Why Monroe? Our Education.
Public School System
The Union County Public School System is one of the most desirable public school systems in the State. Statewide, Union County Public Schools possess 4 of the top 25 elementary schools, 3 of the top 25 middle schools and 4 of the top 25 high schools, including the number one ranked school, Central Academy for Technology and Arts (CATA). Respectively, Weddington, Marvin Ridge and Cuthbertson high schools are ranked 10th, 15th and 16th in the state. UCPS has a 93.3% graduation rate (2023-2024).
93.3%
Graduation
Rate
41,000
Approximate
Total Enrollment
53
Number of
Schools
Charter School
Established in 2000, Union Academy is a National School of Character and is the first and longest operating charter school in Union County. The school is a tuition-free public school of choice that operates independently of the local school district. Union Academy is a K-12 tuition-free NC public charter school. Admission is lottery based and is open to any school-aged student in North Carolina.
Community College
South Piedmont Community College
South Piedmont Community College is Monroe’s place for technical and specialized industrial training to support a long career in the manufacturing and commercial sectors of the local economy. South Piedmont was created in 1999 by the North Carolina General Assembly. South Piedmont is one of the best recruitment and retention tools available to the community, as it is the leader in customized training for the local industries and continuing education that ensures the workforce is prepared for the precision manufacturing base that has been developed in Monroe.
3,184
FTE Curriculum
Students
2,951
Continuing Education Students
University
Wingate University is Union County’s local institution of higher learning. They house one of only four Pharmaceutical Schools in the State of North Carolina. The School of Pharmacy opened on the main campus in 2003 to offer the PharmD degree, the school’s first doctorate degree. The School of Education began offering a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2006. In 2008, Wingate began offering a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. The Levine College of Health Sciences opened on the main campus in 2011 to house the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Finally, Wingate added the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2014.
School of Arts and Sciences
School of Business
School of Education
School of Sport Sciences
Undergraduate Schools
Accounting
Community College Executive Leadership
Educational Leadership
Elementary Education
Business
Graduate Programs
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Physician Assistant
School Superintendency
Sport Management