Chasing Curiosity Beyond the High Country: Watauga Students Find a Home at NCSSM

A setting sun on the NCSSM campus, located in Durham. After a long day, students pause to take in the view as they make their way to their dorms. Photo credits: Sophie Parker.

Lauren Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, often abbreviated as NCSSM, is a highly prestigious public high school for students all over the state passionate about pursuing a career in STEM. Every year at Watauga, around 2.3% of our rising juniors seek this accelerated course of study, eager to challenge themselves in an advanced academic environment. 

Their mission statement, as stated on the NCSSM website, is to “advance our state, nation, and world by creating opportunities for broad access to exemplary public education that fosters, challenges, inspires, and empowers students and communities to design their future.” To past Watauga student, Sophie Parker, who transferred last year, this has proven true.

“NCSSM gave me opportunities that just wouldn’t have been possible there [in Boone]. I am taking very specialized classes and even doing real research with a faculty mentor,” said Parker. “Living on campus also helped me grow a lot personally. I've learned how to manage my time better, balance academics and social life, and live more independently.”

Located in Morganton and Durham, NCSSM’s residential program allows students to take full advantage of the countless opportunities at their disposal. All centered around STEM, students are invited to learn alongside their peers in an environment that nurtures creativity and curiosity.

“NCSSM also allowed me to gain real-world experience in my potential field by participating in research programs,” said Lillian Anderson, an NCSSM junior. “I am currently in the process of applying for an engineering mentorship program, which will give me real lab hours and allow me to work on actual projects in engineering.”

This public high school offers more specialized classes than a traditional one, but its rigorous and competitive environment isn’t for everyone. In order to be accepted, students must complete an intense application process. Last year (2024), NCSSM received an astonishing number of 2,000 applications, though only 24% were accepted, making NCSSM one of the most sought-after and prominent STEM institutions in the country. 

During the application process, students must demonstrate passion and initiative. These qualities let the admission officers know that these applicants are genuinely curious about their subjects, and not there to memorize facts.

“My essays really stood out and showed how passionate I am about furthering my education. I would suggest writing about a topic that you are truly curious and interested in,” said Parker. “I wrote about Hurricane Helene and the effects of climate change, a very personal topic to me, making for a very genuine essay.”

Before entering the program, students have mixed expectations as they begin to speculate what they might encounter upon arrival. Surrounded by like-minded, competitive peers, anxiety levels can rise. But for most, the reality is far more encouraging.

“Before coming to NCSSM, I expected it to be very competitive and stressful, but the reality was pretty different. The classes are challenging, but the community is extremely supportive,” said Parker. “Everyone’s motivated and has similar goals, the teachers are approachable, and they want you to succeed. It feels much more like college than a traditional high school.”

Still, adjusting to a new life at NCSSM brings its own challenges. Separated from their family and the place they called home, students are forced to quickly navigate and adapt to this new life on their own.

“NCSSM is a better path for me because it offers unique research opportunities and a wide range of classes that weren’t available at WHS. These new classes have inspired me to explore new interests and consider different career paths, such as biomedical engineering,” said NCSSM junior Francis Davis. “The biggest change I have faced when transitioning to NCSSM is having a higher workload. Most classes at NCSSM are fast-paced and expect that students have a lot of prior knowledge on different topics.”

Even with the heavier workload and new expectations, teachers and staff want students to thrive. NCSSM is a place where challenges make room for growth, and ultimately allow resilient students to thrive.

“Academically, NCSSM has pushed me to think more independently and explore topics I’m passionate about. Socially, I have already met some very inspiring teachers and classmates who challenge and support me,” said Parker. “I also feel much more confident about heading into college, knowing NCSSM is a similar experience. NCSSM helped me grow as a student and as a person.”