Dare County Schools offers a variety of options for students to pursue their interests, skills at their academic level.
Career and Technical Education (CTE):
NC has made a significant investment in developing students and programs to meet the needs of the future workforce. Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Public Schools offer opportunities for students to develop career awareness in 5th grade, explore careers in grades 6-8, and experience leadership, career development, and career-aligned content in grades 9-12.
In Dare County Schools, students are able to experience leadership, career development, and career-aligned content from grades 9-12:
- Architecture & Construction
- Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications
- Business Management & Administration
- Health Science
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Marketing
All program areas are not offered at all schools
For more information on CTE in NC, and to learn about Career Clusters, Pathways, and Course Information, Standards, and applicable Credentials please visit: Course Management System.
In our district, there are the following programs available that are more rigorous and challenging than the standard content for students:
Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted (AIG):
In NC, school districts must identify and serve academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) K-12 students. These are students who are performing, or have the potential of performing, at high levels of accomplishment in intellectual and/or specific academic areas, such as reading and/or math when compared with other students of their age, or in their grade level, experience, or environment.
The Dare County Schools Local AIG Plan outlines specific opportunities for differentiated, rigorous instruction and accelerated programs. You can find the plan at Dare County Schools Local AIG Plan.
The Dare County Schools has developed an AIG Parent Guidebook to help parents better understand the AIG program. This describes how students will be identified and served across grades K-12. Visit DCS’ AIG Parent Handbook for parent information.
In Dare County Schools, students are often provided the following services:
- Differentiated curriculum and instruction with flexible student groups;
- Accelerated opportunities (subject and/or grade acceleration, credit by demonstrated mastery (CDM), AP/IB/CIE courses, dual enrollment courses;
- Enrichment experiences, which may be during the school day or beyond, and may be within the regular calendar year or may include summer opportunities; and
- Other opportunities for extension of content standard.
Services for AIG students may be provided by AIG personnel or within the regular classroom by teachers trained to meet the needs of gifted students.
Contact the district/school AIG Coordinator with questions: Caitlin Spruill, spruillca@daretolearn.org; 252-480-8888 ext 1954.
Honors Level Courses:
In Dare County Schools, students have access to a variety of honors level courses in high school. These courses are available in the Program of Studies located at Current Program of Studies.
Honors level courses typically have a faster pace than standard level courses. They offer additional rigor, complexity and creativity than standard level courses.
Career and College Promise (CCP):
Dare County Schools partners with The College of the Albemarle to offer dual enrollment opportunities through the CCP program. If your high school student qualifies, students may earn high school credit by completing community college coursework.
CCP courses may be taken in the College Transfer or Career and Technical Education pathway. These courses count for both high school and college credit. Tuition is free for families.
To learn more about this program, contact Denise Fallon; fallonde@daretolearn.org; 252-480-8888 ext 1928.
Additional information is available on the NCDPI CCP website.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses:
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program developed by the College Board to offer college-level curricula and examinations to high school students.
In NC, 40 Advanced Placement courses are offered in public high schools. Dare County Schools offers AP courses in all high schools.
Several AP courses satisfy graduation requirements for NC students as outlined in State Board policy.
AP exams are free for NC public high school students enrolled in these courses.
Colleges and universities may likely offer college credit for these courses if your child scores a 3 or above on the exam. All of the colleges in the UNC System offer credit.
More information is available on the NCDPI AP website.
Accelerated Access
NCVPS:
North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) is NC’s state supplemental program and leader in online education, providing inclusive learning opportunities for students across the state. Founded in 2007, with a strong commitment to ensuring quality education for all students, regardless of location, NCVPS has over 16 years of experience serving diverse learners.
Students may enroll in NCVPS courses for a variety of reasons. Work with your school counselor if you are interested in taking NCVPS courses.
Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM):
Dare County Schools offers opportunities for students to earn credit for a high school course without enrolling in the course. All high school courses, with a few exceptions as noted by the state, are available for students to try to CDM. There are two phases of assessments that a student must go through to earn credit for the course.
DCS Board Policy 3460 Graduation Requirements
Contact your child’s school counselor for more information.
Governor’s School:
Each summer, NC Governor’s School offers a unique opportunity for high-achieving rising juniors and seniors to learn with their peers from across the state in an 4-week residential program at two college campus sites.
For more information on eligibility and the application process, contact Steve Blackstock; blackstockst@daretolearn.org; 252-480-8888 ext 1927 or visit the Governor's School website, www.ncgovschool.org.
