Strong public schools are the best choice for families and communities. Public schools welcome and provide a free education to all students regardless of income, race, ethnicity, religion, language ability, or other characteristics such as learning needs or physical challenges, so it is in everyone’s best interest to make sure they have the resources needed to thrive. In North Carolina, the overwhelming majority of students attend public schools; supporting and making them even better is the best investment in our children and communities that we can make.
Throughout 2025, NCPTA and Public Schools First NC are continuing to team up to celebrate the valuable contributions and achievements of educators and education advocates in our public schools and the communities they serve.
Recent polling shows that the majority of the general public supports funding public education and not vouchers. Further, research has shown the vital role educators play in preparing children for success and how the best possible investment of tax dollars for our children’s education is our public schools. Research has also shown that thriving public schools elevate real estate values and enhance the likelihood of business investments.
Approximately 70% of North Carolinians do not have children in school, but they are still affected by the wellbeing of their local school district. Fortunately, because public schools are governed by elected leaders, all members of the community have a voice in the future of their schools
Unlike private schools, public schools are also fully accountable for how public dollars are spent, conduct criminal background checks on staff, publish student achievement data, and follow curriculum content standards.
In addition to being the only school choice accountable to the public, public schools also provide the most choices for families and students. Public schools have an unmatched array of choices with offerings that range from early-college, international baccalaureate, dual language/immersion, STEM/STEAM, arts, career tech, leadership, world studies, gifted/talented programs, and a wide variety of athletic programs and clubs.
We will continue to highlight the value and successes of our public schools. We will also share information and advocate for the resources needed to meet current funding and staffing challenges. We will call on lawmakers, business leaders, community members, educators, and parents/guardians to work together to support and strengthen our public schools and contribute the work needed for the ongoing improvement of K-12 education.
We invite you to join us in celebrating our public schools! Please send us information about the amazing work happening in your public school district. Tell us about the wonderful program choices your school district provides and the marvelous educators who are making these programs work!
Help us lift up the stories that show North Carolinians why Public Schools Are the Best Choice! We will share your good news on our many social media platforms. Email us at [email protected] or you can share your stories here.