In 2026, the Wake County Public School System marks 50 years since the landmark 1976 merger of the Raleigh City and Wake County schools. This campaign celebrates the foresight and courage of those who unified our schools, creating a single system dedicated to excellence. It honors a half-century legacy of equitable education, begun with integration, and it inspires our community to build on that legacy for future generations.

Honoring Visionary Leadership

In 1976, the decision to merge the Raleigh City and Wake County school systems was a bold commitment to community prosperity—driven by the understanding that when we invest in the success of our children, we invest in the future strength of our entire community. Despite the challenges, leaders chose unity, believing that every student deserved the chance to learn in a strong, thriving school system. That decision laid the foundation for what Wake County has become today—one of the most admired and dynamic communities in the nation.

Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence and Opportunity

Since the merger, the Wake County Public School System has grown into one of the most successful districts in the nation. Through magnet programs, specialized academies, and a culture of high expectations, students from all backgrounds have discovered their strengths and stepped confidently into their futures.

That success hasn’t stopped at the schoolhouse doors—it has fueled decades of growth across Wake County, attracting families, businesses, and opportunity. This legacy of educational excellence continues to shape lives, careers, and the thriving community we call home.

Inspiring the Future—Upholding the Legacy

The Wake County story is one of bold decisions, steady growth, and shared progress. As we look to the next 50 years, we are reminded that maintaining what has been built requires commitment—from families, educators, partners, and students. Our shared success depends on staying true to the vision that brought us here: that all students will be prepared to reach their full potential and lead productive lives in a complex and changing world.