Welcome to Union County Public Schools, the sixth-largest district in North Carolina that serves approximately 41,500 students and employs approximately 5,000 dedicated individuals. As one of the top-performing school districts in North Carolina, UCPS leads the Charlotte region and the 12 largest school districts in a number of academic performance areas.

Our goal is to provide high-quality instruction each day and provide a safe learning environment for all students. Through a number of academic programs and support services, students have the opportunity to reach their full potential with the guidance of experienced educators.

At UCPS, we believe in innovative learning. In addition to core subjects, students can select from a broad range of academic programs to meet their unique needs and aspirations. These programs include opportunities in the arts, career and technical education, advanced placement classes, career-focused academies, early college and dual-enrollment courses with local colleges and universities.

The UCPS Portrait of a Graduate is a roadmap for students in all grades. It highlights five essential skills they will need in school and life. The focus areas are innovative leader, a resilient problem-solver, a key contributor, an effective communicator and a skilled collaborator. It prepares students for their next steps, whether it's college, military service or employment.

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is proud to offer a variety of academic programming to students of all levels. Unique academic options include:

• 30 dual-language programs
• More than 44 pathways and 24 academies through Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts
• International Baccalaureate Programs
• Union County Early College
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts
• Health Sciences Academy
• Agrotechnology (AgTech) Academy
• Sustainable Energy Academy
• and much more!

• UCPS ranked number two in the state on overall proficiency at 69.5 percent. The North Carolina overall proficiency rate is 54.2 percent.
• The 2024 Cohort Graduation Rate (CGR) is 93.3 percent, the highest CGR under the current accountability model. The graduation rate for 2022-2023 was 92.3 percent.
• In comparison to the 12 largest NC districts, UCPS ranked highest on the following: all Reading EOGs (3-8); all Math EOGs (3-8); all Science EOGs (5 and 8), all EOGs (3-8) combined; all EOCs (9-12) combined, all EOGs and EOCs combined (overall proficiency), ACT proficiency; WorkKeys proficiency; ACT/WorkKeys combined, English Learner Progress and four-year and five-year Cohort Graduation Rate
• 88 percent (44 out of 50 schools earned a C or higher)
• 88 percent of schools met or exceeded growth. This is up from 84 percent in 2022-2023.
• East Union Middle exited low-performing status.
• All UCPS high schools met or exceeded growth.
• Superintendent Dr. Andrew G. Houlihan, 2022 and 2025 Southwest Regional Superintendent of the Year.
• 7 Leader in Me Lighthouse Schools: Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, Indian Trail Elementary, Porter Ridge High, Prospect Elementary, Rocky River Elementary, Sandy Ridge Elementary and Sun Valley Middle. 
• 2019 Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello District Winner.