
🎉 Congratulations to our Carteret County Public Schools educators awarded more than $27,000 in Bright Ideas Education Grants from Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative and the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation!
From hydroponic gardens and aquaponics to virtual reality, digital media, STEM explorations, audiobooks and more, these projects will expand learning opportunities and bring new ideas to life for students.
👏 Congratulations to our grant recipients at:
Atlantic Elementary, Beaufort Elementary, Beaufort Middle, Broad Creek Middle, Carteret Preschool Center, Down East Middle, Morehead City Elementary, Morehead City Middle, Morehead City Primary, Newport Elementary, Newport Middle, Smyrna Elementary, West Carteret High and White Oak Elementary.
Thank you to Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative and the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation for investing in our educators and creating more opportunities for students to learn, explore and succeed!



From hydroponic gardens and aquaponics to virtual reality, digital media, STEM explorations, audiobooks and more, these projects will expand learning opportunities and bring new ideas to life for students.
👏 Congratulations to our grant recipients at:
Atlantic Elementary, Beaufort Elementary, Beaufort Middle, Broad Creek Middle, Carteret Preschool Center, Down East Middle, Morehead City Elementary, Morehead City Middle, Morehead City Primary, Newport Elementary, Newport Middle, Smyrna Elementary, West Carteret High and White Oak Elementary.
Thank you to Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative and the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation for investing in our educators and creating more opportunities for students to learn, explore and succeed!
#CCPSuccess #BrightIdeas #PublicEducation










That savings is because Carteret County Public Schools students are taking more Advanced Placement (AP) exams than ever, earning college credit while saving families money on tuition.
📊 The data:
• 934 AP exams taken in 2026, up from 388 in 2022
• 86% pass rate, meaning students are earning college credit through their hard work
• 604 students took AP exams in 2026, up from 312 in 2022
• 1 in 4 CCPS students took at least one AP class during the 2025–2026 school year
Even better, AP exam participation has grown 2.4 times since 2022, and students continue to achieve a high pass rate, creating more opportunities to earn college credit before graduation.
These results mean more college readiness, more opportunities, and significant savings for Carteret County families. That’s the value of public education at work.
📈 More students. More exams. Strong results. Greater savings for families.
#CCPS #StartHereStayHereGrowHere #CollegeReady #AdvancedPlacement


While CCPS is ranked #3 in North Carolina academically, programs like our CAPE program help students turn classroom success into career opportunities AND a paycheck through paid internships. And students often stay in these career opportunities after graduation. Through our unique partnership with Carteret Health Care, 112 high school interns have been employed across 19 hospital departments. Thirteen former interns now work at the hospital, while others have pursued CNA training, apprenticeships, phlebotomy and nursing scholarships.
👏 Thank you to ALL of our CAPE partners for investing in our students and our community: Beaufort Hotel, Carteret Health Care, Duke University Marine Lab, Frank Door Company, Kurtis Chevrolet, Parker Offshore, Sanborn Orthodontics, Town of Beaufort and Trinity Center.
Together, we are connecting education to careers and helping students build their futures right here in Carteret County. Start Here. Stay Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here.










We know we've said it before, but we can't stop celebrating that Carteret County Public Schools is earning top rankings across North Carolina! Among 115 traditional school districts statewide, including public schools, charter schools, and Early Colleges, CCPS ranks *within ONE percentage point* of the state's top-ranked school district! We're bringing the receipts that PUBLIC SCHOOL is working here in Carteret County, and we couldn't do it without our students, parents, community members, and partnering organizations. Carteret County, we have a lot to be PROUD OF!
🥇 #1 in the Southeast Region in 9 of 11 achievement categories:
- All Subjects
- Reading, Grades 3–8
- English II
- Math, Grades 3–8
- Math 3
- Science, Grades 5 & 8
- Biology
- ACT Composite
- WorkKeys (Work Skill Assessment)
- ACT/WorkKeys
🎯 #1 in North Carolina in both WorkKeys and ACT/WorkKeys, demonstrating strong student performance in career-ready skills.
CCPS is now performing on End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) assessments HIGHER THAN PRE-PANDEMIC levels.
Students in our system also earned 4,964 Industry-Recognized credentials, which means our students are not only academically strong, but they are ready for many career options. Add that students are receiving college credit in over 500 dual enrollment courses each semester, and students are ahead of the university game and parents are saved substantial $$ in college tuition. We prepare ALL students for enrollment in college or university, enlistment in the military, and employment right here in Carteret County and beyond.
Superintendent Richie Paylor said, “These achievements reflect the hard work of our students, teachers and dedicated staff, along with the support of families and the community. Exceeding our pre-pandemic academic baselines and seeing growth across our schools speak to the culture of excellence we have built together.”
Want to know ALL of the data? Click here for the Academic Achievement presentation given at this month's Board of Education Meeting. Click here to watch the presentation. Tell your friends, your neighbors, your employers: Carteret County Public Schools are GREAT here and rank in the TOP 3 in the STATE of North Carolina. Celebrate with us!
Start Here. Stay Here. Succeed Here. 💙
#CCPS #PublicEducation #StudentAchievement #CarteretCounty



🏆🎉SENIOR ATHLETIC PASS INFORMATION 🎉🏆
If you're 60 or older, you'll now enjoy an even better way to support our student-athletes! 🙌
✅ FREE admission to most regular-season CCPS high school and middle school athletic events
✅ Accepted at participating school districts across North Carolina
✅ Easier, more streamlined process to receive your card
✅ More opportunities to cheer on student-athletes throughout the state! 📣🏀⚾🏈🥎⚽🏐
📢 Please Note:
🚫 CCPS Senior Athletic Passes issued during the 2025-2026 school year have expired and will not be reissued. The Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card now takes their place.
📍 Get Your FREE Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card:
Carteret Senior Services
Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center of Excellence
📍 3820 Galantis Drive, Morehead City
📞 (252) 247-2626
❤️ Thank you to all of our amazing senior fans for your continued support of CCPS athletics! We can't wait to see you in the stands this season! 🎉💙💛
#CCPS #SeniorTarHeelCard #GoCCPS #SupportStudentAthletes #OneCommunity #FridayNightLights #CheerThemOn #TarHeelCard

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Jan Sherron on her new role supporting student information systems across Carteret County Public Schools! With more than 12 years of experience in CCPS, she brings valuable expertise to this districtwide position.
Read more on our website at https://www.carteretcountyschools.org/


Tonight’s Board of Education meeting included student leadership, staff recognition, community support and important updates for Carteret County Public Schools.
Student Leadership
Bogue Sound Elementary fifth graders Mary Gurley and Maddie Rose Poland led the Pledge of Allegiance, introduced by Principal Mary Ellington.
🏫 Recognizing Board Leadership
Superintendent Paylor recognized Chair Katie Statler and Kevin White for exceeding professional development requirements during the 2025–2026 school year. The full Board was also recognized with the NC School Boards Association Silver Bell Award for its commitment to training and professional development.
🍎 National Principals Month
Board Chair Katie Statler read a resolution recognizing October as National Principals Month and honoring the leadership of principals across CCPS.
💙 Supporting Students and Families
Duke Energy’s Lauren Wargo presented Erica Jones, representing the Carteret Education Foundation, with a $24,500 grant to expand the Foundation’s Crisis Assistance Fund and support disaster and crisis response efforts for students and families.
🏟️ Honoring a Legacy
The Board heard a request to name the White Oak Elementary backfield Hines Field in honor of former PE teacher Kathy Hines. WOES PE teacher Wesley Pearson presented a letter of support. Under Board policy, the request will return for consideration as an action item in October 2027.
📈 Great Growth. Strong Academic Gains.
Chief Academic Officer Jody McClenney presented updates on continued academic growth and gains across the district.
🎥 Want to see the full meeting?
All CCPS Board of Education meetings are publicly available on the Carteret County Public Schools YouTube Channel. Check out tonight’s meeting and stay informed about what’s happening across CCPS.





Our student musicians have a full calendar ahead with concerts, marching band performances, competitions, Band-a-Thons, and more happening throughout Carteret County and beyond.
Check out the October District Music Events flyer to see what’s coming up and find an opportunity to support our talented students and music educators! 🎵
For the complete and most up-to-date schedule, visit the CCPS District Music Events Calendar:
View the District Music Events Calendar
#CCPS #CCPSMusic #CarteretCountySchools #MusicEducation

✏️ THIS MONTH- Join us for our Fall Substitute Teacher Orientation! 🍎
📍 Crystal Coast Civic Center (203 College Circle, Morehead City)
🗓️ Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
👉 To substitute teach for Carteret County Public Schools, you must have an Effective Teacher Training Certificate and/or a teaching license (current, expired, or out-of-state licenses are accepted).
💻 Email Katherine Goodwin at:Katherine.Goodwin@carteretk12.org to register today!
🍎 We look forward to welcoming new substitute teachers to the CCPS team and appreciate your willingness to support our students and schools! 💙







Looking for a rewarding job that fits your lifestyle? Join the CCPS Transportation Team and help safely transport the next generation of learners! ❤️💙
Why drive for CCPS?
✅ Flexible schedule
💰 Competitive pay
📍 Work close to home
🎓 Paid training provided
🌟 Make a lasting impact in students' lives every single day
🚍 Bus driver training classes are offered throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to get started!
Ready to get behind the wheel and make a difference?
📞 Joey Guthrie, Director of Transportation
📱 252-728-4635
📧 joey.guthrie@carteretk12.org
🙌 Join our team and help keep Carteret County moving!
#CCPSCareers #JoinOurTeam #DriveTheDifference #SchoolBusDriver #WorkLocal #EducateEngageEmpower

Today, students across Carteret County Public Schools participated in Constitution Day activities as part of their learning. From classroom discussions to hands-on activities, students had the opportunity to learn more about the U.S. Constitution. Check out this video our students at Morehead City Primary School created for today: https://www.youtubeeducation.com/watch?v=-8lYPdVUsGo
#ConstitutionDay #CCPS #EducateEngageEmpower








Beginning this school year, Carteret County Public Schools is transitioning to the NEW Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card! 🎟️💙
If you're 60 or older, you'll now enjoy an even better way to support our student-athletes! 🙌
✅ FREE admission to most regular-season CCPS high school and middle school athletic events
✅ Accepted at participating school districts across North Carolina
✅ Easier, more streamlined process to receive your card
✅ More opportunities to cheer on student-athletes throughout the state! 📣🏀⚾🏈🥎⚽🏐
📢 Please Note:
🚫 CCPS Senior Athletic Passes issued during the 2025-2026 school year have expired and will not be reissued. The Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card will now take their place.
🏅 Superintendent Richie Paylor shared:
"CCPS athletic programs are very successful, with many state championships under our belts, and we are proud of that tradition. We also want all of our fans to be able to attend as many games as possible, and this includes our senior residents. We believe the Tar Heel Card will only enhance that process."
📍 Get Your FREE Senior Tar Heel Athletic Card:
Carteret Senior Services
Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center of Excellence
📍 3820 Galantis Drive, Morehead City
📞 (252) 247-2626
❤️ Thank you to all of our amazing senior fans for your continued support of CCPS athletics! We can't wait to see you in the stands this season! 🎉💙💛
#CCPS #SeniorTarHeelCard #GoCCPS #SupportStudentAthletes #OneCommunity #FridayNightLights #CheerThemOn #TarHeelCard

📍 Crystal Coast Civic Center (203 College Circle, Morehead City)
🗓️ Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
👉 To substitute teach for Carteret County Public Schools, you must have an Effective Teacher Training Certificate and/or a teaching license (current, expired, or out-of-state licenses are accepted).
💻 Email Katherine Goodwin at:Katherine.Goodwin@carteretk12.org to register today!
🍎 We look forward to welcoming new substitute teachers to the CCPS team and appreciate your willingness to support our students and schools! 💙

Our Student Nutrition team, with CCPS and our new partner Aramark, is serving up some of our most popular choices this month — including Fish Tacos with Sriracha Slaw, General Tso’s Chicken, BBQ Pork Riblet Sandwiches, Homemade Mac & Cheese, Homemade Pizza and more.
And don’t forget breakfast favorites like Fruit Yogurt Smoothies, Egg & Cheese Croissants, Country Chicken Biscuits and Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with Cream Cheese.
Since partnering with Aramark, we’ve seen great participation in school meals — and September is bringing even more variety to the table!
📅 See what’s being served: Digital and printable school menus are available on the CCPS Student Nutrition webpage. Look for the Menus links in the upper left.
https://www.carteretcountyschools.org/page/child-nutrition
#CarteretPublicSchools #StudentNutrition #SchoolMeals







