ACPS Students Demonstrate Gains Across Every Standards of Learning Content Area in 2025-26 VDOE SOL Pass Rate Report

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is ushering in the new school year with great news as the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) publishes its annual pass rate report, showing gains across every content area on the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments for ACPS students. The results reflect continued academic progress across the school division, including gains among all major student groups in History/Social Science and Mathematics. 

Some of the highlights from the VDOE data release include:

• Every content area improved performance in School Year (SY) 2025-26 compared to the previous year:
  • History: + 9 percentage points (71%)
  • Mathematics +5 percentage points (59%)
  • Science +3 percentage points (56%), and
  • Reading +1 percentage point (63%)
• All major student groups saw gains in History and Mathematics.
• Students with Disabilities saw gains across all content areas from the previous year.
• The English Learner (EL) student group saw gains in History (+11 percentage points) and Math (+4 percentage points) and remained consistent in their performance in Reading and Science.

“This is a major accomplishment for ACPS and a reflection of the extraordinary commitment of our students, educators, school leaders and families,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. Grace Taylor. “Improving pass rates in every content area demonstrates that the focused work taking place throughout our schools is making a meaningful difference. To be identified as one of only 10 exemplar school divisions for large gains in Mathematics, by the Virginia Department of Education, is a testament to the dedicated work of our amazing staff, students and families. We are proud of this progress, and we will continue to build upon this momentum while intensifying our efforts to close achievement gaps and ensure every student has the support and opportunities needed to succeed.”

The ACPS results come as school divisions across Virginia continue to see incremental statewide academic recovery following pandemic-related learning disruptions. Statewide pass rates increased by 0.4 percentage points in both reading and mathematics compared with the previous school year. History/Social Science showed the largest statewide improvement, increasing 3.2 percentage points, while the statewide Science pass rate decreased slightly by 0.2 percentage points. 

“These results are a powerful reflection of what is possible when our educators, school leaders, support staff, students and families remain focused on academic excellence and student success,” said School Board Chair Christopher Harris. “On behalf of the School Board, I want to applaud our staff for the intentional work happening every day in classrooms and schools across ACPS. Seeing improvement in every content area, including meaningful gains among various student groups, demonstrates that our strategies are producing results. While we know there is more work ahead, this progress gives us a strong foundation to build upon as we continue advancing the ACPS 2030 Strategic Plan and ensuring every student has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.” 

State SOL assessments were given to students in grades three through eight in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and History/Social Sciences, as applicable, and to high school students through end-of-course assessments. Additional information on the VDOE SOL pass rate results are available online.