Cumberland County Schools Guide

Cumberland County Schools serves 49,661 students across 87 schools—providing military families with diverse educational options from elementary through high school in Fayetteville.

District Overview

Size: 49,661 students Schools: 87 total Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade Student-teacher ratio: 15 to 1

Performance: Above average district rating Proficiency: 41% math, 48% reading (state test scores) Progress: Many schools show students making above-average academic progress

Top-Ranked High Schools

Massey Hill Classical High School

Ranking: 56th in North Carolina Type: Classical education focus Grades: 6-12

Why it ranks high:

• Classical curriculum
• Strong academics
• College prep focus

Jack Britt High School

Ranking: 71st in North Carolina Type: Comprehensive high school

Known for:

• Athletic programs
• Academic offerings
• Large student body

Cumberland Polytechnic

Ranking: 80th in North Carolina Type: STEM-focused polytechnic

Specialties:

• Technology programs
• Engineering pathways
• Career technical education

Reid Ross Classical High School

Ranking: 121st in North Carolina Type: Classical education

Cumberland International Early College High

Ranking: 142nd in North Carolina Type: Early college program

Benefit: Graduate high school with associate degree

Magnet & Specialty Programs

School choice options:

• Classical academies (Massey Hill, Reid Ross)
• Early college programs
• STEM focus schools
• Career technical programs
• Gifted education
• Arts programs

Application: Lottery system for oversubscribed schools

Elementary Schools

Top Elementary Schools

Long Hill Elementary: 9-star rating Stoney Point Elementary: 9-star rating, B grade from NC DPI Multiple highly-rated options throughout county

Choose by:

• Neighborhood proximity
• School ratings
• Programs offered
• Military family needs

Registration for Military Families

Enrollment requirements:

• Proof of address (lease, utility bill)
• Birth certificate
• Immunization records
• Previous school records

PCS transfers: Schools experienced with military family moves

School Choice

Options for military families:

• Neighborhood school (assigned by address)
• Magnet school (application/lottery)
• Charter schools (separate applications)
• Private schools (tuition-based)

Research schools before choosing housing

Support for Military Students

Military family services:

• PCS transition support
• Counseling during deployments
• Purple Star Schools (military-friendly designation)
• Understanding of military life
• Flexible enrollment

Extracurricular Activities

Available activities:

• Sports teams
• Band and chorus
• Drama and theater
• Academic clubs
• Student government
• JROTC (high schools)
• Honor societies

Before & After School Care

Options:

• School-based programs
• YMCA programs
• Private childcare
• Military-focused programs

Important for: Working military spouses

Special Education

Cumberland County Schools provide:

• IEP services
• 504 plans
• Special education programs
• Gifted education
• English Language Learner support

School Calendar

Academic year: August - June Breaks: Fall break, winter break, spring break Early release days: Regular throughout year Teacher workdays: Students off, plan accordingly

Resources

Contact:

• District office: 910-678-2300
• Website: ccs.k12.nc.us
• Registration: Contact individual schools

Cumberland County Schools serve military families with 87 schools, specialized programs, and military-friendly policies—helping service member children succeed academically while adjusting to frequent moves.