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Johston and South Wake County Schools
Probably one of the biggest perks of living in the Southern Wake/Johnston County are the educational opportunities the region affords. Beyond an excellent public school system in both Wake and Johnston counties, there are top-notch independent schools, cutting-edge research universities, and highly rated community colleges.
The Triangle’s unique layout features the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Duke University as the cornerstones, feeding many of its graduates to jobs in Research Triangle Park.
This dynamic combination results in the area being hailed as one of the top research locations in the country. As such, the educational institutions that support this economy-boosting machine are the public school systems and the independent schools that offer parents the choice to customize a child’s education. The local community colleges pitch in by enabling adults to further their education to keep pace with the changing times.
The web of knowledge is a large one around here, and we are lucky that we have so many options from which to choose in regard to where we send our children. The following is a brief look at only a few of the educational opportunities that are available to your family.
Public Schools
The school systems that serve the Southern Wake/Johnston County region are the Wake County Public School System and Johnston County Schools. Both are highly rated and well respected in North Carolina.
Johnston County Schools
With Johnston County growing by leaps and bounds, school officials are constantly tasked with trying to accommodate all students by building new schools and renovating/expanding existing schools, while helping each child achieve academic excellence.
“Johnston County Schools’ vision of ‘empowering all students to become successful in a global society’ is our promise and commitment to each of the 31,362 students enrolled at our 42 school sites,” said Terri Sessoms, public information officer at Johnston County Schools.
To help meet the demands of growth, school officials continue to implement construction projects.
“Johnston County Schools developed a construction plan and program in 1989 to address the district’s growth,” said Sessoms. “Since then, an average of two schools per year have been built and, thanks to Johnston County residents, more than $400 million in bonds have been passed to finance most of the construction. The most recent bond was passed in May 2007. Currently, there are two additional high schools on the drawing board.”
Local voters approved a bond referendum in 2005, which included $4 million for technology upgrades at many of the Johnston County Schools. The money will be appropriated equally over the next four years, according to the Johnston County Schools’ Web site at www.johnston.k12.nc.us.
When it comes to academics, Johnston County Schools ranks within the top 20 percent of North Carolina school districts. In fact, Johnston County Schools prides itself on its curriculum and unique programs that help each student achieve success.
“Johnston County Schools offers differentiated instruction, which means that every child’s learning style is addressed,” said Sessoms. “Additionally, a Middle College was opened last year to provide an academic program for students wanting to earn their high school diplomas and matriculate to higher education without the extracurricular offerings of a traditional high school. Middle College is located at Johnston Community College, and it is administered by Johnston County Schools' staff.”
The Johnston County Early College Academy opened its doors this year. The Early College represents a unique combination of public school and community college collaboration. It is a high school of choice where entering ninth grade students are expected to take college classes in addition to high school core courses. Students are expected to continue their education at a four-year college upon graduation.
This non-traditional school is specifically for students who have the ability to be high achievers, are capable of doing honors work, and can meet high academic standards.
All Johnston County Schools follow the traditional calendar, with the exception of the Early and Middle Colleges, which mirror Johnston Community College’s (JCC) schedule, according to Sessoms.
The total scholarship amount for the Class of 2008 was $9.3 million and the average SAT score surpasses the state and national averages. Johnston County Schools have 197 teachers who are National Board Certified.
While the Johnston County schools are consistently recognized locally and nationally for academic excellence, the school system has garnered some impressive international accolades.
“Johnston County Schools has earned national accreditation, making it one of only nine fully accredited districts in North Carolina, 57 in the United States, and 75 in the world,” said Sessoms. “Additionally, we’ve garnered national attention (on CNN, “Good Morning America,” Education Week, and the New York Times) for our English as a Second Language programs at Micro–Pine Level, Four Oaks Elementary, and Selma Elementary Schools; for our literacy programs at Selma Elementary and Micro–Pine Level; and West Smithfield Elementary Accelerated School program. In addition, our high schools use the Freshman Academy concept to allow younger students more transition time from middle to high school.”
Wake County Public School System
Student performance is the top priority in all Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) schools as evidenced by the goal adopted by the Board of Education in 2003: By 2008, 95 percent of students tested will be at or above grade level as measured by North Carolina End-of-Grade testing at grades 3 through 12, according to the WCPSS’s Web site at www.wcpss.net.
Such success has made WCPSS one of the fastest growing districts in the nation. To keep up with rapid enrollment growth, WCPSS has recently opened seven new schools. And more schools are on the way, especially considering the WCPSS’s recent estimates in enrollment growth.
The school system is expected to enroll 20,242 more new students over the next three years, increasing total enrollment for the 2010–2011 school year to a projected 154,244 students, according to the WCPSS Web site. The 2008–2009 school year was projected to include 140,443 students, which is an increase of 6,441 new students; the 2009–2010 school year is estimated to include 147,039 pupils, which is an increase of 6,596 new pupils; and the 2010–2011 school year is estimated to include 154,244 students, which is an increase of 7,205 new students.
WCPSS student population growth rates are based on a combination of methodologies, which include the number of housing units for kindergarten and the five-year average number of students in grades 1 through 12. WCPSS officials also looked at birth rates, building permits, and housing vacancies, according to the WCPSS Web site.
The WCPSS uses these enrollment projections to help determine the school system’s operating budget, teachers, teacher salaries, new schools, and transportation.
To help accommodate this estimated growth, construction on two new elementary schools in Fuquay-Varina and Garner is expected to be complete by July 2009. The cost of each new school is estimated at $18 million, according to the WCPSS Web site. A new $34 million middle school will be built adjacent to Holly Grove Elementary in Holly Springs. The project is expected to be completed in June 2010.
Higher Education
Johnston Community College
Johnston Community College has been awarding associate’s degrees, certificates, and diplomas for 40 years to students pursuing occupational, technical, and continuing education skills.
With a curriculum enrollment of nearly 6,000 students and continuing education enrollment of more than 11,000 students per year, JCC ranks among the top 20 largest community colleges in North Carolina. During its 40-year history, JCC has maintained its small town values while progressively meeting the needs of one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
There are many reasons why people are choosing to enroll at a community college versus a larger university. “Community colleges are now the colleges of first choice,” said Dr. Donald L. Reichard, president of JCC. “More than one-half of the students who go to college today begin at community colleges. Why? Students can attend JCC at a lower cost than that of a four-year college but receive an education of equal or higher quality. Students at community colleges are taught by full-time, highly qualified faculty—not graduate assistants. And most of all, community college students receive strong support services from a caring faculty and staff.”
In September 1969, Johnston County Technical Institute was established as the 51st school of its kind in the state. The first campus opened in a former high school in Four Oaks under the leadership of Dr. John Tart, founding president. The college moved to its current location in Smithfield in 1976 gaining full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools the following year.
In 1980, the school was renamed to Johnston Technical College, and in 1987 became Johnston Community College. JCC witnessed tremendous progress under Tart’s direction, including the construction of a 1,000-seat performing arts auditorium through a private fundraising campaign and the launch of the college transfer program. After Tart’s retirement in 1999, Reichard was selected to lead the college into the new millennium. During Reichard’s tenure, JCC has focused on expanded opportunities for global education, diversity, biotechnology training, and innovative learning.
JCC is located 30 miles east of Raleigh near the junction of Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 70 Business. Today, the two-year post-secondary college offers 59 occupational programs of study as well as numerous continuing education programs and community service activities on its 175-acre main campus.
The college boasts state-of-the-art facilities and has educational centers throughout the county, including the Workforce Development Center in Clayton, a biosciences training center that houses classrooms and computer and science labs; the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, a 2800-acre wildlife preserve and teaching facility; as well as continuing education centers in Benson, Cleveland, and Kenly. The college’s main campus is also home to a 16-acre teaching arboretum and the North Carolina Truck Driver Training School, the oldest truck driver training school in the United States.
Independent Schools
Wake Christian Academy
Wake Christian Academy (WCA), founded in 1966, is located in Raleigh. WCA operates as a Biblically based, Christ-centered Christian day school. It is a private, unaffiliated, board-governed, nonprofit institution that seeks to maintain high academic and spiritual standards.
Wake Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded to students at the school.
The school, consisting of kindergarten, elementary, middle school, and senior high school levels, is concerned with the spiritual as well as the intellectual growth of its students.
Wake Christian Academy is a member of the North Carolina Christian School Association. Wake Christian Academy strives to maintain a high standard of excellence as set forth by the NCCSA and AACS. WCA is accredited by both organizations. WCA teachers are certified by the NCCSA, and many faculty members maintain licensure by the State of North Carolina.
Wake Christian Academy seeks to provide conditions whereby young people can receive the Truth. The school’s goal is to teach Christ through His Word, the Bible, in practical ways as well as in classroom instruction.
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