Lexington School District Two students posted gains in several core subject areas in statewide testing results released this week by the S.C. Department of Education, achieving test scores at the highest level in more than five years.

In test results from SC READY, given to the state’s third- through eighth-graders:  

• Lexington Two student achievement maintained positive momentum again this year, with tested Lexington Two elementary and middle school students posting year-over-year achievement gains in a majority of grade levels in English/language arts, math and science. 

• Lexington Two test takers’ gains outpaced those of statewide test takers in several areas: fourth- and fifth-graders outpaced statewide test takers in English/Language Arts; fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and eighth-graders outpaced statewide testers in math; and all test takers outpaced statewide in science. In addition, among tested Lexington Two students, 24 achieved maximum scores in the most recent testing, the largest number in recent years.

• Student growth remained a significant strength for the district, with nearly all tested grades showing progress in math, and all tested grades posting growth in science. Nearly half of tested grades showed growth in English/language arts. 

Lexington Two’s gains in at or above grade level math mirror those at the state level, which S.C. Department of Education officials attribute in part to revision of math standards for a more developmentally appropriate scope, giving teachers in the classroom a clearer understanding of what is expected for students at each grade. 

Superintendent Angela Cooper attributed Lexington Two student gains, particularly in math, to the support of the Palmetto Math Project with the Ongoing Assessment Project and Zearn; the use of state-provided standard and assessment materials in conjunction with high-quality instructional materials; and intentionality with the use of manipulatives and the concrete-representational-abstract learning progression.

“While we know there is still important work ahead, these results are encouraging because they show continued progress for our students,” Cooper said in a news release.  “That progress reflects the intentional work happening across Lexington Two — greater alignment in what we teach and how we teach it, focused professional learning and resources for our educators and a continued emphasis on meeting students where they are and moving them forward. Most importantly, these gains are a testament to our teachers, staff and students. They have worked incredibly hard, and I am proud to see that work translating into stronger outcomes for children.”

David McDonald, deputy superintendent who also oversees academics for the district, said he is pleased with the gains.

“This year’s growth in student achievement is the direct result of our focus on strategic classroom instruction,” McDonald said.  “Throughout the 2025-26 school year, our team focused on core critical content — ensuring a focus on student mastery of critical standards necessary for long-term success. By combining that standards-based clarity with timely, targeted intervention strategies, we are focused on the growth of our students. While we know we have work to do, we are pleased to see growth in a number of areas.”
Results released this week by the S.C. Department of Education reflect results from testing in the 2025-26 school year.