Sussex Academy shows the power of sharing school assessment results
On Sept. 30, the Cape Gazette published “Sussex Academy students shine in state assessments, AP exams,” highlighting how Sussex Academy outperformed state averages in English, math, science, social studies and AP exams. The scores are impressive, but just as important is the school’s choice to share them openly. Head of School Kyle Bentley, Chief Academic Officer Janet Owens and their faculty deserve credit not only for strong results, but for their openness with families and the community.
This kind of reporting isn’t just good news; it’s good practice. Sussex Academy leaders acknowledged that even in a high-performing school, averages can hide learning gaps. That kind of honesty builds trust with families and strengthens accountability. When families understand how their schools are doing, they become stronger partners in student success. As a former educator, I’ve seen how transparency like this can drive real improvement.
Delaware’s statewide report-card system (reportcard.doe.k12.de.us) offers a wealth of information, but the numbers can be hard for parents to interpret. What families most want to know is how their schools are responding, what’s being done to help students who are below proficiency.
Sussex Academy went a step further by analyzing its own data, explaining it clearly and outlining how it plans to grow. Teachers and administrators already juggle heavy workloads, but clear communication helps align everyone’s efforts. Parents who have questions about their school’s report card should feel encouraged to ask administrators for clarification or request a parent presentation. When schools share both their results and their plans, families feel informed and engaged. Sussex Academy has shown that open communication works. Expanding that practice statewide, supported by tools or guidance from the Department of Education, could help every community better understand and support its schools.
The stakes are real. Delaware’s student outcomes show there’s work to do. When families don’t know what the data means, progress slows. But when schools share results openly, by subject and by grade, parents pay attention, neighborhoods get involved and support for improvement grows.
Transparency builds trust, and trust builds better schools.
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