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The New Three R’s: Rigor, Relevance, And Relationships
Watauga County Schools
Consistently ranking among the top public school systems in North Carolina, Watauga County Schools enjoy broad-based community support for the eight K-8 elementary schools and for Watauga High School, a comprehensive high school serving grades 9-12. On the ABCs of Public Education, all eight K-8 schools achieved Honor School of Excellence status last year. This is a new higher status for schools that meet standards for a School of Excellence and also made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under No Child Left Behind. Just 25% of schools statewide achieved this status. Watauga High School is a “School of Distinction,” where at least 80 percent of the students are at or above grade level. Less than 1/3 of high schools statewide achieved this or a higher status. An instructional philosophy that invites success for all students and recognizes the importance of providing for individual needs is what guides curriculum decisions across the district.
This unique, transitional middle school program includes many components and characteristics of traditional middle schools, but maintains the best traditions of a “community school family.” Watauga High School is fully accredited by the state and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has traditions of excellence in academics, the arts, student activities and athletics. As one measure of success, students’ SAT scores rank well above state and national averages. Lees-McRae College Lees-McRae College, located in the nearby village of Banner Elk, seeks to extend its ministry of education and service to a diverse student population. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Lees-McRae was founded in 1900. Its motto is: “In the mountains, of the mountains and for the mountains.” The private, baccalaureate college provides a coeducational liberal arts education based in the Christian tradition. Lees-McRae has an on-campus enrollment of more than 600 students and offers 26 majors leading to both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The picturesque 400-acre campus features 30 buildings, most constructed of the native river rock. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute The Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) is well-positioned to serve the needs of the community with a variety of educational opportunities that are accessible to nearly everyone. The institution makes the claim, “Your Future Starts Here.” In his welcome message to students, President Ken Boham says, “The community college remains one of the most affordable ways to prepare for a new career, earn your associate’s degree, update your existing skills or explore a new interest. “Our tradition of excellence remains paramount to our mission in serving the community with a wide variety of academic and cultural opportunities,” he adds.
Administration and faculty work hand-in-hand with area employers to provide workforce training that addresses current and future employment and technology needs, and the Continuing Education Department is especially responsive to the requirements of the private sector for specialized training and instruction. CCC&TI is a partner in the local JobLink Career Center network and offers extensive career planning, academic and personal counseling assistance to area residents.
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