Greensboro, NC - Guilford County Schools will offer two new Choice programs for the 2024-25 school year. At its meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Education approved the implementation of a gaming and robotics program at Foust Elementary and an expeditionary learning program at Peck K-8.

The gaming and robotics program at Foust Elementary will provide students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for the ever-evolving landscape of technology. The program will introduce young learners to the fundamentals of mechanics, sensors, motors, programming and the digital domain. Students will be better prepared for careers in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and 3D technologies.

Expeditionary Learning (EL) is rooted in the educational approach advocated by EL Education, emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning and the integration of academic content with real-world experiences. By exploring the world around them, Peck K-8 students will become active participants in their education, uncovering answers to their own questions, developing into leaders of their learning, and exhibiting high levels of engagement and investment in schoolwork.

"We are proud to offer our students world-class programs that encourage them to be thoughtful, inquisitive and engaged learners,” says Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley. “Having a wide range of choices means that every GCS family can find the place that meets their student’s unique needs and prepares them for a bright future. GCS continues to be the best option for families in Guilford County Schools”

The new programs will become part of both schools’ curriculum in August 2024 at their current locations. Both school buildings are presently under construction and are expected to reopen in January 2025.

Families may explore all their Choice options at the GCS Choice Showcase, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. The application window is from January 19 to February 23. Visit www.gcsnc.com/choiceschoolsandprograms to learn more.

Also Tuesday, the school board voted to discontinue the Choice programs at Murphey Traditional Academy and Washington Montessori. Closing the Murphey program follows the board’s action in December to close the school at the end of this academic year.

The change to Washington Montessori eliminates redundancy in the district’s Choice landscape and will leave GCS with two Montessori programs – one at Triangle Lake Montessori in High Point and one at Erwin Montessori in Greensboro. Students who were enrolled as Choice students at Washington Montessori will be able to transfer to Erwin Montessori, which will take up temporary residence at Wiley Elementary and will eventually move to the current location of Archer Elementary when renovations there are complete. For more on these changes, click here.