Five Polk County schools have been recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and State Board of Education for demonstrating exceptional student academic growth during the 2024-25 school year.
The Polk County Board of Education honored the schools at its March meeting for earning North Carolina Academic Growth Awards, which recognize schools whose students demonstrate academic growth that meets or exceeds the state’s expected standard as measured by EVAAS (Education Value-Added Assessment System).
Saluda Elementary School earned the Exceeded Academic Growth Award, placing the school in the top 10 percent of all schools in North Carolina for student growth. Polk Central Elementary, Sunny View Elementary, Polk County Middle School and Polk County Early College each earned Academic Growth Awards for meeting the state’s expected growth standards.
Polk County Early College was also recognized for achieving a graduation rate above 95 percent.
The awards reflect the collective efforts of teachers, staff, students and families across the district to support student learning and achievement. EVAAS measures student progress over time, recognizing schools that help students make significant academic gains regardless of their starting point.
Top photo: Polk County Schools Superintendent Todd Murphy with Saluda Elementary Principal Erika Stronach
