Pinnacle Classical Academy outperforms districts on state tests

Staff Reports | Pinnacle Classical Academy

EDUCATION — Pinnacle Classical Academy's proficiency rate on required state tests in 2025-26 exceeded the proficiency rate of 111 of the state's 115 K-12 local school districts, according to data released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. 

Pinnacle Classical Academy's proficiency rate also exceeded that of all five UNC system laboratory schools.

Pinnacle Classical Academy had a higher proficiency rate than every local school district (LEA, or local education agency) in the state in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. In 2024-25 -- when Pinnacle Classical Academy lost 11 days of instruction because of weather-related events -- seven LEAs had higher proficiency rates.

"We are so proud of our students and teachers," said Angela Brooks, the school's headmaster. "Their hard work really paid off. We are ranked a B school and outperformed every LEA except for Union County Schools, Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools, Camden County Schools, and Carteret County Schools."

Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Academy is a tuition-free K-12 public charter school in Shelby with some 1,200 students. U.S. News & World Report recognizes the school as one of the best elementary schools, best middle schools, and best high schools in America.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

The Shelby Independent