Fayetteville is part of the Cumberland County, North Carolna, school district. This school district is the state's fourth largest, with 14 high schools and more than 16,000 high school students. The school system is Cumberland County's second largest employer behind the military at Fort Bragg. Many of the students are from military families. In Cumberland County, parents are able to choose which school their children attend. This system is called 'Governed Choice.'
Types
In exercising their choice, Fayetteville parents have varied options to consider. Fayetteville high schools offer standard calendar or year-round school, early college, or vocational specialism. The district has evening and web academies and an alternative school for at-risk students. Schools offer differing approaches to learning, including some locally-developed models. Fayetteville high schools are categorized by specialism. Each high school may house one, two or three specialist academies. Specialisms include agricultural science, natural science, health sciences, International Baccalaureate, classical studies, global studies, engineering, finance or information technology. Students aiming for careers in the fire service or criminal justice can attend specialist fire and public safety academies.
Enrollment
Because Fayetteville schools are schools of choice, parents must fill out an application form. The student must demonstrate an interest in that particular specialism or career path. Enrollment is subject to academic requirements, personal interviews of prospective students and faculty recommendations. Some schools require aptitude tests or student essays. Seventy-first High School of the Arts requires an audition. With different specialisms and learning styles, the aim is to match students with the program that most meets their needs and aptitudes.
Features
Fayetteville high schools offer an unusual level of parental and student choice. The early specialisms set students on clear career paths, with an emphasis on learning skills for real life problems. The specialist academies maintain strong links with Fayetteville State University, Fayettville Technical Community College, Fort Bragg and other academic or vocational institutions. Some have a requirement for community service. Many offer small classes and greater individual attention. The dropout rate is lower than the state average.
Benefits
Students have opportunities to experience an enriched curriculum and college level classes. Early College provides up to 60 hours college credit, tuition free. Students may obtain certification in Horticulture, Finance or Latent Evidence Technology, or receive training at the Fayetteville fire station. Some programs -- for example, the Academies of Finance and of Health Sciences -- include summer internships. Others provide summer career exploration camp or job shadowing. Cape Fear Natural Science academy is a three times bronze medal winner in the "US News and World Report" list of Top American High Schools.
Warning
When Fayetteville schools reach capacity they stop accepting applications. In the 2011-2012 school year neither the Academy of Informational Technology nor the Academy of Integrated Systems Technology and Applied Engineering were accepting any further applications.
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