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Danville Public Schools reports big gains in attendance and SOL pass rates
Summary
District officials told the school board Sept. 4 that regular attendance rose to 88.3% in 2024–25 and that divisionwide SOL pass rates improved across reading, math and science, with targeted supports and partnerships planned to sustain momentum.
Danville Public Schools presented a data update to the school board Sept. 4 showing notable gains in student attendance and statewide Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates for the 2024–25 year. "This year, we had here in DPS 88 percent of our students regularly attending school," the presenter said, adding that the division exceeded the state attendance rate at 88.3%.
District staff highlighted academic improvements across content areas. "Reading overall... this year, we're at 57%." The presenter said grade 8 reading rose from 46% in 2022–23 to 61% in 2024–25 and that high school end-of-course reading reached a 75% pass rate, "which is 12 percentage points improvement from '22, '23." For math, the division reported a 54% overall pass rate in 2024–25 (up from 38% in 2022–23); grade 8 math improved to 53% and algebra II passed at 84%. Science overall was reported at 55%, with biology up to 65%.
Board members and staff attributed the gains to sustained interventions and systemwide initiatives. The presenter outlined next steps to sustain momentum: continued investment in teacher professional learning and high-quality instructional materials, expanded use of evidence-based practices, micro-credential courses for teachers, extended tutoring before and after school, weekly virtual PLCs for fifth-grade science teachers, and partnerships with external providers including the UVA Partnership for Leaders in Education and TNTP. "When students are given the right tools, high quality instruction, engaging learning opportunities, and attend school daily, they rise to the challenge," the presenter said.
The board praised staff for the progress. Doctor Williams said he commended educators and stakeholders for the year-to-year improvement. The presenter said more detailed school-performance and accreditation data will be presented next month.
The board took no formal action on the presentation; the data briefing will inform upcoming committee reviews and planning.
