Academics in Lee County Schools

Where skilled, inspired instruction creates opportunities for students to THRIVE.

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Culinary camp students work together to make pizza dough

Curriculum & Instruction Department

The Curriculum & Instruction Department oversees all aspects of  teaching and learning in Lee County Schools, meeting the academic needs students from Pre-K through the end of their high school career. 

In partnership with the community, we are committed to provide challenging learning experiences for students in a safe and supportive environment.  We are committed to academic excellence, technological innovations, social responsibility, and life-long learning.  Our success will be demonstrated by the achievement of our students and their positive participation in society. 

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact Information:

Meet the Curriculum & Instruction Team

Dr. Natalie Kelly

Dr. Natalie Kelly

Assistant Superintendent Curriculum & Instruction

Email Dr. Kelly

P: (919) 774-6226

Becky Maddox

Administrative Assistant Curriculum & Instruction

Email Mrs. Maddox

P: (919) 774-6226

Our Programs

Ms. Simpson works with Jonah P. on an AIG enrichment assignment for first graders.

Academically & Intellectually Gifted (AIG)

The AIG & advanced learning department is committed to helping students reach their full potential by matching services with each students' identified abilities.

In addition to individual and group work with identified gifted students, we have thriving chess clubs, book clubs, and Science Olympiad programs in each of our eight elementary schools, led by AIG Specialists and designed to help students get more out of their daily school engagements.

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Students assist one another with Tutoring Request Forms (TRFs) in the AVID Elective at SanLee Middle School.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, closes the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.

SanLee Middle School received AVID National Demonstration School status in October 2017. We have active AVID programs at each of our three middle schools, Lee County High, Lee Early College, Broadway Elementary and at Bragg Street Academy.

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Christina C. practices laying a row of bricks in Masonry class at LCHS

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

The CTE department provides students with tremendous opportunities to gain skills and certifications in skilled trades from automotive maintenance, masonry, culinary arts and more.

There are more than 50 certifications available to student before they graduate. Plus, we offer nationally-acclaimed internship opportunities, like the Caterpillar Junior Welding Internship and Sanford Contractors partnership to help students get a leg-up in a competitive job market.

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A SLHS Student enjoys a field trip to Campbell Uni. Botany Lab during his honors Enviornmental Science Class.

Advanced Placement (AP)

High School students in the district have many opportunities to earn college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) Coursework.

Our AP offerings include Biology, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, American & European History, Statistics, Music Theory, Government and more. College credit is earned by completion of each courses' AP Exam with a score of 3 out of 5 or higher.

Evan H. speaks to his Class of 2023 at Lee Early College after earning his HS diploma & associate degree while enrolled at the school.

Career & College Promise (CCP)

HS juniors & seniors can earn college & high school credit simultaneously tuition-free at CCCC through the CCP Program at LCS.

Students choosing the CCP course work can complete the general education requirements (first year) of a baccalaureate degree. Specializations are offered in the Arts, Engineering, Nursing, Science, Education.

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An EC student graduates from Floyd L. Knight School in 2023

Exceptional Children (EC)

The EC Department strives to serve all students, honoring their talents, and ensure their success.

EC Department services include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to accommodate students with a documented disability in the least restrictive environment. We recognize that success looks different for each individual students, which is why we provide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Families who have children that face intellectual or developmental challenges.

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Students waive for the camera before the Hispanic Heritage Month Parade at Broadway Elementary

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The ESL program provides academic & social English language instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing for English learners in K-12. The program is designed to support all teachers' efforts to differentiate instruction to best meet the needs of our students by integrating instructional topics and vocabulary from the student's grade level to help students achieve proficiency in the English language as quickly as possible.

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A SLHS Student enjoys a field trip to Campbell Uni. Botany Lab during his honors Enviornmental Science Class.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is only offered at Lee County High School. It provides a broad, balanced, conceptual, and connected curriculum. IB students learn to look at issues in a global context, exploring how issues are interconnected, with inquiry, action and reflection at the heart of each classroom.

Entrance in the program is through application prior to the student's junior year in high school. Application prior to freshman year is encouraged.

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Academy of Engineering students at LCHS preparing their drone for test day.

Academy of Engineering

Lee County High and Southern Lee High are two of NC's 12 National Academy Foundation (NAF) Academies of Engineering. The Academy answers an acute need for engineers by educating students in principles of engineering.

Students have the opportunity to learn about a variety of fields in engineering including electronics, biotech, aerospace, civil, and architecture and graduate with credentials that put them ahead of peers entering the field.

Academy of Hospitality & Tourism students from SLHS and LCHS pose with district awards at the 2023 DECA District Competition.

Academy of Hospitality & Tourism

Southern Lee & Lee County Highs each boast an NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism. These programs are among 10 such academies in the state.

The Academy has received industry validation from the Global Travel & Tourism Partnership. It provides students with foundations in customer service, event planning, marketing, geography, economics, & world cultures to help them thrive in industries from hotel management to sports & entertainment.

Academy of Finance students at SLHS get real-world interview practice during Mock Interview Day at the Academy

Academy of Finance

Students at Lee County and Southern Lee Highs can earn credits & credentials through the NAF Academy of Finance. The programs account for two of the state's nine NAF Academies of Finance.

The Academy offers students curriculum & certification validated by the Council for Economic Education in the areas of banking, credit, financial planning, global finance, securities, insurance, accounting, and economics. This curriculum focuses strongly on hands-on experiences and financial literacy.

Teachers pose for a picture after Hispanic Heritage Month parade at Broadway Elementary.

Migrant Education

Our Migrant Education Program is designed to meet the needs of migrant children and youth from age 3-21. We provide support, services, and educational opportunities that will help them and their families succeed in school.

The program is free & confidential. For qualified participants, we offer home visits to assess educational needs, interpretation as school conferences, social work, family support services, and enrichment experiences.

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Academy of Health Sciences students at SLHS get hands on experience with tourniquets while FirstHealth Paramedics visit their classes.

Academy of Life Sciences

Lee County High and Southern Lee High are two of NC's 9 National Academy Foundation (NAF) Academies of Life Sciences.

The Academy provides students with the foundations for success in fields many fields of healthcare and life sciences. The curriculum covers aspects of health care, counseling & mental health, veterinary medicine, nutrition, and exercise science while helping students gain future ready skills through clinical experiences in hospitals, simulation days, and mentorships.