How Wolf Meadow Elementary defied expectations to rank No. 1 statewide in elementary math growth

Once the lowest-performing elementary school in Cabarrus County for math proficiency, Wolf Meadow transformed its approach to instruction and gave students a reason to celebrate.

Fourth-grade Math teacher Jessica Tapp helping students alongside educator Laura King at Wolf Meadow Elementary. Photo credit: Chris Miller.

During the 2024-25 school year, Wolf Meadow Elementary had the lowest math proficiency rate of any elementary school in Cabarrus County.

Just 31.3% of students demonstrated grade-level proficiency in math, while only 59.7% of third- through fifth-grade students met their expected annual math growth targets.

The struggles extended beyond math. Wolf Meadow was the only elementary school in Cabarrus County Schools to receive an F on the state’s school performance grades, reflecting the academic challenges facing the Title I school.

But one year later, Wolf Meadow has undergone a remarkable transformation.