UNC lab schools report significant academic gains despite closure decision

Lab schools created by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors have shown notable academic improvements, according to a recent report. The Appalachian State University Academy at Elkin reported a 22.9% increase in student achievement scores for 2022-23. Funding for additional tutoring has been highlighted as a key factor in these gains. The school implemented a program where Fridays were dedicated to catch-up sessions, enhancing overall student performance. Despite these successes, the local school system has decided to end the lab school due to space constraints. The superintendent noted that the growth of the school made it difficult to accommodate both the lab school and the traditional school.