Bladen County Schools (BCS) is celebrating continued progress in student growth and achievement during the 2024–2025 school year. While challenges remain, the district is proud of the tremendous gains being made in classrooms each day.
A standout success this year is Elizabethtown Middle School (EMS), the only school in the district to exceed growth expectations. Due to the collective dedication of the school community, students, families, teachers and staff, Elizabethtown Middle brought its School Performance Grade up from an F to a D—a powerful example of what sustained effort and support can accomplish. During a school staff meeting held the day the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) released the 24-25 data, Principal Bobby Godwin remarked, “these students have been underestimated for too long, and you all [EMS teachers and staff] showed faith that they could do it and they did. We’re just getting started!”
“Our students, teachers, and staff continue to work hard to achieve these gains,” said Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson. “Growth is one of the truest measures of success, and Elizabethtown Middle has shown what’s possible when a school community rallies together.”
District and School Highlights
75% of schools met growth expectations
Elizabethtown Middle School increased its achievement score, exceeded growth, and raised its grade from F to D
Clarkton School of Discovery increased its achievement score and raised its grade from a D to C
5 schools saw improvement in their achievement score
“While we celebrate these wins, we also recognize that there is still work to be done, and we remain committed to ensuring every school and every child continues to move forward,” Atkinson continued.
District leaders and staff are actively implementing targeted supports and action plans to strengthen instruction, improve achievement, and maximize growth potential.
Looking forward, Bladen County Schools remains committed to building on successes, supporting students and families, and continuing to advocate for accountability measures that provide a fair and accurate picture of progress.
For more information on statewide results, please see the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s release: NCDPI Test Scores and Graduation Rates Rise.