Virginia’s 2024–2025 SOL Scores: Growth, Decline, and Opportunity
Virginia’s latest round of SOL pass rates is more than a scoreboard, it’s a call to action for division leaders across the state. This year’s data reveals a complex picture of success, struggle, and transformation across reading, math, science, and social studies. For superintendents, principals, and curriculum leaders, it’s a roadmap to opportunity.
The Statewide Snapshot: Averages and Alarms
State averages held steady in the low 70s for reading (71%), writing (72%), and math (70%), while science trailed at 68% and history/social sciences came in lowest at 63%. These scores show clear patterns: core content remains stable, but science and social studies continue to need attention — especially when state accountability and college/career readiness are on the line.
Writing stood out for its volatility, some divisions surged, others plummeted. The question for leaders is clear: what’s working in high-growth divisions, and how can those strategies be scaled?
Big Movers: Who Improved the Most?
Five divisions led the way in year-over-year improvement:
- Pulaski County: +12.6 points
- Danville City: +12.2 points
- Colonial Beach: +11.8 points
- Lee County: +10.4 points (including 100% in Writing!)
- Louisa County: +9.6 points
These improvements show that targeted strategies can yield real, measurable results, even within a single year. For divisions looking to emulate success, these divisions offer a strong model.
Steep Declines: Where Support is Urgently Needed
At the other end of the spectrum, several divisions experienced sharp declines, especially in writing:
- Alexandria City: 65% → 8% in Writing (–57)
- Fairfax County: 57% → 16% (–41)
- Fredericksburg City: 40% → 9% (–31)
These dramatic drops highlight what happens when systems lack consistent, standards-aligned support — especially in foundational skills like writing.
A Closer Look: Subject-by-Subject
Science
With a 68% average, science scores underscore a pressing need for deeper STEM investment. Many instructional tools focus on math and reading, but Progress Learning also offers science content aligned to Virginia SOLs, and offers an adaptive intervention option for math, reading, and science.
Social Studies
Still the lowest-performing subject at 63%. Creative engagement is key. Divisions need platforms that not only align with standards but also keep students motivated, our tools include gamification, project-based options, and scaffolded instruction that meet students where they are.
Writing
The most unstable subject this year. The dramatic swings in scores reflect the need for targeted writing instruction, progress monitoring, and early interventions.
What This Means for Division Leaders
This year’s results aren’t just data points. They’re decision points. Here’s how forward-thinking divisions are responding:
- Benchmarking against top performers using tools like Progress Learning’s custom and pre-built assessments.
- Moving quickly when scores decline, especially in volatile subjects like writing.
- Targeting support where it’s most needed, particularly in science and history/social sciences, which often get less attention in supplemental programs.
How Progress Learning Can Help
We’re built to support Virginia educators with:
- SOL-aligned content across all tested subjects, including science and social studies.
- Custom and pre-built assessments that mirror SOL rigor.
- Actionable insights and reporting to track progress and close gaps.
- Remediation and adaptive intervention with our Liftoff program, and MAP integration for math, reading, and science to turn diagnostic data into action.
When schools want to improve pass rates, they need more than just practice questions. They need a system built for intervention, engagement, and standards mastery across all tested subjects. The data is clear: progress is possible. Let’s make sure every division has the tools to get there.
Want to see our SOL aligned content designed for Virginia schools? Get in touch with our Virginia specialist below.
