Ferndale Unified Students Continue to Make Strong Academic Gains

At Ferndale Unified School District, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and this year's student achievement results show that our students are moving in the right direction.

Preliminary 2025–26 state assessment results demonstrate continued growth across the district. The percentage of students meeting or exceeding California's academic standards increased from 46.5% to 52.3% in English language arts and from 50.7% to 55.6% in mathematics over the past three years. Science achievement also showed significant improvement, increasing from 27.3% to 41%. Several grade levels posted outstanding results, including 80% of seventh graders meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics, 70.6% of eighth graders in mathematics, and 65.1% of sixth graders in English language arts. Dr. Colby Smart, Deputy Superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education, shared that “Ferndale Unified’s latest test scores illustrate what happens when a district commits to high-quality instruction and continuous improvement. Their work in literacy, math, and science, coupled with modern CTE opportunities, provides a great blueprint for preparing students for both higher education and the local workforce.”

 Perhaps even more encouraging than the overall scores is what happens when we follow the same students over time. Rather than comparing one year's third graders to the next year's, the District analyzed student cohorts as they progressed through school. That analysis shows substantial academic growth for most student groups, particularly in the middle grades. One cohort improved more than 32 percentage points in mathematics over three years, while another gained more than 20 percentage points in English language arts. Those gains reflect years of consistent work by students and teachers, not just a single successful class.

These improvements are the result of a focused commitment to high-quality instruction. Over the past several years, the District has invested in evidence-based literacy practices, instructional coaching, regular assessment cycles, teacher collaboration, and the use of data to identify student needs early. Teachers are working together across grade levels more than ever before, and interventions are becoming increasingly targeted to ensure students receive support before they fall behind.

While we are proud of our academic growth, we also recognize that learning extends beyond state assessments. Ferndale Unified is committed to preparing students for successful futures through strong Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in areas such as Agricultural Science and Health Careers. As workforce demands continue to evolve, our students deserve learning environments that reflect today's industry standards. Expanding and modernizing our CTE facilities will provide students with hands-on experiences, modern equipment, and increased opportunities to earn industry certifications and college credit while still in high school. These investments are about more than buildings—they are about preparing students for successful careers and strengthening our local workforce.

The District also knows there is more work to do. While many grade levels performed exceptionally well, other areas continue to need additional support. Ferndale Unified will continue refining instruction, strengthening interventions, expanding opportunities for student engagement, and implementing the goals outlined in the District's Strategic Plan to ensure every student continues to grow.

"We are proud of the progress our students and staff have made, but our work will not be finished until 100% of our students are meeting or exceeding California's academic standards—and I truly believe that is a realistic goal," said Superintendent Danielle Carmesin. "We are fortunate to have incredibly talented teachers, supportive families who value education, and students who are willing to work hard every day. When you combine those strengths with high expectations, strong instructional practices, and meaningful opportunities like Career Technical Education, there is no limit to what our students can achieve. This progress is worth celebrating, but it's also motivation to keep moving forward together."

As Ferndale Unified looks ahead, the District remains dedicated to student growth by building pathways to success through individual academic excellence and community involvement while honoring tradition.