Forsyth Academy

Forsyth Academy is a single K-8 charter district in Winston-Salem, NC, serving 729 students at Forsyth Academy. The school serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade and is extremely high-poverty, with 99.45% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Notably, chronic absenteeism sits at 24.0%—almost exactly matching the state average of 24.2%—which is surprising for a school with such high poverty levels.

Forsyth Academy’s overall standing has weakened over time, falling from the 15th percentile of North Carolina schools in 2023-2024 to the 7th percentile in 2025-2026, with its star rating dropping from 1 star to 0 stars. Academically, the school is below state averages in every tested grade and subject, with math the biggest concern at roughly 36.7% proficiency versus 59.9% statewide. Early elementary math is especially troubling: 3rd grade math sits at 36.4% versus 66.4% statewide (a 30-point gap), and 4th grade math is 32.5% versus 61.4% (a 29-point gap). Reading is stronger but still trails by about 14 points on average, with the smallest gaps appearing in middle school, where 6th, 7th, and 8th grade reading all land within 8–10 points of the state average.

The clearest bright spot is 8th grade science, which improved dramatically from 41.3% to 61.6% proficiency in a single year, now trailing the state by only 7 points. Middle school math and reading in 7th grade also represent relative strengths, both around 48.2% versus roughly 56% statewide. Overall, Forsyth Academy is a high-poverty school where elementary math is the most pressing challenge, but the meaningful gains in 8th grade science and the relatively competitive middle school reading scores suggest strategies in those areas may be worth expanding to other grades and subjects.