Unique in the UNC System, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is a world-class public high school with statewide reach, empowering students with the skills and knowledge to design their own future. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math — and with a robust humanities and arts program — NCSSM challenges talented high school juniors and seniors from across NC through a residential program on its historic campus in Durham and, soon, on a second campus being built in Morganton. The extensive online program and summer offerings extend the school’s impact to every corner of North Carolina. Founded in 1980 as the first of its kind, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe.
11K+
alumni, most living and working in North Carolina
94
of NC’s 100 counties had a student enrolled in a program (2019)
1 each
of NASA astronauts and MacArthur “genius” fellows among alumni
The five-year Strategic Plan calls on the UNC System to achieve ambitious goals. Progress toward these goals and metrics will be achieved through the hard work and commitment of institutional leaders, faculty, and staff.
NCSSM will increase the number of students from rural and low-income communities enrolled in its Interactive Videoconference courses and IVC Enrichment courses; increase enrollment of underrepresented minority students in residential and virtual learning programs; increase the number of graduates earning undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in STEM, health sciences, or STEM education; increase the number of school district partners; and increase student participation in research, mentorship, internship, entrepreneurial, service learning, and other real-world learning opportunities.
NCSSM models how physical and virtual spaces and a statewide approach to collaboration can innovate educational spaces, an educational model copied by schools around the globe.