Lexington City Schools Reaches Historic Milestone with Record Academic Growth and Rising Graduation Rate
Lexington City Schools has reached a historic milestone, with record academic growth across the district and the highest proficiency gains at Lexington Senior High School in more than a decade. Lexington Senior High also celebrated a graduation rate of 87.6%, surpassing 10-year averages. These results highlight the district’s commitment to preparing every student for success while building lasting momentum for the future.
“This year’s results are a powerful reminder of what happens when our staff, students, families, Board of Education, and community come together with purpose,” said Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Lexington City Schools. “Our Roadmap to 2029 calls on us to empower every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally — and these results prove we are moving with purpose. From elementary foundations to historic middle school growth and record high school graduation rates, our students are showing what is possible. Lexington City Schools is exceeding expectations while building momentum for sustained success. Together, through diligent work and focused vision, we are fueling our Energy Bus, leveling up our performance, and achieving extraordinary outcomes for our students and community.”
District-Wide Achievements
Overall proficiency increased to 45.2%, highest since COVID, with gains in both reading and math.
Four out of five schools met or exceeded growth in every student subgroup.
Lexington Senior High School’s graduation rate at the high school level rose to 87.6%, exceeding the district’s 10-year average.
Recent performance results confirm that Lexington City Schools is moving beyond past challenges, with strong growth across all grade levels.
“These results reflect the diligent work of our students, staff, and leadership, and they show that Lexington City Schools is truly on the rise,” said Brent Wall, Chair of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education. “As a Board, we are proud to see our community’s investment paying off. We remain committed to supporting this momentum through sound governance, strong partnerships, and continued investment in our students.”
Lexington Senior High School
Graduation Rate: 87.6% – exceeding 10-year averages
Math 3 Proficiency: 62.8% (+14.05 points)
English II Proficiency: 52.0% (+7.6 points)
Biology Proficiency: 39.7% (+4.4 points)
Overall Proficiency: 47.7% (+8.1 points), marking the school’s strongest performance in more than a decade
Growth targets met in every demographic subgroup
“At Lexington Senior High School, we challenge our students and staff to ‘Win the Day,’” said Dr. Jermaine Porter, Principal. “This year’s performance is a testament to determination, resilience, and hard work — achievement that demonstrates gains unmatched in a decade. Aligned with our district’s strategic plan, we are elevating student success and preparing our Yellow Jackets not only to succeed in the classroom, but to thrive in life.”
Lexington Middle School
Exceeded growth in both math and reading for the first time in more than a decade in school history
Reading proficiency: 43.5% (+6.7 points)
Math proficiency: 44.1% (+2.0 points)
7th Grade Reading: +19 points
7th Grade Math: +25.7 points
Overall proficiency: 44.2% (+2.1 points)
“These results reflect the exceptional growth of our students and the diligent work of our staff,” said Principal Joseph Stone. “To exceed growth in both reading and math for the first time in more than a decade — all while our school is in the middle of a renovation effort — speaks to the resilience and determination of our Yellow Jackets. When our students are challenged and supported, they rise to the occasion.”
Elementary Schools
Reading proficiency: 41.7% (+3.5 points)
Math proficiency: 46.7% (+2.0 points)
Overall proficiency: 45.2% (+2.4 points)
Southwest Elementary Global Academy grew math proficiency from 52% → 61.2% and improved 4th grade reading by +10.2 points.
Pickett Elementary School saw 3rd grade math improve by +14.5 points.
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
459 Career & College Promise course enrollments with an 88% success rate for credits earned
68.1% FAFSA completion rate
1,199 industry-recognized credentials earned, representing an increase of over 300% from last year
Career exploration begins in grade 5 and continues through high school, ensuring students graduate college, career, and life ready
“Our Career and Technical Education programs provide students with industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experiences, and pathways to high-demand careers,” said April Thompson, Sr. Director of Career and Technical Education & Student Services. “From fifth grade through graduation, students are exploring career fields, earning credentials, and preparing for what comes next. The record increase in credentials and our strong FAFSA completion rate show that Lexington students are taking full advantage of opportunities to build a successful future.”
Momentum for the Future
“These results are more than numbers — they represent the diligent work of our students and the dedication of our educators,” Dr. Hardy added. “While we celebrate this important step forward, we also recognize that our journey is ongoing. Lexington City Schools is on an undeniable upward trajectory, leveling up each year, and together, we will continue fueling our Energy Bus so every child not only thrives, but leads the way into the future.”
About Lexington City Schools
Lexington City Schools is committed to empowering students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while preparing them to succeed in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on excellence, access, and opportunity, the district is proud to celebrate measurable academic growth and a renewed sense of community pride — progress that reflects the goals outlined in our Roadmap to 2029.
