Orangeburg County School District is proud to announce that North Middle/High School has been recognized by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) as a National ESEA Distinguished School, one of the nation’s highest honors for Title I schools.

North Middle/High School is one of up to 100 schools in the United States selected for exceptional student achievement in 2025. This prestigious recognition acknowledges schools that demonstrate extraordinary academic performance, significant growth, and a commitment to ensuring all students succeed.

North Middle/High School was recognized in Category 1: Exceptional Student Performance and Academic Growth, reflecting its remarkable 24-point increase on the South Carolina School Report Card rating from 2023 to 2025—one of the strongest improvements in the state.

The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program, a project of NAESPA, highlights the outstanding academic achievements of students in federally funded schools. Established in 1996, the program honors schools nationwide in three categories:

• Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
• Category 2: Closing achievement gaps between student groups
• Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students

Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster celebrated the achievement, saying, “North Middle/High School is a shining example of what happens when students, educators, families, and leaders move with purpose. Their 24-point growth is not just a number—it represents intentional teaching, high expectations, and a belief that every child can achieve at the highest levels. We are incredibly proud of Principal Norman and the entire North Middle/High School community for this national recognition.”

Principal Mrs. Debra Norman expressed her pride in the school’s accomplishment by sharing, “This honor reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support of our families and district leadership. We have been deeply committed to improving outcomes for every child, and it is truly rewarding to see that effort recognized on a national stage. North Middle/High School is rising, and we are just getting started.”

North Middle/High School will be honored at the 2026 National ESEA Conference, held February 10-12, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, and again at the South Carolina Association of Title Administrators (SCATA) Conference in Myrtle Beach in October 2026.

More information about National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available at the ESEA Network.