Education system and best schools in North Carolina: North Carolina public school ratings. Top-ranked private schools. Magnet and charter school options. Education funding distribution. State academic standards. School performance report cards. Homeschooling regulations. English as a Second Language programs. Special education resources. College readiness programs.
North Carolina public school ratings.
North Carolina public school ratings are based on various factors including student proficiency, performance on state tests, college readiness, and graduation rates. The rankings encompass traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, early colleges, and lab schools. For detailed insights and to see how specific institutions fare, you can visit the Best Schools In North Carolina report. This resource lists top schools for elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing a comprehensive overview for parents and educators alike.
Top-ranked private schools.
The top-ranked private high schools in North Carolina include Cary Academy, Durham Academy, and Providence Day School, among others, with notable schools such as Charlotte Latin School, Charlotte Country Day School, and Ravenscroft School also highly ranked for their academic excellence, low student-to-teacher ratios, and high graduation rates. To explore a detailed list of these distinguished institutions, you can visit the Best Private High Schools in NC page. These schools demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities for students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic pursuits.
Magnet and charter school options.
In North Carolina, Magnet Schools offer specialized programs such as STEM or arts, often located in urban and suburban districts, and include middle and early colleges that allow students to take college courses. Charter Schools, managed by non-profit boards, provide another tuition-free option with enrollment preferences and often have waitlists due to high demand. For a comprehensive look into every school option available in North Carolina, you can explore the offerings at the John Locke Foundation's website.
Education funding distribution.
In North Carolina, public schools are funded through a combination of state, federal, and local resources. State funding accounts for approximately 60% of expenditures, federal funding for about 20%, and local funding for the remaining 20%, with local governments primarily responsible for capital expenses and increasingly contributing to instructional expenses. For more detailed insights, visit the North Carolina Forum's website which provides comprehensive information on the intricacies of school finance in the state.
State academic standards.
North Carolina's education system is guided by the Standard Course of Study, which defines uniform content standards for each grade level and high school course. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade or course, covering subjects such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and more. For further details, you can explore the Standard Course of Study document available on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's website.
School performance report cards.
In North Carolina, school performance report cards are issued annually by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, with grades calculated based on 80% academic achievement, which includes test scores, graduation rates, and work readiness, and 20% student growth. These report cards provide a comprehensive view of student achievement, attendance, class size, school safety, teacher quality, and other educational metrics, although critics argue that the system may not fully capture the quality of education provided by schools. For a closer look, you can visit the North Carolina School Report Cards website to explore detailed information. The reports aim to offer transparency and insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in the state's educational landscape.
Homeschooling regulations.
In North Carolina, homeschooling is regulated by the Division of Non-Public Education. Parents are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, file a notice of intent, maintain attendance and immunization records, administer annual standardized tests, and operate on a regular schedule for at least nine months. Instruction must be in English and should include subjects like English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. For more details, you can visit the Division of Non-Public Education website for comprehensive guidelines and requirements.
English as a Second Language programs.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a fully online ESL Add-On Licensure program specifically designed for K-12 teachers. This program provides between 9 to 15 credit hours of coursework aimed at supporting multilingual learners. One of the significant advantages of this program is the potential for full tuition support through the Project Ignite grant, making it an excellent opportunity for educators seeking to enhance their skills in teaching English as a second language.
Special education resources.
North Carolina offers a comprehensive array of special education resources, including the Family Support Network of NC, the Exceptional Children's Division, North Carolina Early Intervention Branch, and Disability Rights North Carolina. These organizations provide individualized education plans, early intervention services, and advocacy for children with special needs. Furthermore, the state boasts several top-rated schools for special education, particularly for autism, such as Lawrence Academy, Auldern Academy, and the School of Hope. Public school systems in Wake County and Durham also offer specialized classrooms, behavioral support, and personalized programs. Among the top-ranked special education public schools in the state are North Shelby, The Special Children's School, and C Joyner Greene Education Center, which provide specialized education programs focusing on individualized education and least restrictive environments. For more detailed information, you can explore resources available through Special Needs Resources provided by North Carolina's governmental initiatives.
College readiness programs.
In North Carolina, College and Career Readiness is defined by the completion of the NC Standard Course of Study and achieving specific benchmarks on the ACT exam, with programs like the COM curriculum showing significant improvements in ACT performance across various racial/ethnic groups. Additionally, the GEAR UP North Carolina program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, provides academic readiness and college access support to students in disadvantaged communities starting from the 6th grade, aiming to increase academic performance, high school graduation rates, and postsecondary education participation.