Governor Easley announced that the New School Project awarded grants to 12 school districts to create nine thematic high schools, “focusing on themes based on local issues, interests and community or regional characteristics to better prepare students for college.” It is not clear whether these programs merely attract capable students or will improve the performance of struggling students.

School themes include:

– Ecology, conservation and construction
– Arts and humanities
– Health, human and public services
– International finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship
– A school developed in partnership with the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro