Schools

Cleveland County, of which Shelby is the county seat, is home to the 23rd largest school district in North Carolina with some 16,000 students attending classes in 29 modern facilities. The county also boasts a large homeschool association.

New Middle School
The new Shelby Middle School under construction will have Silver L.E.E.D. certification and is designed as a smart facility using the latest technology to control many operations.

Academic Offerings
A diversified curriculum with extensive offerings is provided to meet the needs and interests of all students. Hundreds of students earn college or additional high school credit by enrolling in online courses. During 2009-10, Cleveland County ranked 8th among the state's 115 school districts in the number of students enrolled in courses through the NC Virtual Public School.

Award-Winning Schools
East and Jefferson elementary schools have been recognized as NCLB Blue Ribbon Schools for being among the nation's most successful in helping students achieve at high levels and for their progress in closing the achievement gap. U.S. News & World Report twice included Kings Mountain High School among its annual rankings of the nation's best high schools. Crest High School has been recognized as a U.S. Dept. of Education National School of Excellence. East and Graham elementary schools received the Governor's Real D.E.A.L. Award for outstanding student achievement and positive working conditions.

Technology-Oriented
Cleveland County Schools has been recognized nationally for its exemplary use of technology to govern the district, communicate with students, parents and the community and to improve district operations. More than 6500 computers are connected to the Internet and the district-wide area network providing a ratio of 1 student to every 2.5 computers. Teachers also enhance instruction with the use of interactive technology including white boards and tablets, student response clickers and document cameras.

Career-Technical Opportunities
More than 1,500 students have been awarded the national Career Readiness certificate since 2008 showing they possess many of the critical skills needed for the workplace. CTE students who complete the career pathway concentrate have an 88-percent graduation rate.

Well Qualified Faculty
More than a third of the faculty has earned advanced degrees – well above the state average. Almost 17 percent of the teachers are nationally certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – also well above the state and national averages and the highest percentage of any district in the region.

Outstanding Test Results
During 2009-2010, 88 percent (22 of 25 eligible schools) achieved growth in the state's accountability program while 76 percent (22 of 29 schools) made Adequate Yearly Progress in the federal No Child Left Behind accountability program.