QUICK FACTS

SCHOOL FACTS

Promotion and Graduation Requirements

Under statewide Student Accountability Standards, students in the third, fifth and eighth grades must demonstrate grade-level proficiency in addition to meeting local requirements in order to be considered for promotion to the next grade level. Local districts also may impose similar requirements at other grade levels. All high school students must meet state and local requirements in order to receive a diploma. Currently, there are several different requirements in place depending on when students entered ninth grade for the first time. Students must meet specific course and credit requirements, successfully complete The North Carolina Graduation Project (for students who entered ninth grade in 2007-08 or later), score proficient on five essential end-of-course tests*: Algebra I, Biology, Civics and Economics, English I and U.S. History (for students who entered ninth grade in 2006-07 or later), score proficient on the Computer Skills Test and meet any additional local requirements.

* Students who do not score at proficiency on the referenced end-of-course tests, but who pass the course, are given the opportunity to retake the assessment. If the student does not score at proficiency on the retest, school officials shall provide a review process to provide focused intervention, a second retest opportunity, and a review of the student’s documentation to determine whether the student has met the exit standard for the course. The principal makes the final decision as to whether the student has met the exit standard.

What Students Study

North Carolina students in kindergarten through 12th grade study English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, guidance, healthful living, library/media/computer skills, second languages, and workforce development subjects. The State Standard Course of Study outlines for teachers the competencies and objectives students should master.

To measure how well students are learning the curriculum, local school districts test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and mathematics, and at grades 5 and 8 in science. All high school students take end-of-course tests in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Physics, English I, U.S. History, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science and Civics and Economics. Workforce development courses also have statewide assessments through VoCATS.

Did You Know?

There are 2,399 public schools in North Carolina and 97 charter schools.

North Carolina was the first state to require students to study Algebra I.

Public schools in North Carolina are governed by local board of education. Currently, there are 115 school systems in the state. These boards set policies ranging from local graduation standards to discipline to the school calendar.

The State Board of Education is appointed by the Governor and is charged with supervising and administering "the free public school system and education funds provided for its support." There are 13 board members who meet on a monthly basis.

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is elected by popular vote of North Carolina citizens. He or she serves as chief administrative officer of the State Board of Education.

North Carolina public schools receive 76 percent of their funding from the state, 18 percent from local revenue and 6 percent from the federal government.