Report card gives county good marks

Schools in Alleghany County faired well in ‘report cards' that were released Oct. 29 by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The information, released annually since 2001, serves as a means to highlight strengths and weaknesses for schools throughout the state.

The report cards offer four different categories, including a school profile, high student performance, safe, orderly and caring schools and quality teachers. A complete report can be found through links online at www.ncreportcards.org.

Of the report cards, Alleghany Schools Superintendent Jeff Cox was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

School Profile

Information found in the school profile includes the school size and average course size during the 2008-09 school year. At Alleghany High School, there were 458 students enrolled, as compared to an average of 826 in high schools in the state. Addressing the average course size, AHS reports an average of 39 in English I, 20 in algebra I and U.S. history, 17 in algebra II, 16 in geometry, 21 in biology, 14 in chemistry and physical science and 11 in physics. The high school also reported special course enrollments in advance college prep courses and career and technical courses.

At Glade Creek School, there were 263 students enrolled, as compared to an average of 345 in the district and 408 in the state. Average class size for kindergarten was 18; first, 19; second, 24; third, 16; fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth, 15; and sixth, 27. On a district level, the average class size for kindergarten, first, seventh and eighth grades was 16; second, 22; third, 14; fourth and fifth, 17; and sixth, 20. On a state level, the average class size was kindergarten, first, second and third, 19; fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, 21; and eighth, 20.

At Piney Creek School, there were 145 students enrolled. Average class size for kindergarten was 16; first, sixth and seventh grades, 13; second grade, 24; third, 10; fourth and fifth, 18; and eighth, 15.

At Sparta Elementary School, there were 627 students enrolled. Average class size for kindergarten was 13; first, second and third, 17; fourth and eighth 19; fifth, 18; sixth and seventh, 21.

Student Performance

Alleghany High School did not meet expected growth and received no recognition, noting that 60 to 100 percent of students are at grade level.

Glade Creek achieved high growth and was deemed a school of progress, meaning 60 to 80 percent of its students were at grade level.

Piney Creek achieved high growth and was deemed a school of distinction, meaning 80 to 90 percent of its students are at grade level.

Sparta School achieved high growth and was deemed a school of progress.

Safe, Orderly and Caring Schools

At Alleghany High School, there were no acts of crime or violence during the 2008-09 school year, but reported 20 short-term suspensions. An average of 95 percent of students attended school daily, which is concurrent with the state.