South Newton Elementary School

South Newton Elementary School in Newton, North Carolina faced a significant post-COVID absenteeism challenge, with 40% of students missing three or more days in the first quarter of the 2023-24 school year. By partnering with Schools That Lead and using Improvement Science, they reduced absenteeism to 18% in just one year.

Foothills Community School

Foothills Community School (FCS) in McDowell County, North Carolina, has long been recognized for its innovative approach to education, particularly in STEM learning. Since opening 2016, FCS has used Project-Based Learning (PBL) to foster student engagement and academic success.

In 2023, the school was named a North Carolina STEM School of Distinction—a testament to its successful implementation of the STEM School Progress Rubric–further solidifying its reputation as a leader in hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

PenPals Project

When a Rutherford County teacher sent handwritten postcards to five of her students, she couldn’t have predicted the ripple effect it would create. Her small idea became a model for building student connection, scaled and adapted by educators across North Carolina.

Neuse River Middle School

Neuse River Middle School in Wake County, North Carolina, faced growing concerns about students falling behind due to incomplete or missing assignments. By piloting a simple, student-driven checklist system, teacher Jessica Gribbons helped students take ownership of their work, recover failing grades, and improve academic performance — all without adding complex interventions or new technology.

West McDowell Middle School

At West McDowell Middle School, Brian Krause saw something troubling: a handful of students on the school’s Watch List were slipping through the cracks.

A Watch List is a school-generated roster of students flagged for academic, behavioral, or attendance concerns—those most at risk of falling behind without targeted support.  The students on the watch lists were failing core subjects, missing assignments, and showing signs of disengagement.