Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Located in Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district enrolls approximately 148,300 students annually in grades kindergarten through twelve. Community support is strong when it comes to the students and schools in this district. There are over 90,000 mentors throughout the area who support Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, students, and staff. The district employs over 18,000 administrators, teachers, and other staff.

The district is comprised of 175 schools that are located in Mecklenburg County. There are 95 elementary schools, 46 middle schools, and 31 high schools. The district also manages eight schools for grades pre-k through eight, four K-8 schools, one K-12 school, and one 6-12 school. There are three alternative schools in the district. Of these schools, 47 are magnet schools and 10 have a specialization in career and technical education themes. Sixteen schools have an International Baccalaureate program.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are no stranger to national honors and recognition when it comes to excellence in academics. Here are a few of their success moments.

• 2011 Broad Prize for Urban Excellence by Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
• 2014 Excellence and Distinction honors for 22 schools by the National Magnet Schools of America
• 2013 1^st place in 4^th-8^th Grade Mathematics and 2^nd place in 4^th-8^th Grade Reading by National Assessment of Educational Progress
• 2015 Governor’s School – 32 participants
• More schools with The International Baccalaureate program than any other district in North Carolina
• With 1,995 teachers being National Board-certified, this district is 4^th in the nation.
• 2013 Annual Award for Urban School Board Excellence by Council of Urban Board Education

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools appreciates the contribution of time that is made those who volunteer. Many people use their talents to support the schools and students within the district. Potential volunteers must register for an account via the portal developed for the district. Many people volunteer to help mentor students, organize special events, help with administrative tasks, and go along on field trips. They also tutor students, help with advertising, speak to classes, and read with students. There are opportunities to sponsor programs and give college tours.

Many schools in the district offer students an opportunity to participate in the JROTC program. This program is meant to help develop character, encourage service to the community, and nurture leadership skills. Students learn to be self-disciplined as their self-confidence builds. JROTC members participate in drill teams, adventure training teams, community parades, rifle teams, athletic competitions, field trips, and summer camps.

There are over 650 teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that teach dance, theater arts, visual arts, and music. There are over 100,000 students participating in these programs annually. Through dance, students use their academic knowledge to solve problems as they develop thinking skills. The performing arts are taught through music classes, band, orchestra, chorus, and theater arts. Visual arts program includes general art classes for elementary students and specialized classes for middle school and high school students. Students in the arts education programs often go on field trips to gain knowledge and inspire a love of learning about the arts.