Education

Inspiring! Educational Opportunities & Business Specialties

Patrick HenryCommunity College (PHCC) is situated on 137 acres in HenryCounty, just three miles from Martinsville, where students and alumni benefit from the cultural and educational advancements afforded them by the local area. The main campus occupies six buildings for the more than 3,000 students enrolled each semester. PHCC also extends services to students and professionals residing outside of HenryCounty. In addition to the main campus, PHCC has off-campus sites in Martinsville as well as in Franklin and Patrick counties, and offers a full spectrum of class through distance learning - all of which make education and training more accessible to interested students.

Through PHCC's flexibility and responsiveness, the college commits itself to the workforce development and continuing education needs of the community. The college aims to be valued as the premier resource for economic development in our area and the preferred partner with our business and industrial community. PHCC offers more than 90 fields of study from which students can choose.

Students can also take advantage of bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs on the PHCC campus through ODU's Teletechnet program or transfer to senior colleges and universities in Virginia through guaranteed transfer agreements.

A progressive college, PHCC keeps in step with technological advances by utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, resources and equipment. PHCC is recognized nationally for its cooperative and active learning program.

If you would like more information, visit www.ph.vccs.edu.

New College Institute (NCI)

New College Institute (NCI) became Virginia's newest educational institution and state agency on July 1, 2006. NCI's focus is degree completion at the bachelor's and master's level. It offers programs that meet the needs of the region, are high demand throughout the Commonwealth, or are niche programs drawing upon the special resources of the area. The programs are brought to Martinsville - Henry County through public and private institutions that partner with NCI.

NCI has made remarkable progress, beginning its academic programs a year earlier than anticipated. Enrollment in the first semester was 53 (unduplicated) students. Since that time, NCI's enrollment has grown from 118 in the first full fiscal year (2006-07) to 413 in 2009-10.

NCI currently has eight faculty-in-residence. They are program directors who not only teach in their own programs but bring faculty from their home campuses to teach in Martinsville and also hire local adjunct faculty to teach in the programs.

In the 2010 - 11 academic year, NCI is offering 15 degree and eight certificate programs. NCI partners with eight public and private four-year institutions to offer the programs in Martinsville.

Through the end of the 2009 - 10 academic year (NCI's first four years as a state institution), 135 students have completed degrees (bachelor's or master's) through NCI.

NCI's classrooms are located in four renovated uptown Martinsville buildings. All of NCI's classrooms are equipped with the latest instructional technology, and 14 of the 16 classrooms have video-conferencing capability.

Central to fulfilling its mission, NCI has an extensive Educational Outreach program. Staff members known as Outreach Educators work in the community and in the schools to show students and families the value of higher education.

To date, NCI has renovated and put back in use 30,000 square of previously vacant space in Uptown Martinsville. The institution already is an economic engine for the Uptown. Because of the presence of NCI, new businesses have located in Uptown and there has been a renewed interest in modernizing buildings and developing uptown housing.

A prestigious study commission recommended in November 2010 that NCI become a branch campus of a Virginia four-year public institution. Discussions are underway with all institutions that have expressed interest in this arrangement.

If you would like more information, visit www.newcollegeinstitute.org.

Martinsville-Henry County Public Schools

Education is the cornerstone of economic development. It is the hope for future growth, prosperity and opportunity. Parents, educators and business leaders are committed to ensuring that Martinsville-Henry County students receive the best educational advantages and opportunities possible.

Martinsville City Schools

Martinsville City Public Schools is a small, yet innovative school division whose successes have attracted state and national recognition. With a mission of "Learning for All, Whatever it Takes," we strive to reach all children at their level and help them achieve their highest potential.

Approximately 2,400 students attend our five schools, including a full-day preschool, two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Last year, the division was among only 12 in Virginia to meet the federal standards for Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind. We educate the whole child and have shown dedication to protecting the arts and school athletics in spite of budget cuts. Every school makes the most of educational technology to engage students, such as iPod carts, and almost every classroom is equipped with a Smart Board.

Martinsville High School, which serves about 750 students, was listed among "America's Top High Schools" in Newsweek magazine in June 2010 for its comprehensive program of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. MHS was ranked #657, among the top 3% of approximately 27,000 public high schools in the country, and this rating is expected to increase in 2011 as the program expands. We currently offer AP courses in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, AB and BC calculus, English language and literature, government and U.S. History. A five-year grant provides high-quality training for AP teachers, weekend prep sessions for students, and covers the exam fees. The school is proud to offer students numerous opportunities to earn college credit through AP exams, dual enrollment courses and Piedmont Governor's School. In addition, more than 25 top MHS students per year get a two-year head start on college through our ACE Academy, a partnership with Patrick Henry Community College that allows juniors and seniors to earn an associate degree at the same time as their high school diploma. We also provide a wide range of career and technical education courses and internships in business, technology, video production and health occupations to prepare students to compete in the 21st century global economy. Students can participate in a full range of JV and varsity athletics, marching band and jazz band, chorus, gospel choir, drama productions, honor societies and more. Guidance counselors work with every senior to complete college applications. For the past two years, 100% of MHS graduates have applied and been accepted to college! These accomplishments prompted former Governor Tim Kaine to choose Martinsville High School as the site for his speech on education in 2009, calling us "the poster system for excellence."

Martinsville Middle School serves more than 500 students in grades 6-8 and is led by a team of two co-principals. The school is home to the only NASA Science, Engineering, Math and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) facility in Virginia, one of just 14 in the country! The SEMAA lab uses NASA technology and educational resources to inspire student interest in science, technology, engineering and math. We also offer pre-AP courses and advanced learning opportunities that prepare middle school students to succeed in advanced classes in high school. Students have the option of taking algebra I as early as sixth grade, with some finishing geometry and algebra II courses before they even reach ninth grade! By the time they leave MMS, all students have earned at least one high school credit in math, foreign languages, P.E. and/or technology. Students who need extra academic support receive help from teachers who stay after school to work with them one-on-one or in small groups. The middle school also offers arts classes, such as band; student athletics; and clubs like the National Society for Black Engineers.

Two K-5 schools, Albert Harris Elementary and Patrick Henry Elementary, each serve more than 500 students. In addition to a strong core instructional program, band, art, music and foreign language lessons begin at the elementary level. Albert Harris Elementary builds positive relationships with children through the innovative My School Circle program, which matches every student with a caring school employee for mentoring in small groups. Both elementary school buildings have been extensively renovated and equipped with cutting-edge instructional technology. They also engage all students using school garden programs. Albert Harris Elementary began an outdoor garden laboratory last year to provide hands-on experiences in science, math, writing and more. Patrick Henry Elementary's Parent-Teacher Organization provided the school with a greenhouse last year, and the program has expanded to include a small outdoor garden as well.

Clearview Early Childhood Center provides preschool instruction to about 110 children aged 3 and 4, with special education services starting at age 2. The full-day program prepares students for success in kindergarten and beyond by focusing on early literacy, social skills and more. Parents receive extra support by attending monthly classes on topics such as healthy child development, building literacy skills at home, and communication. Clearview also houses the local Head Start program for about 100 at-risk children.

Martinsville students also benefit from a variety of strong community partnerships with organizations such as the Harvest Foundation, PHCC, the New College Institute, Piedmont Community Services, Smart Beginnings, the Blue Ridge Public Library, the Virginia Museum of Natural History and many more. Our partnership with Piedmont Arts Association and the Richmond Ballet allows every fourth grader in the division to receive professional dance instruction through the Minds in Motion program. PAA also brings cultural enrichment events and performances to the schools, as well as intensive day-long art workshops for talented high school artists. The preschool and elementary schools partner with Activate Martinsville-Henry County to hold walk-to-school events and other fitness activities for children, starting them on a lifetime of healthy habits. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge and MHC After 3 serve hundreds of students in kindergarten through high school with after-school tutoring, homework help, cultural enrichment, character education, health and nutrition, and more.

The Martinsville City Public Schools Endowment, started in 2007, harnesses community support to fund creative learning projects in the schools that would not otherwise be possible. Each fall, teachers at every school have the opportunity to apply for grants for their classrooms. More than $9,000 in grants has been awarded so far, benefiting thousands of students from preschool to high school. Past grants have provided hands-on activities such as school garden programs, molecular biology experiments, an exploration of electricity and magnets, elementary reading buddies, and educational programs from the Virginia Museum of Natural History. The MCPS Endowment is supported through tax-deductible donations and several fundraisers throughout the year, including a BINGO night in the spring, a golf tournament in the fall, and an annual gala scheduled for Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

A five-member school board, appointed by Martinsville City Council, represents the school division. Members are advocates for learning in Martinsville and represent many years of experience and commitment.

For more information on our schools and the MCPS Endowment, visit www.martinsville.k12.va.us.

Henry County Public Schools

Henry County Public Schools takes great pride in the accomplishments and achievements of our students and staff.  Annually, hundreds of students are recognized for their accomplishments in academics, fine arts, community service, and athletics.  We are on the cutting edge of educational innovation, implementing such programs as district-wide differentiation and Rigor and Relevance Framework. Our teachers, administrators, and staff prepare students to be lifelong learners. We do this by being lifelong learners ourselves. Forty-two percent of our employees have advanced degrees. We also support several initiatives to further the education and expertise of our teachers including providing the funding for teachers to apply for SMARTBoard™ grants and complete their National Board Certification. These investments provide our students with the best teachers for years to come.

In Henry County Public Schools, learning transcends the four walls of a classroom and even a school building. Henry County Public Schools provides all students with an education that not only meets state and federal benchmarks, but exceeds them. Our focus is on ensuring that 21st century skills are embedded in our instructional program including: global awareness, financial and entrepreneurial literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, innovation, social and cross-cultural skills, leadership, responsibility, initiative, and self-direction.

Henry County Public Schools continues to prove through various state and national recognitions that we put the needs of students first and strive for excellence every day.

In Henry County Public Schools, We are Proud of...

• ACE Academy - HCPS partners with Patrick Henry Community College to provide high school students with the opportunity to earn their Associate's Degree in general studies while completing their high school program of study.
• The Commonwealth Scholars Program - Commonwealth Scholars is a national program that uses business leaders to motivate students, beginning in eighth grade, to complete a rigorous course of study in high school - one that will give them a boost in college and careers.
• Education Station - HCPS operates a storefront at the local mall with Title I funds to provide resources to parents and the community including free computer/Internet access.
• Helping Hands - HCPS works with various civic organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups to provide support through volunteer opportunities at our schools.
• iPad Initiative - The iPad to student ratio in HCPS is 1:4. HCPS was one of four school divisions in the state selected to participate in the "Beyond Textbooks" program developed by the Virginia Department of Education. In addition to the pilot program, HCPS used approximately $800,000 in stimulus and technology funds to purchase 1,700 iPads. Every fourth and fifth grade student has an iPad for use during school and nonschool hours. iPads are also used at both middle and high schools, during afterschool programming, in some special education classes, and in ninth grade history classes.
• Career Hub - With the support of local businesses/organizations and grant funds, HCPS operates a storefront at the local mall to provide career development and workforce training resources to HCPS students and their families.
• Instant Parental Notification System - All HCPS parents are notified in minutes with the correct message and what they need to do in the event of an emergency. Parents and/or other designated family members receive communications via telephone, e-mail, pager, and cell phone informing them of the situation and how they should respond.
• All elementary school classrooms (and some middle and high school classrooms) are equipped with Sound Amplification Systems. The teacher wears a wireless, infrared microphone, and his/her voice is played through loudspeakers for the entire class to hear. This ensures that every student has a front row seat.
• Over 100 classrooms are equipped with SMARTBoards™ (provided with grant awards). A SMARTBoard™ instantly makes a classroom interactive by projecting anything on a computer screen to a large interactive white board.
• Board Docs™ - The HCPS School Board conducts paperless meetings. All school board meeting agendas and minutes; and policies are available online.
• All schools have fiber to the desktop and have Internet/Intranet services via the WAN from the central office servers.

Visit Henry County Public Schools at www.henry.k12.va.us.



Carlisle School--Excellence in Education

More than 4 decades ago, a group of parents, educators and business leaders gathered together to start a small community based private school in Henry County. Their combined vision and determination materialized into Carlisle School.

Today, Carlisle is home to over 570 students, providing a first class education for students in preschool through grade 12. Our three campus locations (Martinsville, Danville, and Chatham, VA), along with our two boarding houses, serve students in our local region as well as around the world.

Student-centered teaching, discovery-based learning, and a global perspective form the cornerstones of the Carlisle experience. Each day our passionate and dedicated teachers use innovative methods to share knowledge and connect with students. We partner with parents to help students discover their strengths, take risks, and contribute positively to our interconnected world.

Carlisle offers a college preparatory program and is committed to preparing students for life in a global and complex society. Carlisle sets the standard in our region for an internationally focused education as the first independent school in Virginia to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School from preschool through twelfth grade.

Enrollment
570 students

Campus Locations    
Main Campus: Martinsville, Virginia
Preschool - Grade 12

Chatham Campus: Chatham, Virginia
Preschool – Grade 8

Danville Campus:  Danville, Virginia
Preschool – Grade 2

Student/Faculty Ratio
13:1 average

Academic Highlights

• 100 %  four-year college acceptance rate since 1974.
• College Acceptances for 2011 include 5 of 5 students accepted to UNC Chapel Hill, 2 of 2 at UVA, and 2 of 2 accepted to Davidson College.
• AP Exams: 71% pass rate for 2010-2011.
• In 2011, Carlisle had 3 AP Scholars, 2 AP Scholars with Honor, and 3 AP Scholars with Distinction.
• 100% pass rate in 2011 for AP Calculus with 7 of 7 students passing.
• IB Diploma Program(Grade 11 and 12):   80% exam pass rate for 2010-2011
• IB Middle Years Program (Grade 6 – 10)
• IB Primary years Program (Preschool – grade 5)
• Dual Enrollment with Patrick Henry Community College

Athletics
Recent VISAA State Champions in boys basketball, girls basketball, field hockey, and golf.

• 20 Varsity and JV teams for students in grade 6 – 12
• Club sports for Lower Division students.
• Upper Division classes in Sports Medicine, and Health and Wellness.

Arts
IB Dance, IB Drama, IB Film Studies, Choir, Band, Jazz Band, Studio Art

Residential Program
Boy’s and Girl’s boarding houses for 16 boarding students .
Formal Hosting Program for students preferring to live with Carlisle families.

Study Abroad
Tosi School in Milan, Italy:  10-day exchange program for juniors and seniors

Accreditation

• Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS
• Authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for the:
• IB Diploma Program
• Middle Year’s Program
• Primary Year’s Program
• Recognized by the Virginia Board of Education as an accredited school through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE)
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

For more information visit the Carlisle School at www.carlisleschool.org.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Education

Martinsville and Henry County currently boast one of 19 International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in the state of Virginia. Carlisle School, a private school in Henry County has been certified by the administrators of the program since 1999. Fortunately, the community is about to have two IB certified schools; Martinsville High School is slated to complete its certification and training by the 2002-2003 academic year.

Chartered in Geneva, Switzerland in 1967, the IB program is recognized worldwide for its rigorous academic standards and educational initiatives. Administrators of the program have evaluated the merit of educational models and incorporated the best academic theories and methods into the program. "Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems, the diploma model is based on no single country's educational system, but incorporates the best elements of several," according to the IB informational brochure.

The uniformity of the program provides a solid structure for students and instructors alike. In order to accommodate the design of the program, all educators must complete a detailed training course to ensure the consistency of the program worldwide. The program is administered by a 30-member international council dedicated to ensuring excellence in education.

In our changing economy and workforce, businesses recognize the benefits of an employee with experience in multi-cultural relations which IB students attain simply by participating. The benefits of this program are far-reaching; not only do they provide students with superior education, but it also improves the quality of life in our community.



National College

Founded in 1886, NationalCollege (www.national-college.edu) is dedicated to offering focused career training that will lead toward well-defined fields of employment and career advancement. The Martinsville Campus has been serving students in Patrick and HenryCounties since 1978 and offers five associate degree and 13 diploma programs in fields of business, health care, and information technology. The programs are stripped of all non-essentials so that students receive the maximum amount of practical skill needed for employment. Smaller class sizes and instructors with real-world experience allow students to get individual attention and a head start in their job search.

Serving 29 communities, NationalCollege currently serves more than 12,000 students annually in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers 31 bachelor's degrees, 28 Master's, 5 Ph.D. programs, and several certificate and teacher licensure programs, all on the campus of Patrick Henry Community College.

Old Dominion's reputation for quality education extends back to 1930, when it opened its doors in Norfolk, VA, as a division of the College of William and Mary. Today, Old Dominion is one of the few public universities with a Carnegie Foundation "Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive" distinction, and is a pioneer in telecommunications and renowned leader in distance learning.

Old Dominion's distance learning programs offer the highest-quality education, convenient courses, and affordable tuition. Old Dominion changes lives by broadening horizons, offering qualifications for better employment and paving the way for economic development. Among the programs of study include Health Science and Nursing, Education, Human Services, Engineering Technology and Business. With more than 50 locations at community colleges and military bases in Virginia, Arizona, Washington, Illinois, Georgia and the Bahamas, Old Dominion's satellite delivery network, TELETECHNET, is the largest distance learning network of its kind in the nation. Through satellite broadcasts and Internet video-streaming, students across the country and aboard Navy ships at sea take part in live, interactive classes held on Old Dominion's Norfolk campus.

To find out more about programs offered locally on the campus of Patrick Henry Community College, please contact your local site office by calling (276) 656-0278 or sending an email to ttnphcc@odu.edu.