Page 20 - Wilkes County NCG

Education

partnership with the Wilkes Community College
schools, parents, and Wilkes Community College (WCC) prepares
the community. Leadership learners for success through a range of
is a core tenet of the education occupational and technical pursuits as well
experience. Each of the four middle as pre-baccalaureate programs. WCC is part
schools participates in the “Leader in of the North Carolina Community College
Me” program, derived from the The Seven System and is a public, two-year, open-
Habits of Highly Effective Teens written door institution. Established in 1965, WCC
by Sean Covey and are all Lighthouse builds on a strong history of meeting the
Certified Schools. educational needs and cultural interests of
students, community, and workforce.
Academically, Wilkes County student
Education is an SAT scores are comparable to the state and Buoyed by a low student-to-faculty ratio
students outpace the state in graduation rate.
(12:1) and more than 35 programs of study,
important aspect of the WCC ensures students who successfully
Wilkes County community. Currently Wilkes County High School complete its programs are prepared to join
students are participating in 109 different
the workforce or attend another college or
L ocal leaders understand the Career & College Promise courses through university to pursue a four-year degree.
Wilkes Community College which consists
importance of education today and
are taking steps to prepare local students of 1,248 enrollments during the first semester More than 3,300 students attend WCC in the
2021-2022 academic year. WCC also makes
for the demands of the modern workforce, of 2021-2022. Students who successfully a major cultural impact in Wilkes and the
higher education, and to be engaged and complete college courses earn college credit surrounding counties and operates the Small
informed citizens. and, in many cases, dual credit — meeting Business Center to promote development of
high school graduation requirements with small businesses in the region.
Wilkes County Schools college courses.
Educators at Wilkes County Schools strive
to empower more than 8,800 local youth to The four traditional high schools are in the
become leaders in a global community. The North Carolina High School Athletic Wilkes County sChools
district’s 22 schools serve pre-K through 13 Association and compete in various
and maintain a commitment to excellence at sports. Athletic offerings at the high By the numBers
all levels. school level include football, soccer,
basketball, baseball, softball, 8,500 Students
Expectations for student success are swimming, golf, tennis, volleyball,
high district wide and are met through a cheerleading, wrestling, cross 22 Schools
country, and track and field.
• 13 elementary schools
613 Cherry Street • 4 middle schools
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
FACT (336) 667-1121 • wilkescountyschools.org • 5 high schools

Area Private Schools
Wilkes County Schools is ranked as the Wilkes County is home to two private 88.7% Graduation Rate (2021)
16th “Safest School District in North Carolina” schools, both backed by a Christian 1,500 + Enrolled in
denomination. These private schools serve
out of 116 as ranked by Niche.com students in pre-K through 12th grades and Career & College Promise
in its 2022 Best Schools Survey. provide a strong education for families
who choose to enroll their children.

16 Wilkes Chamber of Commerce