Sampson County Schools Achieve Record 87% Graduation Rate

Recent data indicates that graduation rates in Sampson County Schools have reached an impressive 87.9 percent, marking a significant increase from 79.2 percent in 2022. This rise of 7.2 percent is the highest in the district’s recent history, surpassing the state’s target for graduation rates. The figures were presented during the school board’s latest meeting, reflecting the collective efforts of educators and the community.

Dr. Jamie King, the Superintendent of Sampson County Schools, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the teamwork that contributed to this success. “This is one of the statistics I am most proud of because it represents the collective effort of everyone in our district,” said Dr. King. He emphasized that most graduates have spent approximately 13 years within the school system, underscoring the dedication of teachers, support staff, and the broader community.

Improvements extend beyond graduation rates. The data also reveals steady progress in third and fourth grade math, as well as fifth and eighth grade science and high school English test scores from 2021 to 2025. While these achievements celebrate the hard work of students and educators, challenges remain.

Despite the overall positive trends, reading scores for grades 5-8 continue to lag behind the state average by 6-10 points. Additionally, performance in grades 6-8 shows inconsistent results in math, and a decline in biology scores has been noted since 2023, dropping below both the district’s and state averages in 2025.

Dr. King acknowledges these shortcomings and is committed to addressing them. “This remains one of our top priorities,” he stated. The district is investing in literacy training for teachers across all subjects to incorporate reading strategies into science, math, and social studies, not just English classes.

To maintain and expand upon these achievements, Dr. King outlined a plan focused on enhancing teaching strategies and overall instruction. “We are working toward instructional consistency through stronger professional learning communities, regular coaching and walk-throughs, and shared district pacing guides,” he explained. These initiatives aim to ensure that every student, regardless of their school, has access to high-quality instruction.

Regular data reviews will help identify areas needing support, allowing district teams to assist schools effectively. Dr. King also highlighted the importance of keeping students engaged throughout their education. “To continue improving, we will strengthen career-pathway options, early interventions for at-risk students, and partnerships that keep students engaged through graduation,” he noted.

The district’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes illustrates a proactive approach to fostering a robust local workforce. As graduation rates climb, the focus now shifts to addressing remaining challenges, ensuring that all students are prepared for the future.