 students in grades K–12, over 62% of which are designated economically disadvantaged. Founded in 1997 with a mission to cultivate high student achievement through academics, character and the arts, SBH has grown into one of North Carolina’s leading charter schools, recognized statewide for its commitment to excellence.
For more information, visit salliebhowardschool.com
Sources:
NC DPI Press Release – Sept. 3, 2025
About Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science
Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science, a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School, is a free, public charter school founded in 1997 in Wilson, N.C. that serves 1,200 students in grades K-12. Named after the legendary author, educator, playwright and actress Sallie Baldwin Howard, SBHS is dedicated to ensuring that every child – privileged or underprivileged – gets the kind of education that will allow them to become more than they ever thought they would be. With a performing arts-based curriculum, a study abroad program that has brought hundreds of children to nearly all 7 continents, a culturally diverse faculty and student body, and the addition of a high school, Sallie B. Howard School is preparing its students to become 21st century industry leaders both locally and globally.
Media Contact:
Saptosa Foster – Chief Communications Officer | Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science
sfoster@sallieb.net – 252-293-4150
