Staff from Western Alamance High School and Grove Park Elementary stand with Chief Academic Officer Revonda Johnson in front of a tan wall

Two Alamance-Burlington schools were honored this morning at a special recognition breakfast for their outstanding achievements and commitment to educational excellence. Western Alamance High School and Grove Park Elementary School have been named PTEC Signature Schools by the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC), highlighting their remarkable progress and dedication to student success.

PTEC represents a powerful collaboration between eighteen K-12 school districts in central North Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, working together to advance educational excellence in the region. The PTEC Signature Schools recognition celebrates institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to student achievement and educational innovation.

Principal Bryant from Western High and Principal Horton from Grove Park holding awards recognizing their schools as PTEC Signature Schools

Pictured: Principal Harold Bryant from Western Alamance High School and Principal Traci Horton from Grove Park Elementary

Cover Photo: Sarah Lea (Grove Park Instructional Assistant and 2024 Classified Employee of the Year), Racheal Harder (2024 Grove Park Teacher of the Year), Grove Park Principal Traci Horton, Chief Academic Officer Revonda Johnson, Western Alamance High School Principal Harold Bryant, Western Alamance High Data Manager Tracy Woodward, and Kayln Cobb (2024 Western Alamance High Teacher of the Year)

Grove Park Elementary

Grove Park Elementary School's recognition as a Signature School comes after years of intentional work focused on building strong connections with students and families. The school's philosophy that "connections make us stronger" has proven successful, as evidenced by their removal from the low-performing schools list.

"The trust we've built with our families has enabled us to implement more effective targeted interventions, leading to improved student outcomes," explains Principal Traci Horton. "The energy throughout our school is evident—teachers and students are excited to be here every day."

This achievement reflects the dedication of the entire Grove Park community – teachers, staff, students, and families working together toward common goals. The positive atmosphere at Grove Park is palpable, contributing to a learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Western Alamance High School

Western Alamance High School has distinguished itself through its comprehensive approach to academic growth and student development. The school has seen significant improvements in academic performance, particularly in mathematics, thanks to its innovative personalized intervention strategies.

One of the school's most notable achievements has been the expansion of its Advanced Placement (AP) Program. More students than ever are challenging themselves through AP classes and taking advantage of dual credit opportunities through Alamance Community College. This commitment to advanced learning opportunities demonstrates Western Alamance's dedication to preparing students for higher education and future careers.

The school has also strengthened its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs through valuable partnerships, including collaboration with Elon University. These connections provide students with diverse educational pathways and real-world learning experiences.

"Our close-knit community at Western Alamance creates an environment where both students and teachers are genuinely excited about learning," says Principal Harold Bryant. "The strong relationships between faculty and students have enabled us to push our learners to reach their full potential."

A Bright Future Ahead

Both Western Alamance High School and Grove Park Elementary School exemplify the power of dedicated educators, strong community relationships, and personalized learning approaches. Their recognition as PTEC Signature Schools celebrates not just their achievements, but their ongoing commitment to educational excellence in the Alamance-Burlington School System.

These schools serve as models for what can be accomplished when educators, students, and families work together with a shared vision of success. Their achievements set a high standard for educational excellence in the district and promise an even brighter future for their students.