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The main corridor of Holly Hill Mall in Burlington was bustling with families on Saturday, Oct. 4. Families were shopping for more than clothing on this occasion though, with Alamance-Burlington School System’s (ABSS) annual high school options fair happening right outside the doors of stores at the shopping center.
Designed to help students and families discover the multitude of public school options available to students for high school, the options fair gives families the opportunity to think ahead before making their choice for their student’s high school experience. With the expansion of school choice in North Carolina, public school districts, like ABSS, are ramping up their marketing efforts of the public options available to their students and families.
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“This event isn’t just about what’s next year; it’s about setting a plan for every student,” said Superintendent Aaron Fleming. “Whether a student is interested in Advanced Placement courses, an associate degree from Alamance Community College, a nursing certification, or a direct path to an apprenticeship, ABSS has an option.”
“We hope that every parent and student, whether they’re currently in our district or exploring a return from homeschooling or private school, knows the full depth of opportunities available to build a bright and successful future, starting right here in ABSS. It’s never too early to start, either; this event is open to everyone,” Fleming said.
In 2023, the General Assembly expanded funding for Opportunity Scholarships, state-funded vouchers families can use to pay for eligible private schools. However, data suggests that, so far, public school market share has remained steady as the top choice for North Carolina families. Public schools served approximately 84% of North Carolina students in the 2024-25 school year, which is nearly the same as the previous year.
The ABSS fair showcased options for students by displaying their high school programs and pathways at a variety of booths staffed by teachers, staff, and program leaders. According to a press release, these are the four main categories of offerings:
— ABSS press release
- Public Safety, Teaching, Nursing, and other Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathways – We offer hands-on programs that prepare students for successful careers.
- Apprenticeship Opportunities & Certifications – ABSS students have the chance to earn credentials and gain real-world experience before they even graduate.
- Advanced Placement (AP) & Honors Courses – Our students challenge themselves with rigorous academics and prepare for college-level coursework.
- College Courses & Early College Options – ABSS graduates can get ahead by earning college credits while in high school, and explore the flexibility of dual enrollment.
The event was open to all families, regardless of where their student is currently enrolled.
Several booths offered information about CTE pathways, including Graham High School’s booth on its Fire Academy. High school students that have an interest in a career in firefighting can take courses at the academy to explore that interest. Courses include public safety, firefighter technology, and honors level classes that give students the opportunity to earn their North Carolina Firefighter Certification.
Apprentice Alamance had a booth where staff talked to students about opportunities to gain real world work experience and earn money while still in high school. Students that participate in the apprenticeship program also gain access to free college courses at Alamance Community College (ACC), which also had several booths at the fair. Apprentice Alamance offers apprenticeship opportunities in the fields of mechatronics, mechanics, computer numerically controlled machining, and electrical.
There are also several high schools in ABSS that offer honors and advanced placement classes. Walter M. Williams High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB program), where students experience a rigorous two-year academic curriculum designed to offer a comprehensive education of the whole person. Some regard it as the most challenging college preparatory program in the world. In North Carolina, a total of 32 high schools offer IB courses.
There are several options for taking college courses while in high school for ABSS students.
Students can apply to attend the Alamance-Burlington Early College located at ACC or participate in the Pre-Collegiate Academy (PCA). The PCA offers a personalized course of study for a student during their freshman and sophomore years that includes more rigorous coursework through honors and AP core classes. During their junior and senior years, students take college courses at ACC, where tuition is free and books are provided.
With more than 20 booths at the fair, there was a multitude of information available to students and families. For people who missed the fair or want to learn more about the public high school options available for ABSS students, you can read more here.
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