Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is the sixth-largest public school system in North Carolina. It serves approximately 40,000 students at 53 schools and has approximately 5,000 staff members.

As a leader in academics, UCPS offers a wide variety of coursework to its students, ranging from dual-language programs to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to more than 44 pathways and 24 academies in the career and technical education department.

UCPS students also have access to a variety of academic options, including the Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, the International Baccalaureate Program at Marvin Ridge High, Union County Early College, Central Academy of Technology and Arts, Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle and the AgTech Academy at East Union Middle.

With a long-term goal of ensuring all students are equipped to succeed in college, career and life, UCPS is committed and dedicated to offering quality instruction for all children in support of our mission of “Preparing All Students to Succeed.” 

District Highlights

• 92.3% graduation rate
• Superintendent Dr. Andrew G. Houlihan, 2022 Southwest Regional Superintendent of the Year
• Six Leader in Me Lighthouse Schools: Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, Indian Trail Elementary, Prospect Elementary, Rocky River Elementary, Sandy Ridge Elementary and Sun Valley Middle. 
• 2019 Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello District Winner