Best Schools in Outer Banks NC
Learning is made fun and rewarding at school districts on the Outer Banks. Dare County Schools, Currituck County Schools and Hyde County Schools make students’ futures their top priority.
Dare County Schools
Dare County Schools (DCS) is a prekindergarten through 12th grade public school system with a long history of high student performance and excellence in public education. Dare County Schools consistently ranks as one of the highest performing school districts in the state of North Carolina.
The Dare County Schools Board of Education, administration and staff are committed to preparing students to be globally competitive problem solvers who can be contributing members of society.
The school system has new leadership as Dr. John Farrelly became superintendent of schools on July 1, 2018. Farrelly has focused on several key initiatives centered on
building a shared vision for the future of Dare County Schools. Dare County Schools has designed a comprehensive district visioning process in 2018 to determine priorities, success metrics and drive continuous improvement efforts. The visioning process expected outcomes are: (1.) The development of cutting-edge next generation models that support the development of enabling conditions within systems; (2.) A shared vision for the future of the school community that is inclusive of the views of a diverse array of stakeholders; (3.) The identification of core conditions that define success; and (4.) Clear success metrics for each aspect of the vision/priorities.
Currituck County Schools
Serving more nearly 4,100 students throughout 10 schools, Currituck County Schools boasts updated facilities that are outfitted with the most advanced technology. Helping to prepare students for 21st century jobs, the district is led by Mark Stefanik, superintendent, who is committed to college and career readiness.
Currituck County Schools helps students in kindergarten through high school hone in on skill sets that will prepare them for careers that await them. Educators take core subjects and blend with a 21st century theme, helping scholars develop the skill set needed for up-and-coming jobs. Students also have the opportunity to take CTE courses that will further prepare them for a career pathway of their choice. Additionally, the district incorporates the most advanced technology, providing students in sixth through 12th grades with a Chromebook to use.
Students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities have a bevy from which to choose, including sports, art club, Beta club, student government, FFA
and more.
Hyde County Schools
Led by Superintendent Dr. Randolph Latimore, Hyde County Schools provides a quality education to students of all ages. Helping scholars develop and retain 21st century skills is at the forefront of the district’s instruction goals.
Hyde County Schools is one of the smallest districts in the state, with only three schools. Mattamuskeet Elementary School, Mattamuskeet Early College High School and Ocracoke School prepare pupils for their very bright futures.
Rigorous studies are complemented with a well-rounded line up of activities, such as chess, cooking, drama, photo and creative writing, FCA, sports, art and powerlifting, among others. l By Sarah Lancaster
Careers Start Here
Degrees that Propel Scholars Forward
While the Outer Banks is known for its tourism aspects, it is also a great place to earn an education or train for a dream job.
A community college serves as a resource for its region. College of The Albemarle (COA) contributes to the area’s regional economic development through building career pathways for students of all ages.
Transform tomorrow by learning more today about credit programs and noncredit classes like dual enrollment, welding technology, HVAC, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, professional crafts jewelry, English as a second language, drone operator certification, Associate in Science, Associate in Arts and more.
The college is made up of four campuses that provide educational opportunities for a seven-county service area, including campuses that are located in Manteo, Edenton, Elizabeth City and the Regional Aviation and Technical Training Center in Barco. Each location specializes in county relevant programs to conveniently educate, train and work with local businesses to hire graduates. COA, in working with members of the Dare County community, will identify additional course offerings as plans move forward for a new building.
The college’s Small Business Center offers skills seminars and workshops, business counseling and is known for being a one stop entrepreneur’s shop.
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) features a state-of-the-art stage with more than 950 seats and serves as a venue for theatrical productions performed by students and community members. The PAC is also available to rent for community events.
The COA Foundation raises money to fund scholarships for students, professional development for faculty and staff, as well as building projects.
Elizabeth City State University
Founded in 1891, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is guided by the philosophy “to live is to learn.” Through its broad degree offerings and innovative research programs, ECSU provides affordable academic excellence in a nurturing, student-centered environment.
ECSU’s founding mission was to train teachers and has helped develop some of North Carolina’s top educators through its education degree programs. But preparing teachers for their careers is only a part of this University of North Carolina (UNC) System school’s story.
A diverse selection of degree programs has made ECSU stand out across the state and nation. ECSU is the only UNC system school to offer a four-year aviation degree program. From the unmanned aerial vehicles to avionics and pilot training, the aviation program is producing tomorrow’s aviators for both the private sector and the military.
The university has begun working with regional community college campuses, providing bachelor degree programs to students throughout northeast North Carolina, on-site at their hometown campuses. ECSU continues to build partnerships throughout the region and across the state in an effort to bring higher education to residents of the region.
And ECSU has now become one of three North Carolina’s Promise Schools. Beginning in the fall of 2018, the N.C. Promise Tuition Program will reduce in-state tuition to $500 per semester and out-of-state tuition to $2,500 a semester—student fees do not apply.
ECSU is also home to the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) office. The SBTDC is committed to helping make your business better by offering services for small and mid-size companies, such as make better, more informed decisions; access sources of capital and financing; evaluate and improve your financial performance; obtain quality business and market information; improve leadership skills and employee performance; and plan for a better future.
North Carolina Wesleyan College
In partnership with community colleges in central and eastern North Carolina, North Carolina Wesleyan College offers baccalaureate degree programs designed to meet the educational needs of adult learners. At COA’s Dare Campus in Manteo, North Carolina Wesleyan College offers programs tailored to the personal, career and life goals of residents. Because mature adults are highly motivated and capable of self-directed learning, they can take advantage of eight-week face-to-face, hybrid and online classes.
The Manteo campus offers seven degree programs in business administration, organizational administration, marketing, accounting, criminal justice, computer information systems and political science. The college also recently introduced a Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Our program in Manteo has brought a unique opportunity to the region for locals to achieve upward professional mobility, career changes, academic pursuits and entrepreneurship-related goals. l Information in this article was provided by The College of the Albemarle, North Carolina Wesleyan College and Elizabeth City State University.