Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has been selected for inclusion in a prestigious national case study conducted by the Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) at Columbia University, recognizing the district’s “all in” approach to instructional excellence, aligned systems and continuous improvement.

The report titled, “All Systems Go: How Shared, High-Quality Curriculums Are Helping School Districts Reach Higher, Together,” highlights CMS as a leading example of how a large, complex school district can successfully create sustainable academic improvement through strong internal systems, intentional leadership and investment in educator expertise.

CMS was selected for the study because of its ability to “hardwire” student success through consistent instructional practices, meaningful collaboration and intentional human infrastructure that supports high-quality teaching and learning across schools. 

“This recognition affirms the impact of our educators, school leaders and staff members who are committed every day to doing what’s best for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. “Being included in this national study reflects both the strength of our instructional vision and the dedication of the people bringing it to life across classrooms and schools throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.”

The case study also highlights measurable academic growth for CMS, including a nine-percentage-point increase in English language arts proficiency and a 15-percentage-point increase in middle school math proficiency from 2021 to 2025. According to CPRL, CMS demonstrates how intentional leadership, aligned systems and educator expertise can drive sustainable improvement at scale.

The report further recognizes the district’s investment in school-based instructional support systems, including master teachers, curriculum specialists, embedded coaching and collaborative professional learning structures designed to strengthen consistency and rigor across classrooms.

The inclusion of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in the study positions the district as a national thought leader in public education, with practices that can inform and inspire school systems nationwide.

As CMS continues to build on this momentum, the district remains focused on ensuring every student experiences excellence – opening doors to endless possibilities for learning, growth and success.

The full case study is available through the Center for Public Research and Leadership at Columbia University.