Burke County, North Carolina is attractive to both businesses and families, and one of the primary reasons is high-quality educational resources focused on creating a brighter future for all.

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS, HIGH RATINGS

Burke County Public Schools serves more than 12,000 students with five high schools, five middle schools and 15 elementary schools. The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is much better than the national average, and more than 90 percent of our teachers have three or more years of experience. All of our county’s high schools received a grade of B or higher for performance and growth in the state’s most recent report.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW

Students benefit from a broad and rigorous academic curriculum that provides enhanced educational opportunities through the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Agriculture, and Math) Academy, which provides Advanced Placement and Honors courses for students

Starting in 2022, local high school juniors and seniors will be able to take a rigorous, high-level curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math at the new North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), which is opening its second North Carolina campus in Morganton. The campus, part of the University of North Carolina system, will initially enroll 300 students, with enrollment expected to double in the second year.

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

Local schools recognize the importance of preparing young people to become successful adults, so educators work closely with the community to educate the whole child. That includes opportunities to participate in sports and the arts, a full spectrum of extracurricular activities such as the FFA, field trips to educational and cultural resources such as the symphony, and community service programs that bring schools, students, parents, and business together to enhance life in Burke County.