5 Surprising Facts About Francis Bradley Middle School: Academic Excellence, National Recognition, And The Cambridge Connection
Francis Bradley Middle School (FBMS), located in Huntersville, North Carolina, continues to solidify its reputation as a leading institution within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district, with a focus on comprehensive academic and extracurricular excellence. As of the current academic year, the school is making headlines for its unique program offerings and significant national recognition, positioning it as a top choice for families in the Lake Norman area.
The latest updates, including the school's impressive statewide ranking and a major upcoming national award, highlight a commitment to high-level instruction and inclusive community engagement. This article provides an in-depth look at the programs, leadership, and recent achievements that are driving FBMS's success in the 2024–2025 school year.
Francis Bradley Middle School Profile and Leadership
Francis Bradley Middle School is a public magnet school serving students in grades 6 through 8. It operates under the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) umbrella and is situated in Huntersville, North Carolina.
- School Name: Francis Bradley Middle School (FBMS)
- Location: Huntersville, North Carolina (NC)
- Address: 13345 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
- School District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)
- Grades Served: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 1,067 students
- School Type: Public, Magnet School, Title I School
- Principal: Lathant Fowler
- Magnet Authorization Year: 2015
Principal Lathant Fowler leads the school's mission, focusing on a holistic educational experience that blends rigorous academics with strong character development. The school’s dedication to its students is reflected in its consistent performance metrics and community engagement initiatives.
The Cambridge Programs and Advanced Academic Pathways
One of the most distinctive features of Francis Bradley Middle School is its authorization as a magnet school offering the prestigious Cambridge Programs. This program is a major draw for the school, providing an internationally recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and deep subject knowledge.
A Focus on Rigorous, Global Education
The Cambridge pathway is designed to prepare students for success in high school and beyond, offering a framework that encourages intellectual curiosity and advanced study. The curriculum is rigorous, often exceeding standard state requirements, and is a cornerstone of FBMS’s academic reputation.
In addition to the Cambridge Programs, FBMS provides several other high-impact academic and support initiatives:
- AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): This program is utilized to support students in developing the skills necessary for college readiness, focusing on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR).
- National Junior Honor Society (NJHS): Recognizing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE): The school offers introductory CTE courses, including a Business Career Discovery Course, which exposes middle schoolers to potential career pathways early on.
- Fine Arts Department: A robust department ensuring a well-rounded education with offerings in music, visual arts, and performance.
These diverse offerings ensure that Francis Bradley Middle School caters to a wide range of student interests and academic needs, from advanced learners in the Cambridge track to those needing organizational support through AVID.
National Recognition and Recent Financial Achievements
Francis Bradley Middle School has received significant attention for its commitment to inclusion and community support, with two major announcements highlighting its excellence in the 2024-2025 timeframe.
Special Olympics National Banner Recognition (2025)
Francis Bradley Middle School is slated to receive a prestigious National Banner Recognition from the Special Olympics. This award is given for the school’s outstanding achievements with inclusion, recognizing its efforts to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, including those with intellectual disabilities. The recognition is a testament to the school’s "People Excellence" and is scheduled for an official ceremony in September 2025.
This focus on inclusion aligns with the broader goals of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to ensure equity and access across all its schools. The school's efforts are being recognized on a national scale, making it a model for other middle schools across North Carolina and the United States.
Jimmie Johnson Foundation Champions Grant
In a major win for the school's infrastructure and resources, FBMS was a recipient of a Champions Grant from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. The grant, totaling $32,843.43, was specifically earmarked to update the school’s Media Center.
This significant funding ensures that students have access to modern resources, technology, and a revitalized learning space, which directly supports the rigorous demands of the Cambridge Programs and the general student body. The Media Center update is a crucial operational excellence project that enhances the daily learning environment.
Academic Performance and Student Life Highlights
Academically, Francis Bradley Middle School is highly regarded. The school is ranked within the top 50% of all public schools in North Carolina for the 2025-2026 school year, a strong indicator of its consistent academic performance and student progress.
The school's academic success is a highlight of the CMS "End of the Year District Highlights" for 2024-2025. This recognition is a result of dedicated teachers, strong curriculum implementation, and the achievements of individual students, such as a recent sixth-grader who was honored for significant academic achievement.
Vibrant Student Athletics and Activities
Student life at FBMS is enriched by a variety of extracurricular activities and a competitive athletics program. The school is an active participant in CMS Athletics, with recent announcements focusing on the upcoming 2025 Winter Sports Tryouts.
The athletics program, alongside the Fine Arts Department, provides essential opportunities for students to develop teamwork, discipline, and creative expression outside of the classroom. These activities are vital components of the school's commitment to "Engagement Excellence" and fostering a well-rounded student body.
Francis Bradley Middle School's combination of a globally-focused magnet program, commitment to inclusion, and strong community support—evidenced by the Jimmie Johnson Foundation grant—makes it a standout institution in the Huntersville and Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. The school is clearly focused on providing a high-quality, up-to-date educational experience for all its students.
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