The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has kicked off a new initiative called "Find Your Fit, Build Your Future," aimed at making families aware of the assortment of educational opportunities within the state's public schools, as reported by NCDPI. This six-week campaign intends to shine a spotlight on the 229 magnet programs, 138 early college high schools, and 211 charter schools that can be found across North Carolina, emphasizing the diverse options available for students to pursue their academic and career goals.
According to State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green, who spoke during a press conference, the general public may not fully grasp the scope of choice present within the public education system, highlighting that these options include not just standard fare but also gifted programs, virtual learning and much more, now through school visits and social media these opportunities will be showcased and celebrated alongside firsthand accounts from educators, parents, and students who experience them every single day.
NCDPI's press release suggests a variety of educational avenues that cater to different aspirational paths for students, including dual enrollment courses taken by 38% of all North Carolina graduates last year, 95% of whom earned college credit at no cost. "Every student in North Carolina deserves ample opportunity to unlock and develop their full potential," stated Sneha Shah-Coltrane, senior director of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education. She underscored the state's commitment to expanding K-12 advanced learning and college-credit offerings in every school across North Carolina.
Trey Michael, senior director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), emphasized how CTE programs abet students in discovering their passions and turning them into careers, aligning with workforce needs and delivering a 98%+ graduation rate for those concentrated in CTE paths, North Carolina positions itself as not just an educational hub but also a linchpin in addressing the skills demand within its commercial landscape.
The press conference also provided a platform for student and parent testimonies about their experiences within the state's public education system, Jovonia Lewis, a Durham Public Schools parent, said, "We chose N.C. public schools because we wanted our three sons educated in a place that reflects our community and where they would be given the best chance to meet their full potential." The "Find Your Fit, Build Your Future" initiative aligns with National School Choice Week, putting the spotlight on the eclectic array of academic possibilities within North Carolina's public education system. A full recording of the press event and additional stats on North Carolina public schools can be found in the NCDPI announcement.
