Carver Middle School has been selected to participate in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year, $25 million school improvement program focused on enhancing academic outcomes and career readiness for middle school students across North Carolina. The initiative is led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation and in partnership with Marzano Resources.

 

Carver will join a cohort of 15 schools across the state receiving intensive support to implement innovative instructional strategies, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and career development.

 

“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative opportunity,” said Charlotte McMillian, principal at Carver Middle. “The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative will allow us to strengthen our instructional practices, build staff capacity and provide our students with high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for success in high school, college and future careers.”

 

As part of the Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort, Carver Middle School will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Marzano High Reliability Schools Framework, math curriculum resources, instructional coaching and career development resources tailored to meet the unique needs of Carver’s students and staff.

 

“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina’s public schools are the best in the nation,” said North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers and lifelong community engagement.”

 

The selection process was highly competitive and included a rigorous application and interview process that involved key school and district leaders.

 

“Golden LEAF is proud to fund this bold, collaborative effort to improve student outcomes and build a stronger future for our state,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “By investing in middle schools through research-based strategies and intensive support, we are not only strengthening academic achievement in critical areas like math but laying the groundwork for career readiness and long-term economic vitality in North Carolina’s rural communities.”