Shaping Future Leaders, Strengthening Our Community, and Empowering the Next Generation

Education & Talent: Wake County Public School System  

Dr. Robert P. Taylor

Superintendent, Wake County Public School System 

Wake County is home to one of the largest and best public school districts in the nation, with 199 schools serving more than 160K students. The strength of our schools is one of the main reasons people choose to move to Wake County. For decades, our students have consistently outperformed their peers in other districts academically, and we’re building on that success.  

The Class of 2024 was our largest graduating class ever, with more than 12K seniors earning their diplomas and ready to make their mark in college and careers. Graduating seniors earned more than $160 million in scholarships, continuing a long-standing trend. We also offer numerous job training opportunities in everything from HVAC repair, to nursing and cybersecurity, allowing students to get a head start on career ambitions. Students also made significant strides in recovering from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, with proficiency rates on standardized tests reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels.  

None of this would be possible without the support we receive from our partners. We are grateful that county leaders prioritize funding public schools in a way that sustains the quality our families and community expect and deserve. In addition, the business community supports our schools in a host of ways, including providing job training opportunities and supporting fundraising efforts. Civic organizations and individuals also log thousands of volunteer hours in our schools every year.  

The economic and social impact of strong public schools is well documented. Robust public education systems increase property values and personal income, while reducing crime and the need for social services. That’s why WCPSS is a linchpin of this community and a driver of prosperity. With continued support from all sectors, this should continue for many years to come. 

“Since I was named superintendent in 2023, I have consistently said that the Wake County Public School System is poised to reach the next level of national excellence. The successes we have enjoyed in the past year demonstrate that we are on the right path. A key reason for this is the many partnerships we have forged with local businesses that share our belief in the transformative power of public education. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to ensure every child in Wake County reaches their full potential.”  - Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Wake County Public School System 

This content first appeared in Economy & Business 2025. Click here to view the entire publication.