What the Nation’s Report Card Tells Us—And What We’re Doing About It

Last week, the latest results from the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) were released, and the headlines are sobering: high school seniors scored at their lowest levels in reading in more than 30 years and at their lowest levels ever in math. Eighth graders, too, saw a drop in science proficiency compared to just a few years ago.

Only about a third of students nationwide are proficient in reading, math, or science—and even more troubling, nearly half of seniors are now performing below the basic level in math.

For many families, these results confirm what they’ve already felt: the pandemic disrupted learning, and large-scale systems haven’t caught students up. But there’s more to the story.

Why These Numbers Matter

Scores like these aren’t just statistics. They reflect real students who are leaving high school without the necessary tools for college, careers, and confidence in their own abilities.

We know that the pandemic played a role, but it isn’t the only factor. Too often, students don’t get the kind of explicit, structured instruction in reading or math they need. In large classrooms, the lowest-performing students fall further behind, and their struggles compound year after year.

The data shows something else important: while top students have stayed steady, it’s the students who were already vulnerable who have been hit the hardest.

What Works—and How McLean School Is Different

At McLean, we know that test scores don’t define a child, but we also know they point to a reality: students need teaching that truly meets them where they are. That’s why our approach looks different from many traditional schools:

• Early Intervention – We identify challenges early and act quickly, rather than waiting until struggles are entrenched.
• Structured Literacy and Multisensory Math – Our teachers use proven strategies to help students master foundational skills in a way that sticks.
• Small Classes, Big Support – With lower student-to-teacher ratios, we can give personalized attention that makes a real difference.
• Confidence as a Driver of Learning – We don’t just build skills; we build students’ belief in themselves. Confidence fuels curiosity, and curiosity fuels achievement.
• Incredible Resources – This year, we doubled down on our already significant support by hiring two new K–12 leaders: Lisa Emborsky, Literacy Coordinator and Instructional Leader, and Katie Madigan, Math Coordinator and Instructional Leader. Lisa and Katie are committed to ensuring that no student falls behind, especially in the crucial areas of reading and math.
• A Data-Driven Approach – For the past three years, we’ve been formally tracking student achievement and growth in reading, and the results are clear: McLean students are making incredible progress. In 2024, only 35% of 12th graders nationwide scored at or above proficiency on the NAEP, while 82% of our 8th graders last year met the Acadience reading benchmark. This represents clear evidence that our Reading Program is equipping students with the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to thrive, surpassing national trends. We look forward to seeing similar gains in math as we continue to dig deeper into research and refine our practice.

The national picture may be grim, but in our classrooms, the results are clear: the right teaching and support changes lives.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

Families often ask what they can do when they hear about results like these. A few simple practices go a long way:

• Daily Reading – Even with older children, reading aloud builds fluency, strengthens comprehension, and sparks great conversations. Younger students still mastering decoding need daily practice in segmenting words and working on phonemic awareness. Model reading for pleasure and ask your child about what they’re reading independently, too.
• Make Math Practical – Cooking, sports scores, shopping, or budgeting can turn numbers into something meaningful. Ask your child’s teacher for ideas that reinforce the concepts being taught in class.
• Nurture Curiosity of the World – Encourage questions, explore the outdoors, and make space for experimentation. Ask your child what “why” or “how” question they wondered about today.
• Build Confidence Through Small Wins – Celebrate effort and the process as much as results. When children feel capable, they’re more likely to take on challenges. A growth mindset means helping students see that their abilities can grow with effort and practice. Instead of being discouraged by mistakes, they learn to view them as opportunities to improve. This way, children build resilience, keep trying, and discover that progress matters more than perfection.
• Stay Connected With Teachers – Check in regularly to ensure your child’s needs are being met and to learn specific strategies that will help at home. There is no substitute for early intervention. If you believe your child is not making gains academically, do not wait to act.

Most of all, let your child see that learning is something to enjoy, not fear.

Moving Forward With Hope

The NAEP results are a wake-up call, but they don’t have to be the final word. With the right teaching, the right environment, and the right support, students can thrive—even when national averages suggest otherwise.

At McLean, that’s our mission every day: to see each child, nurture their strengths, and give them the strategies and confidence they need to succeed.

Interested in exploring McLean School in the DMV area? Request more information today.