COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Maury County Public Schools has been recognized as a “District on the Rise,” in the newly released Education Recovery Scorecard, a national report highlighting school districts demonstrating exceptional academic progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report, produced through a collaboration between researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Dartmouth College, identified Maury County Public Schools as one of only a handful of Tennessee school districts recognized for strong gains in both math and reading achievement.

According to the report, Tennessee ranked second in the nation for math recovery and fourth in reading recovery between 2022 and 2025, positioning the state as a national leader in post-pandemic academic growth.

Maury County Public Schools joined Johnson City Schools, Putnam County Schools and White County Schools among Tennessee school districts specifically highlighted for outperforming academically similar districts across the state in both subject areas.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work happening every day in our schools,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Being identified as a school district on the rise in both math and reading demonstrates the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families. We have remained focused on accelerating student achievement, investing in strong instructional practices, and ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed.”

Maury County Public Schools’ progress is the result of intentional efforts to strengthen academic support, expand intervention opportunities, and maintain a student-centered approach.

“We are proud of the growth our students continue to make,” Ventura said. “While this recognition is certainly worth celebrating, it also motivates us to continue building on this momentum and providing the highest quality educational opportunities for every child in Maury County.”

The Education Recovery Scorecard analyzes district-level student growth nationwide using assessment data from approximately 35 million students in grades 3-8 through the 2024-25 school year.

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