1. What is NCSSM?

NCSSM is the world's first public, residential high school for juniors and seniors that provides a specialized curriculum in the areas of math, science and technology.

2. Is there a cost associated with attending?

No. There are no fees associating with applying, being accepted or attending NCSSM.

3. Are science and math the only subjects taught at NCSSM?

No. NCSSM has one of the richest and most engaging Humanities departments in the state. It also has thriving music and arts programs, and offers a number of languages and drama.

4. Where do students come from?

By legislative mandate, NCSSM accepts only students from North Carolina and does so equally across all 13 congressional districts. The School's alumni also represent all 100 counties, with around 90 counties represented in the student body at any time.

5. How many NCSSM students go on to college?

Over 99% of NCSSM graduates attend college the year after graduation. The small number who do not attend college usually elect to volunteer or defer college admittance until the following year.

6. What's the ethnic makeup typically?

NCSSM is very proud to have an extremely diverse population. On average, the school's population is 12% African American, 59% Caucasian, 3% Hispanic, 25% Asian American, and 1% Native American. This diverse population generates countless activities and festivals such as the American Indian Powwow, World Fest, Africa Fest, Hispanic Fest, and an Asian Cultures club.

7. What are the graduation requirements for students?

To receive a diploma from NCSSM, students must meet higher graduation requirements that include, but are not limited to, precalculus and mathematical modeling; advanced biology, chemistry and physics; a nationally recognized humanities program; and mastery of a foreign language at an intermediate level or higher.

8. How do NCSSM students and alumni give back to the state?

Community service has been a graduation requirement since 1982. During the summer of 2006, students provided more than 19,000 hours of service to more than 250 nonprofits throughout the state. Nearly 75% of the School's alumni pay North Carolina taxes, many of whom work in medicine, pharmaceutical research, computer sciences and education, endeavors that improve our quality of life.

9. How does NCSSM serve the state?

NCSSM serves the North Carolina community every year through statewide service and educational programming. Every student at NCSSM must complete at least 60 hours of community service in North Carolina, with the Class of 2010 completing more than 22,000 hours of service at non-profits across the state. Additionally, NCSSM’s Distance Education and Extended Programs division offers courses-for-credit, professional development, and academic enrichment programs through interactive videoconference (IVC) to more than 3,500 N.C. students and educators every year, making the school the state leader in K-12 IVC educational programming. In 2010-2011 NCSSM provided 24 sections of 16 courses-for-credit to more than 500 students at 30 North Carolina high schools. Courses included Honors Forensics, AP Statistics, AP Calculus, and Mandarin Chinese. Nearly 3,000 N.C. students and educators were  also served through enrichment programs, informational sessions and professional development programs. The NCSSM Online program serves approximately 160 juniors and seniors hailing from more than 50 North Carolina counties.