Pros
*Small communities *Less politics than in larger school districts *Major emphasis on using technology in the classroom *Activboard, document camera, and laptop in every classroom *Grades and attendance are recorded on the computer using state-wide NCWise system *Most high schools are fairly small making it easier to get to know students *Plans are in the works to have Wi-fi in all of the schools and for students to all have laptops *Less violence and gang-related issues than schools in larger districts
Cons
*Gangs are present in schools but teachers are not trained to be aware of particular clothing, symbols, etc. *Students are allowed to wear clothes and other articles with the rebel flag (though this is not acceptable in neighboring school districts) *Some groups make it difficult to discuss reading materials (Ex.1 A group of honor student parents refused for their children to complete a summer reading assignment because the book had curse words in it. They waited until the week before school to share their concerns. Ex. 2 A student became upset because they were told that Gilgamesh was older than the Bible.) *Few minority teachers *Overcrowded classes with high needs students (EC, ESOL, etc.) *Most honor-level courses are what regular classes used to be like *Lack of basic resources such as textbooks *2009-2010 graduation rate was 72.9% (though that is a major improvement over the 68% rate it was after the 2008-2009 school year) *Teachers are expected to tutor, sell tickets at games, organize graduation and prom, and other duties outside of the regular school day in addition to their regular duties *Few students are aware of cultures and people outside of their own community