Onslow Early College ranked nationally; district reports gains in CTE credentials, AP and summer programs; district named Purple Star

Onslow County Schools highlighted several student achievement milestones and recognitions during the board meeting, including a national ranking for Onslow Early College High School, multiple awards for the district community affairs office, district recognition as a Purple Star district for military-connected student support, and districtwide growth in career and technical education (CTE) credentials and advanced-placement results.

District communications staff reported Onslow Early College High School ranked number 76 in the United States and number 3 in North Carolina in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, reflecting sustained academic growth since its 2017 opening. The district said the school excelled across multiple indicators used by the ranking organization, including college readiness, breadth of curriculum and assessment performance. Staff also said 42 of 49 seniors qualified for recognition through College Board programs and cited high AP scores in environmental science and world history.

The Community Affairs Department received 15 Blue Ribbon Awards from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association across categories including electronic media, photography and special events; entries earned gold, silver and bronze recognition for videos and photographs showcasing student programs and events.

Superintendent and staff also announced Onslow County Schools was recognized for the third consecutive year as a Purple Star district by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, a designation the district said reflects districtwide supports for military-connected students including designated points of contact at each school and annual professional development for educators.

In a nonaction student achievement report, district staff said CTE summer programs provided work-based learning and hands-on experiences in health careers, robotics, welding, HVAC, and construction trades. The district reported that across the system, credential attainment for industry-recognized credentials increased for a fourth consecutive year and that the number of students earning college-bearing credit through AP and dual-enrollment rose. Northside High School principal Brad Staley told the board the school has seen a 25 percent increase in students taking AP courses over five years and a 73 percent increase in qualifying AP scores, and a 67 percent increase in industry credentials over three years for Northside students.

District leaders said these gains were supported by summer programs such as the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center experiences, a construction trades internship supported by the Onslow Home Builders Association, and Onslow Virtual Accelerator online offerings for rising high school students.