Cape Henlopen Students Lead the State in 2025-26 Testing Results

The results of the 2025-26 Delaware State Testing Program tell a story of students continuing to grow, educators continuing to push forward and a community coming together around a shared commitment to student success.

State data released on August 18 shows that Cape students recorded the highest overall proficiency rates in the state for grades 3-8 among traditional public-school districts, with 60% demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and 53% in mathematics. Both results reflect continued growth from the previous year, when 58% were proficient in ELA and 52% in math. The results are particularly significant compared with statewide performance, where proficiency averages were 42% in ELA and 35% in mathematics, placing Cape Henlopen students 18 percentage points above the state average in both subjects.

For Superintendent Dr. Jenny Nauman, the significance of the results goes far beyond the numbers. “When I look at these results, I don't just see percentages; I see our students. I see the child who kept working through something that didn't come easily. I see the teacher who put together additional plans to meet a struggling student where they were and help them understand one more concept. I see families encouraging their children, and I see support staff believing in them every single day,” said Dr. Nauman. “These results reflect a community that cares deeply about its kids and is willing to put in the work to help them succeed. I couldn't be prouder of our students and more grateful for the people who show up for them every day.”

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) recognized Cape Henlopen for excellence and consistent improvement. The district was identified as an excellence-based district, with overall performance significantly above the statewide average. Cape was highlighted for demonstrating excellence across multiple student subgroups, including English Learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income households.

The recognition reflects a pattern that extends beyond a single year's results. Cape was also acknowledged by the DDOE for consistent year-over-year growth in ELA and mathematics from 2024 through 2026. That sustained progress is a source of pride for district leaders because it reflects the impact of work across all of Cape’s schools, from elementary classrooms building strong foundations in literacy and mathematics to middle and high school teachers challenging students to apply those skills in increasingly complex ways.

At Cape Henlopen High School, eleventh-grade students also posted improved results on the state assessment, the SAT, a college admissions exam most commonly taken by students preparing for postsecondary education. Fifty-nine percent of students demonstrated proficiency in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), placing Cape High among the highest-performing high schools in Delaware. In mathematics, 28% of students demonstrated proficiency, compared with a statewide average of 18%.

While the District celebrates these accomplishments, school leaders emphasize that the results are not a finish line. “We celebrate this moment, but we don't stop here,” Dr. Nauman said. “There are still students who need us to find a different way, a little more support, or a new opportunity to show what they know. That is what makes this work so meaningful. We have the privilege and the responsibility to keep asking how we can do better for every student in every classroom.”

The district will continue to use state assessment results, along with classroom assessments and other measures of student performance, to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. The results offer both a celebration of how far students have come and a reminder of the work ahead.