4 Advice to Choose a rl nc

North Carolina Charter Schools

Charter schools represent another free, public school choice that is open to all students. These schools are distinct from traditional public schools in that they have extra freedom to innovate. Charters are accountable to authorizing entities for student achievement. Charter schools can share the fruits of their innovation with traditional classrooms. 

The 2022-2023 school year marked 25 years since charter schools first opened in North Carolina. Today, the state has about 200 public charter schools and more than 8% of public school students attend a charter school. Six additional charter schools are approved to open in 2024.

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a Spanish immersion program or offering a rigorous STEAM curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.

You can also check out the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.

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North Carolina Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, some North Carolina families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are a few real examples of microschools and innovative learning resources in your state:  

 

• Roots School

  is a private membership association based out of Durham that provides families the freedom to choose how their child will learn. 

 

• Burbrella Learning Academy

  operates an in-person microschool in Burlington, as well as an online learning microschool for non-local families. 

 

• Sometimes learning pods are district-run. For example, Edgecombe County Public Schools in rural North Carolina

  won a grant

  to test out learning hubs as a way to give students of all ages more flexibility in their education. The district is also experimenting with

  early learning pods for three and four-year-olds

  . Similarly,

  Guilford County Public Schools

  has partnered with community organizations to launch learning hubs and give students a blended learning option.  

 

• The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has

  required organizations to obtain a license

  in order to provide childcare for school-age children. Organizations contracting with a public school are exempt. Read about an

  affordable Learning Support Group

  in Charlotte that partnered with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District.

 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

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The most important friendships you make in college are often the ones built on shared values.

What is a Village?

Living and Learning Villages are residential communities where students, staff and faculty learn side-by-side. You can choose to live with other students based on a common identity, skill or academic interest. Village members develop personally and professionally in a tight-knit social atmosphere.

“It Takes a Village” informational video

There are limited spots available in each Village, so be sure to apply as soon as possible.

Who Can Live in a Village?

All on-campus residents are eligible to live in a Village. We strongly encourage students who identify as first generation college students, transfers and international students to apply. Villages welcome students who:

• Want to establish a sense of belonging and connectedness to the NC State community
• Value experiences that promote learning, reflecting on the personal impact of the experience, increasing self-awareness and moving closer toward career readiness and achieving long-term goals
• Seek to go beyond their comfort zone
• Solve big problems through the application of knowledge

Whatever your year or major, there may be a village that’s right for you.  Each village has different requirements to best meet the needs of the community.  Read more about village requirements and expectations, application process and timeline below.

Program Requirements

• Preferred roommates must also apply, meet all village qualifications and be approved based on the individual merits of their application. Students cannot have preferred roommates who are not part of their village.
  • This requirement does not apply to Albright Entrepreneurs Village.
• The village you are interested in may have a course requirement to participate in the village. You must accommodate this course in your academic schedule to participate. You can find information about required courses listed under each village toward the bottom of this page.
• Albright Entrepreneurs Village and Engineering Expansion only accepts upper-class students (No first-year students)
• Engineering Village requires all participants to be in the College of Engineering or Textile Engineering 
• Exploratory Studies Village requires all participants to be admitted to the Exploratory Studies Program
• Honors Village requires participants to be admitted to the University Honors Program
• Transfer Connections requires participants to be transfer students.
• Women in Science and Engineering (W.I.S.E.) requires participants to be in the following colleges: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Natural Resources, College of Sciences, College of Textiles

Village Application Process and Timeline

Village applications open with the University Housing application in February. Applications close based on space availability, typically at the end of May.

New Students

• Before applying to a village, make sure you explore the village options and read through the information on this page thoroughly.  If you have any questions email us at ncstate-villages@ncsu.edu.
• You can only be accepted to one (1) village. You will apply to your preferred village and have the option to indicate a second choice village on your application. Village application questions are required. Think about your responses before completing the application.  Villages are very competitive and will evaluate your responses to make decisions.
• Village Application Questions:
  • Why are you interested in this village?
  • What do you plan to specifically do and/or accomplish in the next year through your village experience? 
  • IMPORTANT: Thinking ahead.  If you are not accepted to this village, you have the option of being considered for another village. You can answer the above questions again for your second choice.
• Timeline:
  • February 2024:  Village application opens. 
  • DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.: The last day you can submit a village application with a second choice village option and make changes to your village application. 
  • By May 31, 2024: Villages begin notifying students of their status in a village.  Students can be approved, waitlisted or declined.  All students submitting an application prior to May 15, 2024 will receive a communication at this time.

Current Students

• You can express interest in a village within the general University Housing Room Selection Application.
• Once you check the box indicating your interest in villages, you will be able to apply to your preferred village. You can only be accepted to one (1) village.
• Villages are very competitive and evaluate your responses to the below question to make decisions.
  • Why are you interested in this village?
  • What do you plan to specifically do and/or accomplish in the next year through your village experience?
• Timeline:
  • February 4, 2024:  Village application deadline for Housing Room Selection.
  • February 14, 2024:  Students learn of their village application status (approved, decline, waitlist).

Explore The Villages

Albright Entrepreneurs Village

The Albright Entrepreneurs Village provides sophomores and other upper-class students the chance to live and work with entrepreneurial-minded peers. Residents of all disciplines can explore and develop their entrepreneurial interests in an environment that inspires creativity and innovation. In this village, you will:

• Develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on activities
• Gain valuable entrepreneurial insight from community speakers
• Participate in two life-changing experiences within the entrepreneurial ecosystem with trips to entrepreneurial hotbeds such as New York City and Silicon Valley
• Get 24/7 access to a maker space in Innovation Hall

 Location:Wolf Ridge Apartments at Centennial Campus

Required Course: EI 100: Entrepreneurial Thinking (1 credit; fall semester)

For more information, contact albrightvillage@ncsu.edu

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Arts Village

The Arts Village is a partnership between University Housing and Arts NC State and is located in Turlington Hall. The Arts Village is a dynamic living and learning community that unites students from various personal and academic backgrounds who have a passion for the arts and enables them to continue their exploration of broadly defined arts disciplines. In this village, you will: 

• Live with students who also have a passion for the arts
• Residents participating in the Arts Village Forum receive free admission to all Arts NC State events.
• Performing arts events around the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) are provided at no cost to villagers  when they are available.
• Arts Village students have the opportunity to work with  guest artists. Art departments on campus coordinate events with local artists as well as NC State faculty and staff.
• Express your personal creativity in a supportive environment

Location: Turlington Hall

Required Course: AVS 100: Arts Village Forum (1 credit; fall and spring semesters)

For more information, contact llv-arts-village@ncsu.edu.

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Black Male Initiative

It Takes a Village Feature

The Black Male Initiative (BMI) exists to create a brotherhood. BMI supports its members’ continued development and success to graduation through mentorship, academic and professional workshops, social bonding activities and engagement in cultural immersion experiences that aid our members in unveiling their potential as they become leaders in their communities. In this village, you will:

• Develop a sense of belonging and gain support in navigating the college environment successfully
• Participate in workshops/programs that develop skills connected to career aspirations, interpersonal and professional growth
• Engage in conversations and 1:1 mentorship with faculty, staff and community members
• Expand your understanding of Black culture by exploring masculinity and social justice issues 
• Travel on cultural immersion trips to Atlanta, Alabama and Washington, D.C.
• Sharpen your leadership practice through engagement with a specially designed leadership course for BMI  (AFS 344 – Leadership in African American Communities)

Location: Avent Ferry Complex

Required Course: AFS 344: Leadership in African American Communities (3 credits; spring semester; meets NC State’s US Diversity and Humanities GEP requirements)

For more information, contact llv-black-male-initiative@ncsu.edu.

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EcoVillage

EcoVillage is open to students from all majors who are interested in sustainability. This interdisciplinary experience allows students to explore their interests in environmental conservation, energy, sustainable industry and business, and agriculture through community service, field trips, social events and educational programming. In this village, you will:

• Participate in programs, trips and tours to promote a sustainable lifestyle
• Attend study groups, faculty events and resume workshops
• Get guidance from upper-class student and faculty mentors
• Build leadership skills through community service, student programs and participation in EcoCouncil
• Earn a LEADer in Sustainability Award for demonstrating active leadership, education, application, and definition of sustainability.

Location: Lee Hall

Required Course: N/A

For more information, contact llv-ecovillage@ncsu.edu.

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Engineering Village

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The Engineering Village is an extension of the College of Engineering’s First-Year Program introducing students to the field of engineering. It encourages thoughtful consideration of complex challenges facing our communities. Students must be engineering majors to participate. In this village, you will:

• Join an engagement group led by upper-class students
• Gain firsthand experiences and advice from professionals
• Join STEM outreach through Science Olympiad, Make-A-Thon and more
• See what engineers do in the real world to better understand how the courses connect with the profession
• Exclusive access to in-hall tutoring and academic advising in the Engineering Village Student Success Suite

University Housing and the College of Engineering are pleased to announce the expansion of the Engineering Village to Centennial Campus in Wolf Ridge Apartments – Valley Hall for the 2024-25 academic year. The expansion will include current active students in the Engineering Village and new, admitted Transfer students. Engineering Village students interested in being a part of the new expansion Village can apply through the Room Selection Process application now open. The focus for the new Engineering Village expansion is on transition to your major in the College of Engineering, career readiness, mental health and wellness.

Location: Sullivan Hall and Wolf Ridge Apartments

Required Course: N/A

For more information, contact llv-engineering-village@ncsu.edu.

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Exploratory Studies Village

The Exploratory Studies Village is for students entering the university who are undecided about their major. A year of guided inquiry and exploration, coupled with one-on-one sessions with their academic advisor, helps move students through the career planning and decision-making process. Students must be in the Exploratory Studies Program to participate. In this village, you will:

• Enjoy a location close to your academic advisors
• Owen hall is home to the Exploratory Studies Village.
• Participate in unforgettable programs and traditions, such as Battle for the Beach, outdoor adventure trips, leadership retreats, the Pack Academic Workshop Series (PAWS), faculty fellows, pack study walk-in tutoring and the Exploratory Studies year-end banquet

Location: Owen Hall

Required Course:  USC 101 and 102: Intro to University Education (1 credit each; fall and spring semesters)

For more information, contact llv-exploratory-studies-village@ncsu.edu.

Global Village

The Global Village is a living and learning community for those interested in experiencing different cultures. Students live and interact with people from different backgrounds, experiences, countries and viewpoints. In this village, you will:

• Be part of a community of welcoming, inclusive students who are interested in learning from others and sharing their culture with the community
• Actively learn about cultures around the world through events in the Global Village, around campus, and in North Carolina
• Build relationships with village mentors who are available to assist in your transition to campus and learning across cultures
• Build friendships with a diverse group of students from the United States and all over the world
• Practice language skills

Location: Alexander Hall

Required Course: N/A

For more information, contact llv-global-village@ncsu.edu.

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Honors Village

It Takes a Village Feature

The Honors Village allows students to enhance their personal growth, advance academic excellence, get involved with their community and have fun in the process. This village is a collaboration between the University Honors Program and University Housing, boasting representation from every academic college and every academic year (first year through senior year). Students must be accepted into the University Honors Program to participate. In this village, you will:

• Get the most immersive and foundational Honors Program experience, including early access to research opportunities.
• Attend interdisciplinary honors seminars without leaving the residence halls.
• Have access to a state of the art computer lab and multimedia classroom
• Participate in a community that promotes academic excellence and a diversity of viewpoints
• Live in close proximity to the Honors Program staff
• Participate in the Kickstart early move-in retreat, welcome dinner, end of year picnic and various trips
• Have priority registration for University Honors Program cultural and outdoor explorations trips to places likeNew York, Paris, Atlanta and Seattle.

Location: Bagwell, Becton and Berry halls

Required course: Honors Program requirements.

For more information, contact llv-honors-village@ncsu.edu.

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Impact Leadership Village

The Impact Leadership Village develops emerging leaders by providing students with the opportunity to learn about leadership models, organizational development, ethics in leadership and global leadership. This community produces future leaders who lead with integrity and are socially responsible, globally minded, progressive leaders who value the multidisciplinary nature of leadership and are equipped to make their personal IMPACT on the state, the nation and the world.

• Engage in a practical application of leadership to real-world issues
• Organize and participate in service opportunities
• Strengthen personal and professional leadership skills
• Practice leadership through Impact Leadership Council (ILC) and ILC committee membership.

Location: Bowen Hall

Required Course: SLC 101: Community Leadership Seminar (1 credit; fall semester)

For more information, contact llv-impact-village@ncsu.edu.

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Native Space

It Takes a Village Feature

Native Space is a place for Native American or American Indian students — or those interested in Native American history and culture — to gain a close-knit community on campus. It was designed out of an observed need to provide a more communal experience for incoming Native students through a supportive and culturally engaged campus environment. Residents develop a deeper awareness of Native American history and culture through participation in Native American Heritage Month and the annual NC State Pow Wow. In this village, you will:

• Gain a deeper appreciation of Native American history and culture
• Attend academic and professional development workshops
• Build strong, mutually supportive relationships with fellow Native students
• Develop mentoring relationships with staff, faculty and alumni committed to serving Native American students
• Assist in the planning and hosting of the NC State Pow Wow.

Location: Alexander Hall

Required Course: N/A

For more information, contact llv-native-space@ncsu.edu.

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Transfer Connections Village

Dedicated completely to transfer students, the Transfer Connections Village (TCV) provides students with opportunities to make the most of their NC State experience. TCV focuses on empowering transfers in transition, fostering meaningful relationships and cultivating personal, academic and professional goals. As a member of the TCV community, you will:

• Connect with a community that understands your transfer student experience at NC State
• Attend tailored community events that build relationships with residents, mentors and the larger NC State community
• Have exclusive access to NC State TransferPack events
• Engage with NC State campus partners to evaluate your personal, professional and academic goals.

Location: Wolf Village Apartments

Required Course: N/A

For more information, contact llv-transfer-connections-village@ncsu.edu.

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Students Advocating for Youth (SAY) Village

SAY Village is a community for first-year students in any academic discipline who have a passion for working with youth. Students develop one-on-one mentoring relationships with local elementary school students and learn what it means to be a youth advocate. In this village, you will:

• Engage in meaningful advocacy discussions with faculty
• Attend game nights, lip sync battles, dances and dinners
• Meet with youth advocacy consultants in various fields
• Have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. and Savannah, Georgia for youth advocacy conferences
• Develop a year-long student partnership with a third,  fourth- or fifth-grade student from one of three participating Wake County schools.

Location: Syme Hall

Required Courses: ED 150 and ED 151: Students Advocating for Youth I and II (1 credit each; fall and spring semesters; Tuesday afternoons from 3- 5:20 p.m.)

For more information, contact cedsayvillage@ncsu.edu.

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Wellness Village

Wellness Village is open to all NC State students committed to living a balanced lifestyle. The village encourages developing and maintaining personal overall wellness through coursework, small programs, mentorships and high-impact events. Signature events include trips, FitBit challenges and wellness workshops. In this village, you will:

• Live in a community that supports a healthy, balanced life.
• Develop friendships in a positive environment
• Participate in social activities like skating, trampoline parks, dinners and more
• Attend presentations by partners, skill-based workshops and local tours
• Give back through community service on campus and with local food banks and animal shelters

Location: Wood Hall

Required Course: HESM 275: Behavior Change in Wellness (2 credits; fall semester)

For more information, contact llv-wellness-village@ncsu.edu.

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Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Village

WISE Village is a living and learning community created for female-identifying first-year and sophomore students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Membership in WISE provides a powerful networking opportunity with other goal-oriented women as you pursue your STEM major. In this village, you will:

• Live in Lee Hall, which has two private lounges and a computer lab for WISE women
• Explore career and personal goals
• Network with other goal-oriented women as they pursue their STEM major.
• Enjoy early fall move-in for the Summer Bridge program
• Gain academic support through tutoring and mentoring
• Attend social events like WISE Wednesdays and the Women’s Speaker Series

Location: Lee Hall 

Required Course: N/A

For more information, contact wisedirector@ncsu.edu.

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Women of Welch (WOW) Village

The Women of Welch (WOW) Village enhances women’s leadership opportunities outside the classroom through empowerment, leadership development, self-awareness, diversity and social justice. WOW creates a holistic community that encourages individual women’s growth while challenging members to act as citizens of a global community. In this village, you will:

• Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who want social change and have a passion for social justice issues from a feministic perspective
• Participate in events and activities that promote social, leadership development and social justice and inclusion events that empower women
• Have fun at social community-building events and attend shows, plays and dinners with faculty
• Travel to places like Washington, D.C. and New York City to celebrate culture and explore networking opportunities

Location: Welch Hall 

Required Course: WGS 200: Women and Gender Studies (3 credits; online and in-person options; fall semester)

For more information, contact llv-women-of-welch@ncsu.edu.