The sign out front says it all: “Welcome to the Greatest High School in the USA!”
It might sound bold, but when you step through the doors of North Pitt High School, you start to believe it too. There’s a pulse of pride that moves through the hallways: Link Crew leaders greeting visitors with confidence, students presenting passion projects about themselves, and teachers who see potential long before students see it in themselves. It’s the kind of place where belonging isn’t a buzzword — it’s the foundation.
As North Carolina’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, I’ve made it a point to visit schools that model what’s working in our state, schools that remind us why public education matters. When Pitt County Schools released its data last year, one number stood out to me: 32 out of 36 schools met or exceeded expected growth. That’s nearly 90% of the district.
One school in particular caught my attention, North Pitt High School, where for 10 consecutive years students have not just met growth but exceeded growth on end of course assessments, even with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged learners.
When I walked into Mr. Castleberry’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 4 classroom, students were quietly focused on their Chromebooks, some students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), some exploring NC College Connect. It wasn’t just a class; it was a launchpad.
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Principal Maurice Harris later told me, “At North Pitt High School we teach students, not content; meaning we tailor instruction to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student. In other words, we teach students the content!” That philosophy has shaped more than test scores; it’s shaped a school culture rooted in trust and relationships.
The impact of that mindset ripples through every hallway. AVID isn’t just a program here, it’s the heartbeat of the school. Recognized as a Site of Distinction, North Pitt’s AVID program has built a culture where every student has an advocate and every goal feels within reach.
That same spirit carries into Link Crew, a student leadership initiative that pairs upperclassmen with incoming freshmen. It’s not just about orientation; it’s about connection. Ninth graders walk in on day one already knowing someone is looking out for them. Seniors learn what it means to lead with empathy. Together, they create a sense of belonging that’s both powerful and personal.
Principal Harris and his team lead with heart and strategy. From expanding access to advanced coursework to building community partnerships that open doors for students, North Pitt is proving that success isn’t defined by circumstance, it’s cultivated through relationships, consistency, and belief.
I spoke with students who told me these programs changed their lives — first-generation college bound seniors who once doubted college was even possible, and student leaders who found their voice through Link Crew. Their stories are proof that when schools invest deeply in people, students rise.
In a time when education headlines often focus on what’s missing, North Pitt High School is a reminder of what’s possible. Its story isn’t just about programs or metrics, it’s about purpose. It’s about a community that believes in every child’s potential and refuses to let ZIP code determine destiny.
As I left campus, I passed a banner hanging over the main hallway: “Panther Pride Starts Here.”
It’s more than a slogan. It’s a promise, one that North Pitt High School keeps every single day.
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