GCS Provides New School Year Updates

Guilford County, N.C. - Guilford County Schools (GCS) graduates will enter the world light-years ahead of their peers.  

In a preview of the 2025-2026 school year, GCS Superintendent Whitney Oakley outlined the district’s goal to ensure students graduate fully prepared for the future.  

Building Foundational Skills in Elementary School  

The journey to success begins in elementary schools. With a focus on strengthening literacy skills, educators will use Joyful Learning techniques to keep young learners engaged and excited while providing them with early experiences to connect them with various college and career possibilities.  

Igniting Curiosity in Middle School  

This year, we are proud to open two beautiful new schools: Kiser Middle and Peeler-Hampton Visual and Performing Arts Elementary. These projects are milestones in our community’s investment in students and staff, as voters passed the $300 million bond.  

At the same time, we are also focused on preparing students for the future. The new Driving Possibilities lab, made possible through a partnership with Toyota, will serve as a bridge connecting students to future opportunities. One example of this intentional programming is the alignment between Foust Elementary, Jackson Middle and Smith High. Through this pathway, students will explore advanced manufacturing and engineering and carry those opportunities with them to Smith High School and beyond.  

Transitioning from elementary to middle and middle to high school can be difficult for both students and families. The district has implemented several new school-based and districtwide strategies to help students and their families navigate transition grades. Families can expect to see an increase in engagement between neighborhood feeder schools to build community and establish early relationships.  

Launching to Success in High School  

GCS is committed to reducing barriers for student success. The district has partnered with the Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) to pilot a program that will increase stops to and from four comprehensive high schools to Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) so students can take advantage of free college courses. Schools included in the pilot program include:  

1. Dudley High 

2. Page High 

3. Smith High 

4. Western High 

 

The High Point Transit Authority and GCS are exploring options to provide high school students at Andrews and High Point Central High schools with the same opportunities in the spring. 

Last year, GCS families saved more than $2 million in college tuition by taking advantage of dual enrollment through Career and College Promise (CCP). 

In addition to the more than 50 choice schools and programs, GCS will add to its catalogue of electives at neighborhood schools with several new programs coming online: 

1. Law and Justice at Northwest High 

2. Emergency Management at Ragsdale High 

3. Metals Manufacturing at Weaver Academy 

4. Certified Medical Assistant at The Academy at Smith and The Middle College at UNCG.  

GCS is excited about the 2025-2026 school year. Please subscribe to our newsfeed on www.gcsnc.com to get the first updates on exciting events and GCS news, including:  

• Our student business expo and pitch competition;  

• The district spelling bee;  

• Science fair;   

• Choice Showcase; and 

• Celebration of Excellence.  

Families who have not enrolled their students may visit www.gcsnc.com/enroll to begin their journey to success and discover why GCS is the best place to learn, work and grow.