Guilford County Schools transports 41,231 students in 624 buses everyday.
Greensboro, located in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina's, was founded in 1808. Over the years, it's been a setting for pivotal events in U.S. history, including the Underground Railroad, the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. The public schools of Greensboro are part of the Guilford County Schools system. Greensboro is the largest city in Guilford County, so its city limits make up a large portion of the district's schools.
Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools (GCS) is comprised of 71,000 students and 10,000 employees. According to its website, the district's mission is to "graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice." GCS is the second largest employer in the North Carolina Triad area. The school district has 121 schools: 67 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, 26 high schools, and three special education schools. Eighteen of the schools are magnet schools that teach state-required curricula as well as themed studies including communications, foreign language, and cultural arts.
Sports
Middle and high schools in Guilford County have interscholastic athletic programs for eligible students. Middle school eligibility is determined by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, while high school eligibility is determined by the North Carolina High School Athletics Association. Middle school students must be in seventh or eighth grade and pass three of four core courses each semester. High school students on the "four by four" block schedule must pass three of four of their classes the semester preceding their sports season, and those on the traditional schedule must pass at least five classes. All Guilford County student athletes must maintain good daily attendance with a record of 85% or better.
Graduation Rate
GCS has seen an increase in its graduation rate after an initiative created in 2006. By the end of the 2009-10 school year, five of the county's high schools finished with a 100 percent graduation rate and 12 schools had graduation rates higher than 90 percent; the systemwide rate of 80.7 percent reflected a 0.8 percent increase over the previous years. Schools that had a perfect graduation rate are The Academy at Smith, Greensboro College Middle College, The Early College at Guilford, Penn-Griffin School for the Arts and Weaver Academy.
Curriculum
GCS aims to have its graduates be able to compete in the global workforce. Following state standards that were originally composed in 1898, changed in 1985 and continually updated, the curriculum focuses on making students proficient in math, writing, reading, critical thinking, interpersonal communication and innovative thinking. The district includes 18 magnet schools that specialize in various disciplines including cultural arts, foreign language, communications, and science. All Guilford County schools participate in North Carolina End-of-Grade tests at the end of every school year to measure progress and determine grade promotion.
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