The Moore County school system ­consists of 14 ­elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and one alternative/ technical school.

The 2007-2008 student population is 12,334 students with an ­average growth rate of about 150-200 ­students per year.

The system has 1,909 employees, ­including 1,075 certified staff, 671 support staff and 163 bus drivers/monitors. The school district’s 134 buses transport 6,079 students and travel approximately 10,000 miles daily.

Moore County schools offer a ­comprehensive curriculum K-12 that includes workforce development, ­programs for special needs and gifted ­students and arts education. In addition to Advanced Placement courses at all three high schools, Pinecrest High School offers the International Baccalaureate Program.

Year-round programs are offered at three schools: Academy Heights Elementary (K-5), Southern Pines Primary (K-2) and Southern Pines Elementary (3-6).

The district’s students have consistently met or exceeded growth expectations in the state’s “ABC” accountability program. In addition, the district’s 2007 SAT average of 1554 exceeded the state average by 68 points and the national average by 43 points.

Moore County schools support the efforts of teachers pursuing National Board ­certification. With a total of 97 National Board-certified teachers on staff, Moore County’s percentage of teachers holding this ­credential is well above the state ­average.

“We are fortunate to have such ­dedicated, hard-working employees and students, as well as parents and ­communities that value education and ­support the system in so many ways,” said Superintendent Dr. Susan Purser. “The successes of Moore County schools truly are the result of everyone working ­together.”

The district office is at 5277 U.S. 15/501 South, Carthage.

For more information, call (910) 947-2976 or visit the school district’s Web site at www.mcs.k12.nc.us.