PWCS State of the Schools highlights continued progress

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) shared its 2026 State of the Schools presentation with the Prince William County School Board on November 4, highlighting significant progress in student achievement, a record-high graduation rate, declining dropout rates, and continued improvements in chronic absenteeism. 

The presentation, led by Dr. Michael Neall, director of research, assessment, and data services; Dr. Stephanie Soliven, associate superintendent for teaching and learning; and Matt Guilfoyle, chief information officer, showcased five years of measurable progress and outlined key instructional priorities aligned with the division’s PWCS Elevate 2030 Strategic Plan. 

“Over the past five years, we have made tremendous progress in strengthening academic achievement and expanding opportunities for every student. From increased participation in advanced coursework to a record-high graduation rate, our results show what is possible when we remain intentional and focused on student outcomes,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade. “While we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that our work is far from finished. Through Elevate 2030, we will continue accelerating academic excellence, addressing achievement gaps, and ensuring every student graduates prepared for a thriving future.” 

PWCS achieved a record-high on-time graduation rate of 96.1% for the Class of 2026, an increase from 91.8% in 2022. Graduation rates for English learners climbed to 87.3%, and the rate for students with disabilities reached 95.7%. The division’s Federal Graduation Indicator also improved to 93.3%, reflecting sustained efforts to ensure more students successfully complete high school. 

Dropout rates continued to decline, with the overall rate falling to 3%, compared with 6% in 2022. The dropout rate among English learners decreased to 12%, a significant improvement from 24.3% in 2022. PWCS also reported continued progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. The division’s rate declined to 14.2% during the 2025-26 school year, down from 23.7% in 2021-22, representing a 9.5 percentage-point improvement. 

“The progress we are seeing across Prince William County Public Schools is a testament to the dedication of our students, educators, staff, and families,” said School Board Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur B. Lateef. “Reaching a record-high graduation rate of 96.1%—while continuing to reduce dropout rates and chronic absenteeism—reflects our continued focus on student success. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when we provide every student with the opportunities, resources, and support they need to thrive.”  

Academic achievement data showed gains across all five Standards of Learning (SOL) subject areas over the last five years, with opportunities for continued growth. PWCS students outperformed state averages in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. Over the past five years, divisionwide pass rates increased by 7.7 percentage points in writing, 7.5 points in science, 7.4 points in history, and 6.2 points in mathematics. Students historically underrepresented in academic achievement measures also demonstrated gains, including English learners and students with disabilities. 

Participation in advanced coursework increased from 47.9% in 2021-22 to 61.1% in 2025-26. Among English learners, participation grew by 19.2 percentage points, while Hispanic and Black students experienced increases of 16.9 and 14.3 percentage points, respectively. Additionally, over five years, the number of graduates earning at least one dual-enrollment college credit increased from 1,454 to 2,121. Furthermore, the number of scores qualifying for college credit through Advanced Placement, Cambridge, and International Baccalaureate courses increased from 6,317 to 11,119. 

While celebrating these achievements, PWCS leaders emphasized the importance of accelerating academic growth and addressing persistent achievement gaps. Moving forward, the division identified four key priorities: academic excellence for all students, strengthening implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, balancing rigor in mathematics instruction, and integrating data-driven decision-making. These priorities include expanding evidence-based instructional practices, providing targeted literacy and mathematics interventions, strengthening professional learning for educators, and increasing access to high-quality instructional materials. 

PWCS also highlighted its continued investment in technology and data analytics, including the development of integrated data systems and Qlik dashboards to help educators and division leaders monitor student progress, identify areas requiring additional support, and make informed decisions. 

As PWCS advances its Elevate 2030 Strategic Plan, the division remains focused on building on its achievements, addressing opportunities for improvement, and ensuring every student graduates prepared to create a thriving future for themselves and their community.