Youngsville Elementary Begins New School Year Backed by Nearly a Decade of Academic Excellence

The hallways of Youngsville Elementary School were once again filled with smiling faces, eager learners, and welcoming educators Thursday morning as students returned for the first day of the 2026–2027 school year.

As Franklin County Schools' only year-round elementary school, Youngsville Elementary became the first school in the district to welcome students back to class.

While today marks the beginning of a new school year, it also continues a tradition of excellence that has distinguished Youngsville Elementary for nearly a decade.

Since 2017, Youngsville Elementary has consistently outperformed the North Carolina state average in Grades 3–5 Reading, Grades 3–5 Mathematics, and Grade 5 Science End-of-Grade proficiency.

Over the past nine years, the school's students have averaged 9.5 percentage points higher than the state in academic proficiency. Even more impressively, since students returned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Youngsville Elementary has averaged 10.7 percentage points above the state average, demonstrating sustained growth and resilience.

The trend has not only remained consistent—it has grown stronger. In 2024, Youngsville Elementary exceeded the state average by an impressive 15.7 percentage points, one of its strongest academic performances during the past decade.

For Principal Frank Wiggins, those results are the product of a school community united around a common purpose.

"Our mission is simple—Growing Great Learners. That means creating an environment where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. We are proud of what our students have accomplished, but we know those results are made possible by exceptional teachers, supportive families, and students who come to school each day ready to learn. Today isn't just the first day of school—it's the first opportunity to continue building on that tradition of excellence."

Youngsville Elementary's unique year-round calendar also provides additional opportunities to support student success. The school operates on four nine-week instructional terms separated by short track-out breaks throughout the year. During those breaks, students identified through teacher recommendations may participate in the school's Extended Learning Program, receiving targeted instruction designed to strengthen academic skills before returning to the classroom.

The school's sustained success is also reflected in the quality of its educators and staff.

Over the past several years, Youngsville Elementary has been home to numerous Franklin County Schools district award recipients, including:

• 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year – Trenace Gilmore
• 2026 Instructional Coach of the Year (Dianne Massey-Carter Award) – Tara Smith
• 2026 Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year – Jessica Liberatos
• 2025 Teacher of the Year – Brittany Hedgepeth
• 2024 Principal of the Year – Frank Wiggins
• 2024 Volunteer of the Year – Haley Glick
• 2023 Teacher of the Year – Kari Dupree
• 2023 School Resource Officer of the Year – Deputy Bryan Daniel

Those recognitions speak to more than individual accomplishments—they reflect a culture of excellence where exceptional educators, dedicated staff, supportive families, and engaged community partners work together to help every student succeed.

Franklin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Nakia Hardy said Youngsville Elementary exemplifies the district's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

"Academic excellence doesn't happen by accident. It is built through strong leadership, exceptional educators, engaged families, and a school culture that believes every child can succeed. Youngsville Elementary has demonstrated that commitment year after year. Their sustained performance over nearly a decade reflects the incredible work taking place inside their classrooms every day, and we are excited to see another year of students continue that tradition."

As students departed at the end of the day, the excitement of a new school year was matched by the confidence that comes from a proven track record of success.

At Youngsville Elementary, the first day of school represents more than the beginning of another academic year—it marks the continuation of a tradition built on high expectations, dedicated educators, and a shared commitment to Growing Great Learners.