Page 18 - Wilkes County NCG 2023

Groundbreaking for construction
of the new building at
Mount Pleasant Elementary

volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, cross
country, track and field, and indoor track.
613 Cherry St., North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
(336) 667-1121 | wilkescountyschools.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Wilkes County is home to two private
schools, each backed by a Christian
denomination. These private schools serve
Education provide a strong education for families who
students in pre-K through 12th grades and

choose to enroll their children.

Wilkes Supports Education COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Wilkes Community College (WCC),

a member of the North Carolina Community
College System, is a public, two-year, open-
door institution serving the people of Wilkes,
Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond.
ilkes County’s businesses, leaders,
W and community members embrace learners for success through a range of
Wilkes Community College prepares
education. We focus on the safety
and wellbeing of our children as they learn, occupational and technical pursuits as well
grow, become involved in extracurricular as pre-baccalaureate programs. Established
activities and service, and learn that their Wilkes County in 1965, WCC builds on a strong history
contributions for a better world are already Schools is of meeting the educational needs and
being made. cultural interests of students, community,
No. 12 of 115 and workforce.
public schools “Best Places to Teach” The College has a low student-to-faculty
Wilkes County Schools empowers in North Carolina 2022 ratio (8:1) and more than 39 programs of study,
more than 8,300 youth to lead and succeed including Associate degree, diploma, and
in a global economy. The district’s 22 schools certificate options. WCC ensures students
who successfully complete its programs are
serve grades pre-K through 13 and maintain a “We are blessed with a strong and prepared to join the workforce or attend
commitment to excellence at all levels. supportive school community, and we another college or university to pursue a four-
Expectations for student success are high should all work together to ensure our year degree.
district-wide and are met through a partnership schools are the best that they can possibly WCC makes a major cultural impact in
with the schools, parents, and the community. be. As Superintendent of Wilkes County Wilkes and the surrounding counties as
Leadership is a core tenet of a supportive Schools, I challenge each of us to do all well as operates the Small Business Center
school education experience. Each of the four that we can to make it our best ever. I have to promote entrepreneurial development in
middle schools – Lighthouse Certified Schools no doubt that our students and staff will the region.
accomplish great things in 2022-2023,
– participates in the “Leader in Me” program, and I look forward to us celebrating their As the area’s primary workforce training
derived from “The Seven Habits of Highly accomplishments with them.” organization, the College plays a significant
Effective Teens” written by Sean Covey. Wilkes County Superintendent Mark Byrd role in preparing residents to meet current and
Academically, Wilkes County students future workforce needs. Ongoing changes
outpace the state in graduation rate. Wilkes
County High School students – about 1,200
– are participating in more than 100 Career Wilkes County Schools
& College Promise courses through Wilkes 2022-2023
Community College. Students...................................8,300
The four traditional high schools are Teachers + Certified Staff .............739
in the North Carolina High School Athletic Schools ......................................... 22
Association and compete in various sports. • 13 Elementary Schools
Athletic offerings at the high school level • 4 Middle Schools
include football, men’s and women’s soccer, • 5 High Schools
basketball, baseball, softball, swimming, men’s Graduation Rate 2021-22 ..........88.1%
and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis,

14 Education Wilkes Chamber of Commerce