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At Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County (PPS-PC), our mission is clear and unwavering: to advance the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for each child. This mission drives our programs, partnerships, and advocacy work every day—and the impact is visible across Pitt County.
Did You Know?
- During the 2024–2025 school year, PPS-PC—in partnership with Pitt County Schools—hosted over 50 school tours, engaging more than 500 participants, including families, community leaders, and new residents.
- 89% of Pitt County Schools met or exceeded expected growth, far surpassing the statewide average of 71%.
- Pitt County Schools is one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Carolina, with continued increases in student enrollment and family interest.
Despite the unprecedented challenges public schools continue to face, remarkable progress is happening every day. Educators across Pitt County are working tirelessly to support student learning, strengthen school communities, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. With adequate resources, public schools remain the cornerstone of a strong local economy and a vibrant democracy.
School Tours: Connecting Families and Communities to Public Education
PPS-PC’s school tour program is one of our most impactful and long-standing initiatives. In collaboration with Pitt County Schools, we connect families, community leaders, and potential new residents with the schools that shape our community.
Throughout the year, real estate agents and industry leaders frequently partner with PPS-PC to help families considering a move to Pitt County learn about school options. Our tours offer families authentic, inside-the-school experiences that allow them to see inside a school building, meet school staff, and understand each school’s unique strengths.
Our Tour Series Includes:
- Community Leader School Tour Series (Fall): 5 tours each year including tours of a traditional elementary, middle, and high school, as well as a K–8 school and an early college high school or the Sadie Salter Pre-K Program.
- Spring School Tour Series: At least one tour offered at every Pitt County School, giving families broad access to explore options countywide.
- Family Tours: On an as needed basis throughout the year for families considering a move to Pitt County
- Tours are always led by knowledgeable school staff members, ensuring accurate and welcoming experiences for all participants.
School Tours Impact
- Supports families whose children are entering a new school level—kindergarten, middle school, or high school—by giving them a close look at their future school community.
- Helps families navigate Open Enrollment. In 2025–2026, 24 schools were open enrollment schools, making tours essential for families exploring multiple options.
- Provides a pathway for families transitioning from private to public schools, with many families each spring choosing to enroll in public schools after attending tours.
- Offers community leaders firsthand insight into the strengths, challenges, and innovations within Pitt County Schools.
- Assists families moving into Pitt County as they explore school options and make informed decisions for their children.
Upcoming: 2026 Spring School Tour Series
The 2026 Spring School Tour Series marks a major milestone—10 years of Spring Tours.
Tours begin January 28th and conclude March 13th.
The full schedule and registration links will be available at the start of January.
Impact Stories
“The tours gave me an in-depth look at the curriculum and culture…”
—Elise Ironmonger, Parent
“In spring of 2020 our family was trying to figure out where to build or buy a home. Our oldest daughter was supposed to start Kindergarten that fall and we needed to find a school that felt right to us. Luckily I heard about the school tours that Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County hosted. I promptly signed up for 4 school tours in the area that we wanted to live.
They were, of course, all wonderful in their own ways but there was one school that stood out and felt like home. The tours gave me an in-depth look at the curriculum and culture of the school and gave me a chance to meet the principals and staff at each one. I’m so grateful they were offered to our community. We joined the Ridgewood Shark family and have enjoyed every second of it!”
“Future leaders in the making!”
—Portia Willis, Community Leader
“R.I.S.E. – Raising Integrity, Strength and Excellence. I had the wonderful opportunity to tour South Central High School as a part of the 2023 PPS-PC Community Leader School Tour Series. It was a great opportunity to see inside one of our wonderful public schools and see the amazing work the leadership and administration put in every day.
I was so encouraged to hear the progressive approach Pitt County Schools is taking to ensure we have students who can be competitive upon leaving high school! We heard from students who led us on the tour and saw homegrown leadership in action. These AVID students were not only being prepared for college and careers—they were demonstrating life skills, public speaking, and community engagement. Future leaders in the making! I look forward to attending additional Community Leader Tours.”
YOU Can Be a Powerful Advocate for Public Schools
Giving Tuesday is one week away!
Your gift directly supports programs like school tours that empower families, strengthen community connections, and uphold our mission.
Every dollar you give helps PPS-PC continue securing a high-quality public education for each child.
Thank you for standing with public schools—and with the families who depend on them.
