OUR STORIES
Why Educational Opportunities Make Cabarrus County So Great
By Avalin Inman
Cabarrus County is a vibrant community built on innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. A cornerstone of its success is the strength of its education system, which seamlessly integrates early childhood education, K-12 schools, career and technical education, and higher education. Together, institutions from these educational segments form a network that prepares a growing number of students for academic achievement, career readiness, and lifelong success, making Cabarrus County a great place to live and work.
According to Kelly Propst, Ed.D., Interim President of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, and long-time administrator for Cabarrus County Schools, “We are truly blessed to have outstanding educational institutions in Cabarrus County. From high quality and enriching early childhood education to great career-focused higher education opportunities, we have it all. More importantly, learners are provided a myriad of educational options, and all our institutions work together to do what is best for students.”
Let’s explore the diverse educational sectors in Cabarrus County and how they contribute to the community’s prosperity and quality of life.
Laying the Foundation for Learning: Early Education
In Cabarrus County, early childhood education is driven by a mission to ensure all children enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. The Cabarrus County Partnership for Children spearheads many of these efforts, offering programs that address the developmental, social, and emotional needs of young children while also providing critical support to families.
The flagship initiative of this effort is NC Pre-K, a high-quality, state-funded preschool program for four-year-olds. Available to eligible families in Cabarrus County, NC Pre-K emphasizes preparing children for the academic and social challenges of kindergarten through a curriculum tailored to their needs. The program also collaborates with local schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to make quality preschool education accessible to as many children as possible.
According to the Find Child Care North Carolina website, there are more than 20 early childhood education programs in Cabarrus County, ranging from small family childcare homes to large centers serving more than 100 children. These facilities maintain strict licensing standards and undergo regular inspections to ensure they meet state requirements for health, safety, and educational quality.
Empowering Students for Lifelong Success: K-12
Cabarrus County is home to two outstanding public school systems—Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) and Kannapolis City Schools (KCS)—along with an array of independent schools and charter schools that provide students with educational choices tailored to their needs.
Cabarrus County Schools (CCS): Leading in Innovation
Ranked among the top 13% of school districts in North Carolina, CCS boasts a 90.6% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. Its comprehensive academic programs emphasize College and Career Readiness, with robust STEM and Advanced Placement (AP) offerings.
Cabarrus County Schools also offers Career Academies, which focus on specific industries such as engineering, healthcare, and public safety. Students can apply in eighth grade to enter academies like the Academy of Aviation and Aerospace or the Academy of Health Sciences, providing them with a tailored education that integrates classroom learning with real-world applications.
Kannapolis City Schools (KCS): Focused on Excellence
KCS is celebrated for its innovative programs and commitment to student achievement. Recognized as a statewide model for STEM instruction, KCS has also been named to the College Board’s AP Honor Roll, a testament to its rigorous academic standards.
Kannapolis City Schools offers Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. At A.L. Brown High School, students can pursue fields like information technology, health sciences, and engineering while earning industry-recognized certifications before graduating from high school. These programs, often developed in partnership with local businesses and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC), ensure that students graduate ready to enter the workforce or continue their education.
Independent Schools: College Prep and Faith-Based Options
In addition to two great public-school systems, Cabarrus County has more than a dozen independent or private schools. The largest and most prominent among these is Cannon School in Concord, which was founded in 1969 and serves over 1,000 students. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and offers extensive extracurricular activities including strong athletic and arts programs.
Cabarrus County is also home to several faith-based private schools, including HOPE Academy, Concord Academy, and Covenant Classical School which integrate religious education with traditional academic subjects. These schools typically maintain smaller class sizes and emphasize values-based education alongside their academic curriculum.
Charter Schools: Expanding Opportunities
Cabarrus County’s charter schools complement traditional public schools and independent schools by offering unique educational approaches. From schools emphasizing the arts to those focused on project-based learning, families have diverse options to support their children’s interests and needs.
There are three charter schools with top rankings in education by Niche.com. Each serving less than 1,000 students, these charter schools consist of Concord Lake STEAM Academy in Kannapolis, Carolina International School in Concord, and A.C.E. Academy in Harrisburg.
Preparing the Workforce: Career & Technical Education
Both Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools have embraced Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a pivotal element of their curricula, bridging the gap between education and employment. These programs combine academic instruction with hands-on experience, enabling students to explore careers in areas like architecture, hospitality, and welding.
One of the highlights of the Career and Technical Education initiative is the establishment of Career Academies across high schools in Cabarrus County. A Career Academy is an educational structure for students to complete courses as a cohort and move through a CTE program of study as a group. Career Academies are built on a pathway theme that leads to post-secondary education or a workforce opportunity. Academies are designed as smaller learning communities that help students build quality relationships with teachers and other students, while learning professional skills in a career-themed program of study.
Students also have the option to attend one of three early colleges, which are located on local college campuses. The Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute is a tuition-free early college high school for students interested in a health sciences career. The Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School is a highly rated public, magnet school located in Concord that ranks #1 in best public high schools in Cabarrus County, according to Niche.com. The Cabarrus Early College of Technology is another highly rated early college, ranking #2 in best public high schools in Cabarrus County, according to Niche.com.
Through partnerships with local businesses and higher education institutions like RCCC and the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry expertise. The result? A skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of Cabarrus County’s growing economy.
Both Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools have embraced Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a pivotal element of their curricula, bridging the gap between education and employment. These programs combine academic instruction with hands-on experience, enabling students to explore careers in areas like architecture, hospitality, and welding.
One of the highlights of the Career and Technical Education initiative is the establishment of Career Academies across high schools in Cabarrus County. A Career Academy is an educational structure for students to complete courses as a cohort and move through a CTE program of study as a group. Career Academies are built on a pathway theme that leads to post-secondary education or a workforce opportunity. Academies are designed as smaller learning communities that help students build quality relationships with teachers and other students, while learning professional skills in a career-themed program of study.
Students also have the option to attend one of three early colleges, which are located on local college campuses. The Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute is a tuition-free early college high school for students interested in a health sciences career. The Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School is a highly rated public, magnet school located in Concord that ranks #1 in best public high schools in Cabarrus County, according to Niche.com. The Cabarrus Early College of Technology is another highly rated early college, ranking #2 in best public high schools in Cabarrus County, according to Niche.com.
Through partnerships with local businesses and higher education institutions like RCCC and the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry expertise. The result? A skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of Cabarrus County’s growing economy.
Higher Education and Beyond
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC)
RCCC is a public community college that offers associate degree programs in more than 40 areas of study as well as accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career training, continuing education, and basic skills education. The school offers more than 2,000 course offerings, serving a yearly overall enrollment of more than 20,000 students across Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
RCCC plays a vital role in workforce development through its degree programs, corporate training, and continuing education courses. In 2019, RCCC opened its Advanced Technology Center at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. This cutting-edge facility provides specialized training in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing, aligning with local industry needs.
RCCC has five campuses in Cabarrus County, including its South Campus, North Carolina Research Campus, Advanced Technology Center, Cabarrus Business and Technology Center, and College Station.
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Situated on the campus of Atrium Health Cabarrus, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences (CCHS) prepares students for careers in healthcare while offering continuing education for professionals. Its programs focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a dynamic healthcare landscape. The institution is the least expensive private, 4-year college in North Carolina.
CCHS offers 18 degrees in 11 health sciences disciplines, including bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to help working professionals advance their careers. It also offers diplomas and associate degrees for students who want to be working in healthcare in one to two years. CCHS offers online, on-campus, and hybrid programs, with full- or part-time options.
Why Education Matters to Cabarrus County
The interconnectedness of Cabarrus County’s educational sectors—spanning early childhood, K-12, higher education, and workforce development—makes it a standout community.
Economic Growth: By aligning education with industry needs, the county attracts businesses and creates jobs, fostering economic prosperity.
Community Well-Being: Access to quality education enhances residents’ quality of life, making the county a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Future-Ready Workforce: Programs like CTE and NCMI ensure that students and workers alike are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing economy.
As Daryle Adams, Director of CTE for Kannapolis City Schools, puts it, “Our programs don’t just prepare students for the workforce—they prepare them for life.”
Powering Cabarrus County’s Growth and Success
Education is the heartbeat of Cabarrus County, driving progress and creating opportunities for all. Whether through the innovative programs of CCS and KCS, the foundational support of early childhood education, or the advanced training offered by RCCC and CCHS, the county’s educational ecosystem is a model of excellence.
Cabarrus County isn’t just a great place to learn—it’s a great place to thrive. Through its unwavering commitment to education, the county is building a brighter future for its residents and setting a standard for communities everywhere.
For media inquires, please contact us.
Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D.
President and CEO, Greater Cabarrus Foundation
Related Posts
The Vision Behind Cooperative Christian Ministry’s Rebuilders Campus
The Rebuilders Campus is constructing a future filled with opportunity, hope, and stability for individuals and families facing homelessness.
Mount Pleasant Food Ministry: Feeding Hope
Over the past two decades, Mount Pleasant Food Ministry has embodied that spirit of compassion and service.
Cabarrus Arts Council: Building Community Through the Arts
Cabarrus County is a place where creativity thrives, and at the heart of its artistic community is the Cabarrus Arts Council. Leading the charge in fostering the county’s vibrant arts scene is Liz Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Cabarrus Arts Council.
