Brunswick County Schools: Success Stories

Brunswick County Schools is a dynamic school system serving over 12,000 students across 20 schools in North Carolina. The district's vision is to create a community of well-educated, employable, and socially responsible citizens, with a mission to produce college and career-ready high school graduates. The schools offer a range of programs and services, including advanced studies, career and technical education, curriculum and instruction, digital learning, and school library services. The student body is diverse, with a significant proportion of economically disadvantaged students and English language learners. The district spends over $10,000 per student annually and has a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, which is higher than the state average.

Student diversity and demographics

Brunswick County Schools is an above-average public school district located in Bolivia, North Carolina. The district serves over 12,640 students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 across 20 schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 or 16:1.

The student body is predominantly white (62.1%), with 14% of students identifying as Black, 16.1% as Hispanic/Latino, 0.6% as Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.5% as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Additionally, 6.5% of students identify as multiracial, and 0.2% have not specified their race or ethnicity. In terms of gender, Brunswick County Schools enrol slightly more male students (52%) than female (48%).

The district's minority enrollment stands at 40%, and a significant proportion of students are economically disadvantaged, with 65.9% eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price meal program. The schools also serve a small population of English language learners, accounting for 5.7% of the student body.

The district offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including advanced studies, career and technical education, athletics, and community service programs. It also provides support services such as school counselling and social work, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) programmes for students learning English.

Student progress and proficiency

Brunswick County Schools is a dynamic school system serving over 13,000 students across twenty schools. The district's vision is to foster a community of well-educated, employable, and socially responsible citizens. To achieve this, the schools focus on ensuring student progress and proficiency through various initiatives and programs.

One key indicator of student progress is academic performance in standardised tests. In Brunswick County Schools, 49% of elementary students performed at or above the proficient level in reading, and 52% achieved the same in math. In middle school, 43% and 36% of students reached proficiency in reading and math, respectively. As for high school students, 46% tested at or above the proficient level in reading, while 38% did so in math. These results demonstrate a solid foundation of learning and academic growth among students.

However, Brunswick County Schools also recognises that each child is unique, and they strive to understand their individual strengths and needs. To cater to diverse learning requirements, the district offers advanced studies, exceptional children services, and a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The Advanced Mathematics Assessment Request and Advanced Placement courses challenge high-achieving students, while the At-Home Learning Program (PreK-3) and Literacy at Home: Digital Children's Reading Initiative support early literacy and numeracy development.

The district also prioritises college and career readiness. The Career and Technical Education programs, along with the Career and College Promise initiatives, provide students with opportunities to explore career paths and gain valuable skills. The Early College High School allows students to earn college credits while completing their high school education. Additionally, the district's Teacher Scholar Academy introduces high school students to the teaching profession, offering honours and college credits.

Brunswick County Schools also offers a range of support services to ensure student success. The Student Support Services department provides assistance beyond academics, addressing social and emotional needs. The school counselling services and social work programs further contribute to the holistic development of students. The district also recognises the importance of parental involvement and upholds parents' rights to guide their children's education, access records, and engage with their academic progress.

Overall, Brunswick County Schools strives to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student progress and proficiency. By offering a variety of programs and services, the district aims to meet the diverse needs of its student body and prepare them for future success in college and their chosen careers.

School funding and expenses

In terms of finances, Brunswick County Schools spent approximately $10,535 per student annually, with a total expenditure of about $170 million. The majority of this funding goes towards instruction, with $79.5 million allocated for this category. Support services are the second-highest expense, costing $48 million, while other expenses amount to approximately $449 million.

The district's revenue for the year was $170,863,000, with a significant portion coming from Title I funds. Brunswick County Schools also has a high number of economically disadvantaged students, with 65.9% eligible for the federal free and reduced-price meal program.

The district prioritises employing qualified individuals, with 82.4% of teachers licensed and 95.5% having at least three years of experience. The district also has 18 full-time counsellors on staff to support students.

Student enrolment and registration

The following information is required to enrol a child in Brunswick County Schools:

• Certified Birth Certificate
• Proof of parent/guardian's residence in Brunswick County verified by a current utility bill, and rental agreement (with lease or contract information)
• Withdrawal form and most recent report card (if available)
• North Carolina Health Assessment Transmittal Form (For students new to North Carolina Public Schools)
• Criminal Record Affidavit
• Disciplinary/Criminal Record Affidavit
• Copies of ALL current Court Orders Concerning Custody and Visitation, including Protective Orders

The information reported in the application will become part of the child's cumulative school record. Student record information will not be released to third parties or used for purposes other than routine daily and/or emergency contact needs without the knowledge or permission of parents, legal guardians, or students who have passed their eighteenth birthday, except in accordance with the law.

Only a parent or legal guardian may enrol a student in Brunswick County Schools. Proof of Guardianship can include a birth certificate, divorce papers, Social Services paperwork, or paperwork signed by a judge awarding custody.

Remember to inform school staff of any special needs your student may have (504 Plan, IEP, AIG, special health care needs, special education, etc).

All applications will be processed electronically and checked for accuracy. Any falsification of information may result in your application not being processed and/or denied.

Student safety and well-being

One notable initiative is the partnership with Say Something Anonymous Reporting, a youth violence prevention program. This program provides students with a confidential way to seek help for themselves or others. It enables young people and adults to submit anonymous reports about safety concerns, helping to identify and support at-risk individuals before they hurt themselves or others. This system allows for early intervention and the prevention of violence, bullying, self-harm, and other threatening behaviours.

Additionally, Brunswick County Schools prioritize the physical health and well-being of their students. They work in conjunction with Brunswick County Health Services to offer immunisation clinics for 6th and 11th-grade students, ensuring they receive mandatory vaccines in a timely manner. The district also requires students to have an up-to-date immunisation record and a health assessment upon enrolment, with school nurses available for support if needed.

The district also recognises the importance of parental involvement in student safety and well-being. They encourage open communication and provide resources such as the Edulog Parent Portal app, which enhances communication and provides real-time information on school bus locations and notifications when the bus is nearing a student's stop. This improves safety and efficiency, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind.

Furthermore, Brunswick County Schools emphasise the uniqueness of each child and strive to understand their individual strengths and needs. They encourage parents to inform school staff about any special requirements their children may have, such as a 504 Plan, IEP, AIG, or special health care needs. This allows the district to provide tailored support and ensure that all students' needs are addressed.

The district also offers a range of support services, including 18 full-time counselors, student support services, and a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). These services aim to provide holistic support for students' academic, social, and emotional needs, fostering a culture that promotes positive student culture and well-being.

Frequently asked questions