More than 5,600 students call Person County Schools their “home away from home. “ The members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Larry Cartner oversee the public school system, which consists of two preschools, seven elementary schools (grades kindergarten though five), two middle schools (grades six through eight), one high school (grades nine through 12), and one alternative program. All elementary and middle schools are state accredited, and Person High School is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“Our schools are consistently highly ranked for average daily attendance when compared to the other 115 school systems in North Carolina,” says Superintendent Cartner. “Eighty-nine percent of our children are on or above grade level in both reading and math in grades three through eight.” The system has a competency-based curriculum that emphasizes basic-skill mastery and access to enrichment opportunities. Exceptional children are served according to state and federal guidelines, with the goal of providing free, appropriate education for all handicapped and gifted students in the system.

At the high school level, students are offered a variety of courses with access to both traditional college-bound and vocation-oriented curricula. Foreign-exchange programs with France, Germany and Spain give high school students the opportunity to extend their learning experience.

“To graduate, students must earn 29 out of 32 possible credits (one of the highest graduation requirements in North Carolina), and must successfully give a two-to-five-minute speech before a panel,” noted Dr. Cartner. High school students also have the opportunity to participate in a community college co-op. Students take classes there and can earn university-level credits. Person High athletes compete at the highest level in North Carolina. Organized sports at the high school level include tennis, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, wrestling, track and field, softball, baseball, football, basketball, and cheerleading. At the middle school level, students may participate in a wide variety of intramural and interscholastic sports. Music and art instruction are provided at each elementary and secondary school by certified music and art teachers. Certified band instructors teach band at each of the secondary schools.

For additional information, visit Person County Schools online at www.person. k12.nc.us or call 336-599-2191.

The Bethel Hill Journey

Bethel Hill Charter School is a public school of choice operating in Person County. The journey from a humble beginning in 2000 to a successful operation has been almost unbelievable. Through the efforts of parents, area businesses, community people, faculty, and students the school has grown to include 370 students, 50 employees, 7 new or remodeled buildings, and 39 additional acres of land.

The growth has not only been noted through the physical growth of the school but through the growth of the students as well. On the North Carolina End of Grade Test the BHCS students’ overall performance has improved from 69% in 2001 to 85% in 2007. In addition to the NCEOG, the sixth graders take the nationally normed Stanford Achievement Test. Our sixth graders have scored above the national average in all areas tested. The students demonstrated significant performance in math and science. This academic performance can be attributed to the demanding Saxon Phonics, Saxon Math, and Core Knowledge curriculum offered at BHCS.

However, the physical growth and the student performance do not tell the whole story. It is difficult to pinpoint any one thing that has contributed to the success of the school. There seems to be a culture of expectation at BHCS. The students, parents, faculty, and school leaders have developed a strong sense of ownership in the Bethel Hill Charter School family.

Roxboro Community School, a North Carolina Public Charter School, is entering its second year of operation in Roxboro, North Carolina. The school is housed in a historic renovated cotton mill building that was first opened in 1900.

For the 2007 – 2008 school year, Roxboro Community School is offering grades 7 through 11 with 289 students enrolled. In the 2008 – 2009 school year, the school will offer grades 7 through 12 with a maximum enrollment of 480 students.

As a college preparatory public charter school, Roxboro Community School has a teacher student ratio of 18 to 1.
The curriculum offers standard college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement courses, North Carolina On-line courses and North Carolina Community College course opportunities.

Our Mission is: · to achieve and maintain educational excellence by providing a small, inviting and nurturing school that focuses on grades seven through twelve. · to value and respect each member of our school family, thus enabling everyone to become effective productive citizens. · to provide an environment that will direct our students to focus on relevant and rigorous learning that will continue after high school
www.roxborocommunityschool.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLS:

Roxboro Christian Academy
Founded in 1976, the Roxboro Christian Academy (RCA) seeks to enrich the lives of students by providing a quality, Christ-centered academic environment. The school has a Christian creed but is not affiliated with any specific religious denomination. The school serves grades K-4 through the 12th grade. RCA offers two courses of study: a career-oriented program and a college-prep program. Athletics are available for boys and girls.

Sneed Academy

Our mission is to help children become confident, independent learners who solve real life problems, work cooperatively with others, and develop their own personal character by:

Zion Christian Academy

Zion Christian Academy has served Roxboro and its surrounding area since 2002. During this time Zion Christian Academy has been privileged to provide a quality Christian education to children in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE:

Created in 1970, Piedmont Community College (PCC) serves the adult citizens of Person and Caswell Counties as the primary provider of adult education, training and retraining for the workforce, including: adult basic skills, GED and literacy education; occupational and pre-baccalaureate program, and continuing education programs. The College supports economic and workforce development efforts by providing services to area business and industry.

The College also works with the University of North Carolina System and private colleges and universities in order to extend learning opportunities for students. PCC also provides services which improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. The College offers an extensive assortment of programs of student and other learning opportunities. PCC is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SCAS) to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.