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Harnett County Schools recognized for academic growth; Early College posts 95.8% graduation rate
Summary
State and district officials presented academic-growth and graduation-rate awards to multiple Harnett County Schools, highlighting a 95.8% graduation rate at Harnett County Early College and notable kindergarten gains at several elementary schools.
Harnett County Board of Education members heard a presentation of academic growth and graduation-rate awards from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and district staff, recognizing multiple schools for 2023–24 performance.
"It is presented to the Harnett County Early College, doctor Jasmine Nixon," the DPI presenter said while announcing the certificate for an outstanding 95.8% graduation rate. Curriculum director Ferguson highlighted districtwide testing work and cited an 18% increase at the kindergarten level districtwide and single-school gains such as Lafayette Elementary's 36% increase in kindergarten benchmark performance.
The district also celebrated Ben Haven Elementary for placing No. 317 in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 best elementary schools in North Carolina. Superintendent Matthews thanked principals and staff and framed the awards as part of the board's goal to elevate Harnett County Schools' statewide standing.
District staff said principals have doubled the number of instructional walkthroughs compared with last year and described tutoring, AIG local endorsement classes, and grant applications (including a Golden Leaf grant proposal for math at Harnett Central Middle School) as part of ongoing improvement efforts.
