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Cary School District 26

Engage, Empower, Excel

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About Us

Welcome to Cary School District 26!

Serving approximately 2,400 students from Early Learning (Pre-K) through 8th grade across five schools, Cary 26 is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Our dedicated staff works collaboratively to deliver high-quality instruction while fostering academic growth, curiosity, and character development. Together with our strong community, we are proud to create opportunities that help every student thrive.

The Cary District 26 Strategic Plan—Cary Forward—guides our organizational, instructional, and leadership growth.

Cary Forward

Developed with input from staff, students, board members, and community stakeholders, it outlines five key focus areas driving improvement and student success. District leadership monitors progress to ensure we remain focused, responsive, and committed to meeting the needs of every learner.

The District 26 community is committed to providing a nurturing atmosphere where our students have a desire to learn and develop as critical thinkers and innovative creators who contribute to the world with integrity and purpose beyond themselves. We envision a learning environment where all are safe and belong, so teaching and learning are the focus of our work and the catalyst for success.

Collaboration

Empathy

Communication

Perseverance

Ceativity 

Personal Accountability

Critical Thinking

Respect for All

 

Goal 1: Student Success

Empowering student growth toward a successful future through a whole child learning approach. 
*Implement, with fidelity, a districtwide instructional framework that clearly defines high-quality learning for all students and provides the necessary skills to be global citizens in our ever-changing society.
* Ensure all students have access and opportunity to developmentally appropriate social emotional learning curriculum that addresses specific needs. 

Goal 2: Learning Culture

Provide a learning culture that fosters belonging for students and staff to become confident & motivated to succeed.
*Proactively strengthen and implement positive and inclusive district, school, and classroom environments that ensure mutual respect and celebrate and recognize growth and success for all.
*Provide a comprehensive program of student support services to meet the needs of the whole child.
*Collaborate to create a rigorous, engaging, and consistent learning plan for all students that promotes student choice, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through authentic  learning experiences to deepen and encourage learning and student engagement. 

Goal 3: Exceptional Staff

Attract & retain highly qualified staff & nurture a collaborative culture where everyone is valued & empowered.
*Enhance the quantity and quality of collaboration across grades and between grade levels.
*Provide high-quality professional development opportunities that align with the district's core values to proactively support the diverse learning needs of all students and staff while supporting educator growth. 

Goal 4: Strategic Partnerships

Actively engage families and the community as vital parts in the educational experience.
*Streamline two-way communication channels and structures for all stakeholders.
*Explore avenues to reach all families and survey the community about what ways are best for communication.

Goal 5: Fiscal Responsibility

Align resources to District priorities to provide support and add value for students, staff, and community.
*Deliberately budget for recruiting and retaining exceptional staff in a highly competitive market.
*Create a proactive capital improvement plan that addresses current needs and financially prepares for future building needs.
*Examine the current staffing plan to ensure access to a seamless education for our students.

 

  • The District 26 community is committed to providing a nurturing atmosphere where our students have a desire to learn and develop as critical thinkers and innovative creators who contribute to the world with integrity and purpose beyond themselves. We envision a learning environment where all are safe and belong, so teaching and learning are the focus of our work and the catalyst for success.

  • Collaboration

    Empathy

    Communication

    Perseverance

    Ceativity 

    Personal Accountability

    Critical Thinking

    Respect for All

     

  • Goal 1: Student Success

    Empowering student growth toward a successful future through a whole child learning approach. 
    *Implement, with fidelity, a districtwide instructional framework that clearly defines high-quality learning for all students and provides the necessary skills to be global citizens in our ever-changing society.
    * Ensure all students have access and opportunity to developmentally appropriate social emotional learning curriculum that addresses specific needs. 

    Goal 2: Learning Culture

    Provide a learning culture that fosters belonging for students and staff to become confident & motivated to succeed.
    *Proactively strengthen and implement positive and inclusive district, school, and classroom environments that ensure mutual respect and celebrate and recognize growth and success for all.
    *Provide a comprehensive program of student support services to meet the needs of the whole child.
    *Collaborate to create a rigorous, engaging, and consistent learning plan for all students that promotes student choice, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through authentic  learning experiences to deepen and encourage learning and student engagement. 

    Goal 3: Exceptional Staff

    Attract & retain highly qualified staff & nurture a collaborative culture where everyone is valued & empowered.
    *Enhance the quantity and quality of collaboration across grades and between grade levels.
    *Provide high-quality professional development opportunities that align with the district's core values to proactively support the diverse learning needs of all students and staff while supporting educator growth. 

    Goal 4: Strategic Partnerships

    Actively engage families and the community as vital parts in the educational experience.
    *Streamline two-way communication channels and structures for all stakeholders.
    *Explore avenues to reach all families and survey the community about what ways are best for communication.

    Goal 5: Fiscal Responsibility

    Align resources to District priorities to provide support and add value for students, staff, and community.
    *Deliberately budget for recruiting and retaining exceptional staff in a highly competitive market.
    *Create a proactive capital improvement plan that addresses current needs and financially prepares for future building needs.
    *Examine the current staffing plan to ensure access to a seamless education for our students.

     

District 26 Portraits define the shared vision that guides our students, staff, and systems. Together, they reflect our commitment to growth, excellence, and creating a safe, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.

Portrait of a Graduate

Academic Literacy • Decision-Making & Problem-Solving • Dependability & Reliability • Inclusive of Others • Interpersonal Skills • Self-Awareness & Confidence • Social Responsibility & Social Skills • Technology & Digital Literacy

Portrait of an Adult

Decision-Making & Problem-Solving Skills • Dependability & Reliability • Student-Centered • Flexibility & Adaptability • Forward Thinker • Interpersonal Skills • Technology & Digital Literacy

Portrait of a System

Academic Excellence • Clear Purpose & Direction • Data-Driven Improvement Culture • Flexibility & Adaptability • Financial, Economic, and Business Literacy • High Standards & Expectations • Sense of Community and Belonging