On Saturday, Nov. 16, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) hosted its much-anticipated Choice Fair at E.E. Smith High School, providing families with valuable opportunities to explore educational options designed to match their children's individual interests and learning needs.

Over 1,000 students and parents were in attendance, arriving with excited faces and ready to find the program that fits them best. Families navigated through the school, stopping at either elementary, middle or high school areas to learn about their options.

These programs, highlighting diverse themes such as science, arts and culture, technology and real-world career experiences, were presented through interactive displays and personalized discussions. Isaiah McNeil, a student at Pine Forest High School, proudly shared his thoughts about Choice Programs. “I believe the Choice Programs will help people achieve their future goals,” he said in a press release. 

Dr. Lavette Braswell, the assistant superintendent of CCS' K-12 Instructional Programs, spoke about the success of the event. “I think today has been fantastic,” said Braswell in a press release. “The feedback that we have gotten is that our families feel that they are getting information they need to make the best decisions for them.”

Jamaal Doran, a parent attending the fair, talked about what he appreciated the most about the Choice Programs. “I love how across the county there are multiple options that might cater specifically to the pathway the students might choose," he said in a release.

With the application period for the 2025-2026 CCS Choice Programs set from Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, through Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, families are encouraged to continue exploring the options available. Detailed information on specific programs along with program-specific family nights can be accessed through the CCS Choice Program Guide at www.choice.ccs.k12.nc.us.

Cumberland County Schools remains committed to providing a safe, positive and rigorous learning environment to prepare lifelong learners to reach their maximum potential.