Assessment and accountability data for the Kentucky School Report Card has been released, with Grayson County Schools showing impressive increases at the middle and high school levels and several positive trends at the elementary level.
This is the third year of the current system, which reports “status” to represent a school’s performance for the current year, while “change” reflects a school’s current year performance in a specific area compared with the previous year.
Combined, these provide a performance rating for several indicators, with results based on a combination of academic and school quality measurements. These include assessment in reading and math, and science, social studies and writing. Also included at all levels are English learner progress and quality of school climate and safety. Graduation rate and postsecondary readiness are added in at the high school level.
Results place schools into one of five color-coded categories: blue, green, yellow, orange and red, in order from highest to lowest ranking.
Beyond the color rankings, analysis of each indicator’s data is vital to gain valuable insights into specific areas of strength, opportunities for improvement, and a more comprehensive understanding of a school or district’s performance.
Achievement showed several bright spots, with the percentage of students attaining Proficient and Distinguished status exceeding state averages in reading, math, and science specifically.
As a group, elementary schools bested state averages in each of these subjects. GCMS rose in all subjects to top state averages across the board and by 22 points in combined writing.
GCHS made gains in reading and math. The 2025 graduation rate bumped up slightly to 93 percent for the four-year cohort.
Postsecondary readiness continues an impressive upward trend, as reflected in the high percentage of graduates who demonstrate academic or career readiness through AP and/or dual credit coursework, industry certifications, work experience, and other criteria.
“We continue to say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as possible for students to learn about careers in a hands-on way. These come through our work-based learning program, transition experiences at the middle school, CTE training, and certifications,” Superintendent Doug Robinson said.
“Our local business community is exceptionally supportive in working with our students,” he added. “Through their ideas, feedback, mentorship, on-the-job training – in countless ways, they are always all-in for our kids and our workforce as we work together to grow an even stronger community.”
School culture and safety indicators show that students feel safe and supported at school in most areas. These are taken from student surveys at all levels. Examples of survey questions include “I feel like I am part of my school” to “There is at least one adult from my school who listens to me when I have something to say,” or “When I want to give up, my teacher says I should keep trying.”
There was agreement at all levels that schools make sure all students get what they need to be successful, handle safety concerns quickly, and work hard to make sure students are safe. Most agreed that their school is an encouraging place.
Relationships are key to student feelings of safety and belonging,” noted Robinson. “To a person, everyone in our buildings, on our buses, and throughout the district has such a heart for our kids and seeing them succeed.”
“We always have opportunities for improvement and growth. We’ll continue to work together to provide a safe, engaging, and encouraging learning environment for all students as we prepare every student to successfully transition from high school to the real world.”
Complete assessment data can be viewed by clicking here.
By Grayson County Schools
