Education for the Future


Kernersville is doing its part to change the world through education. Kernersville residents are blessed with excellent public schools as well as several private school options. Kernersville has five elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools, serving 9,300 students – almost a fifth of all students in Forsyth County.

Kernersville public schools include the county’s largest elementary school at Kernersville Elementary and the county’s newest school at Smith Farm Elementary, which also boasts a dual-language immersion program.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

In addition, the Kernersville area is home to the North Carolina Leadership Academy, a public charter school for grades K-12. The NCLA offers a comprehensive menu of athletic and after-school programs. Admission to the school is by lottery. For younger children, Triad Baptist Christian Academy provides a Christian environment for grades K-12. JV and varsity sports are available in grades 6-12.

Community support for education is very strong in Kernersville. The chamber raises funds each summer through contributions and the popular Eating for Education restaurant promotion. In recent years, over 60 grants have been presented to teachers in the public schools annually, funding the creation of classroom education projects. Area civic clubs support the public schools and the chamber operates a mentoring “Coaches Who Care” program at several schools.

Kernersville also benefits from the Swisher Center, a satellite campus of Forsyth Technical Community College. Forsyth Tech provides people at every stage of life with a variety of educational pathways to enter today’s workforce, change careers or pursue further education at a four-year university. The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in more than 200 programs of study; vocational education for those seeking to improve their job skills or obtain entry-level employment; basic education for those seeking to finish high school or enter college to expand their career opportunities; and customized training as well as leadership training for businesses of all sizes. Forsyth Tech serves the Kernersville community through the Grady P. Swisher Center, offering a number of degree and basic education programs at a convenient local location. Learn more about the college at ForsythTech.edu.