Summary:
The Sampson County Schools district in North Carolina is home to 5 high schools, serving students in grades 9-12. While the district overall faces challenges with low academic performance and high rates of economic disadvantage, one school stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved - Sampson Early College High.
Sampson Early College High consistently ranks among the top 35 high schools in North Carolina, earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's test scores are significantly higher than the district and state averages, with over 90% of students proficient or better in EOC exams. In contrast, the other 4 high schools in the district - Midway High, Hobbton High, Lakewood High, and Union High - have lower rankings and test scores, with most falling below the state averages. These schools also have much higher rates of free/reduced lunch recipients, indicating a higher proportion of economically disadvantaged students.
The stark contrast in performance between Sampson Early College High and the other high schools in the Sampson County Schools district suggests that the early college model may be a successful approach for supporting student achievement, even in a district with generally lower-performing schools. However, the consistently high rates of free/reduced lunch recipients across all 5 high schools indicate that the district serves a predominantly economically disadvantaged population, which likely has significant implications for the resources and support needed to address the educational needs of these students.
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