5 Reasons Stokes County Schools NC Is A 2025 'Distinguished District' For AI And Innovation
Stokes County Schools (SCS) in North Carolina is currently making headlines, not just for its commitment to rural education but for its innovative approach to technology and career readiness, as evidenced by a major 2025 national award. As of today, December 22, 2025, the district is celebrating its recognition as a 2025 ISTE+ASCD Distinguished District, a prestigious honor that highlights its leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration and parent engagement strategies.
This comprehensive look into the North Carolina district, headquartered in Danbury, NC, reveals a system focused on preparing its approximately 5,500 students across 19 schools for a rapidly evolving world. From new Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways like a dedicated Fire Academy to the charismatic leadership of its superintendent, SCS is setting a high standard for public education in the Piedmont Triad region.
The Leadership and Profile of Stokes County Schools (SCS)
Stokes County Schools is a public school district serving the entirety of Stokes County, North Carolina. The district is known for its strong community ties and a focus on both traditional academic achievement and vocational training.
- District Headquarters: Danbury, NC
- Superintendent: Dr. Brad Rice
- Superintendent's Recent Recognition: Named the 2026 PTEC Regional Superintendent of the Year (March 2026) and widely known as the "Singing Superintendent."
- Student Enrollment: Serves over 5,500 students.
- Number of Schools: 19 schools, including elementary, middle, high, and an early college.
- Key Academic Focus: Career and Technical Education (CTE), Instructional Technology, and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
- Recent Major Award: 2025 ISTE+ASCD Distinguished District.
A Complete List of Stokes County Schools Entities
The district operates a range of educational facilities, ensuring comprehensive coverage for students from pre-K through 12th grade and beyond. This network of schools is central to the district's topical authority and community presence:
High Schools:
- North Stokes High School
- South Stokes High School
- West Stokes High School
- Meadowbrook Academy
- Stokes Early College High School (SECHS)
Middle Schools:
- Chestnut Grove Middle School
- Piney Grove Middle School
- Southeastern Stokes Middle School
- Walnut Cove Middle School
Elementary Schools (K-5):
- Germanton Elementary School
- King Elementary School
- Lawsonville Elementary School
- London Elementary School
- Mount Olive Elementary School
- Nancy Reynolds Elementary School
- Pinnacle Elementary School
- Sandy Ridge Elementary School
- Poplar Springs Elementary School
The 2025 ISTE+ASCD Distinguished District Award: Why It Matters
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) award is one of the highest honors a school district can receive for innovation. Stokes County Schools earned this 2025 distinction for two specific, forward-thinking areas: AI Leadership and Parent Engagement Innovation.
This recognition solidifies SCS’s position as a leader in integrating advanced technology—specifically Artificial Intelligence—into its instructional practices. The award highlights the district's successful efforts to not only adopt new tools but to train educators and engage parents in a meaningful way, ensuring technology serves as an equitable and effective tool for all students.
The district's proactive stance on instructional technology is championed by leaders like Kimberley Thompson-Hairston, the Director of Instructional Technology and Media, who has been instrumental in securing this national-level recognition.
Fresh Educational Pathways and Key 2025-2026 Updates
Beyond the national awards, Stokes County Schools is continually updating its curriculum and facilities to meet the diverse needs of its student body. The focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) is particularly strong, providing students with valuable, real-world credentials.
1. New Fire Academy Program at South Stokes High School
In a major development for the 2025-2026 school year, SCS has partnered with Forsyth Technical Community College to launch a comprehensive Fire Academy program. This initiative, primarily based at South Stokes High School, provides students with a direct pathway to a career in emergency services. This hands-on program allows high schoolers to earn professional certifications, demonstrating the district’s commitment to providing tangible career credentials before graduation.
2. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Success
The CTE program remains a cornerstone of the SCS curriculum. The district is actively seeking community input to shape the future of these programs across its middle and high schools, ensuring they align with local workforce needs. The 2024-2025 school year saw a significant number of CTE credentials earned, preparing students for high-demand fields like health sciences, trades, and technology.
3. Academic Calendar and Key Dates for 2025-2026
The district has released its Traditional Academic Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, providing clarity for families and staff. The school year kicked off with the annual Convocation, a tradition that unites educators from across the district. Furthermore, the district is already looking ahead, actively soliciting community feedback on the proposed 2026-2027 Traditional School Calendar, highlighting a transparent and collaborative planning process.
4. Facilities and Community Grants
Facilities across the district are seeing improvements and enhancements through community efforts. In April 2025, South Stokes High School was awarded a significant “Window of Opportunity” Grant from Keep North Carolina Beautiful. This type of funding is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the physical learning environment for students.
5. Financial and Planning Transparency
SCS maintains a commitment to fiscal transparency. Budget documents are readily available, including the FY 2025 AIG (Academically or Intellectually Gifted) plan budget, which details funding for specialized student services. The district’s financial planning, including the 2024-2025 recommended budget, demonstrates a clear allocation of resources towards instructional support, technology, and facility maintenance, supporting its innovative programs.
The Future of Education in Stokes County, NC
Stokes County Schools is clearly on an upward trajectory, leveraging technology and strong community partnerships to create a dynamic learning environment. The combination of national recognition for AI leadership, the expansion of high-value CTE programs like the Fire Academy, and the consistent, visible leadership of Dr. Brad Rice, the "Singing Superintendent," positions SCS as a model for rural school districts across North Carolina and the nation. As the district continues to implement its vision for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, students are benefiting from a forward-thinking educational experience designed for 21st-century success.
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