Edutopia

Schools That Work

Cochrane Collegiate Academy

Public, Urban
Grades 6-8
Charlotte, NC

OUTCOMES

Once among the worst-performing middle schools in the state, Cochrane has been making great strides by narrowing its achievement gap and doubling student performance in the past three years.

Since 2007, the percentage of students performing at grade level has more than doubled.

The achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and their better-off peers has been reduced by 35% (based on those meeting or exceeding state standards in both math and reading).

  • Education Equity

    Lessons from a Public School Turnaround

    Once the eighth lowest-performing middle school in the state, Cochrane Collegiate reversed course and is swiftly raising student achievement by investing in research-based teaching strategies, enhancing teacher excellence, and fostering strong relationships.
  • Education Equity

    How to Engage Underperforming Students

    Guided by research, educators at Cochrane Collegiate have homed in on ten top teaching methods, and teachers receive weekly PD to help them implement the practices.
  • Education Equity

    10 Powerful Instructional Strategies

    The students at a previously failing school have made big gains since all of their teachers started using these strategies every day.
  • Assessment

    Twice as Many Students Meet State Standards

    Classroom strategies backed by research and ongoing teacher development have helped narrow the achievement gap at this Title I school.
    Vanessa Vega
  • Professional Learning

    How Principals Can Grow Teacher Excellence

    At Cochrane Collegiate Academy, teachers credit their principal with helping them continually improve their practice through effective PD, ongoing support, and mutual trust.
    Mariko Nobori
  • Student Engagement

    Resources and Downloads to Improve Student Performance

    Educators from Cochrane Collegiate Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina, have provided these samples and resources for you to use in your school.