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5 Secrets Behind Farmington Woods Elementary School’s Top 20% Ranking For 2025-26

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Farmington Woods Elementary School (FWES) in Cary, North Carolina, continues to solidify its reputation as a premier educational institution, recently earning a spot in the top 20% of all public schools in North Carolina for the 2025-2026 school year. As of this current date in late 2025, FWES is a beacon of innovative learning, operating under the highly respected International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB/PYP) framework. This deep-dive article explores the specific, unique elements that have propelled this Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) gem to the top of state and national rankings, making it a must-know for parents and educators alike. The school’s success is not accidental; it is the direct result of a dedicated focus on inquiry-based learning, a world-class magnet curriculum, and exceptional leadership that fosters a globally-minded student body. From its unique year-round calendar to its prestigious national awards, Farmington Woods Elementary offers a distinctive educational experience that goes far beyond traditional classroom instruction, preparing its 652 students for a complex global future.

The Leadership Profile and School Biography: Farmington Woods at a Glance

Farmington Woods Elementary School is a Certified Demonstration Magnet School of Excellence, a title it proudly held in 2023, reflecting its commitment to high standards and innovative practices. The school serves students from Pre-K through 5th grade and is a cornerstone of the Cary, NC community.

Farmington Woods Elementary School Profile

  • School Name: Farmington Woods International Baccalaureate PYP Magnet Elementary School
  • Location: 1413 Hampton Valley Rd, Cary, NC
  • School District: Wake County Public School System (WCPSS)
  • Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 5th Grade
  • Enrollment: Approximately 652 students
  • Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • School Hours: 9:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Calendar Type: Year-Round (Track 4)
  • Key Ranking: Ranked in the Top 20% of all North Carolina Public Schools for 2025-2026
  • Rating: Rated 'A' on Niche and 7/10 on GreatSchools

Principal Winston Pierce: A Visionary Leader

The driving force behind much of FWES's recent success is its principal, Winston Pierce. His dedication to magnet education and innovative programs has earned him significant accolades, cementing his status as a top educator in the region.
  • Role: Principal, Farmington Woods IB/PYP Magnet Elementary School
  • Key Achievements: Named the 2023-2024 Wake County Principal of the Year
  • Regional Recognition: Awarded the prestigious Region IV Principal of the Year
  • National Recognition: Finalist for the 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year
  • Experience: A long-time magnet school educator who has worked for Wake County Schools for over 30 years.
Principal Pierce’s leadership is often highlighted in connection with the school’s unique programs, demonstrating a hands-on approach to fostering an engaging learning environment. His ability to secure and implement innovative partnerships is a major factor in the school's high performance.

The International Baccalaureate (IB/PYP) Advantage

The core of the Farmington Woods Elementary curriculum is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB/PYP). This is not a standard curriculum; it is a rigorous, transdisciplinary framework that aims to develop students as active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Inquiry-Based Learning and Global Understanding

FWES was the first school in Wake County to adopt the IB/PYP program. This distinction means that instruction is centered on "inquiry," where students are encouraged to ask deep questions and explore real-world problems. The IB/PYP framework focuses on six transdisciplinary themes of global significance:
  1. Who We Are
  2. Where We Are in Place and Time
  3. How We Express Ourselves
  4. How the World Works
  5. How We Organize Ourselves
  6. Sharing the Planet
This structure ensures that students are learning content—math, science, language arts—not in isolation, but through the lens of global issues, empowering them to become critical thinkers. This rigorous approach is a major reason why the school is consistently ranked in the 92nd percentile statewide.

National Recognition and Unique STEM Initiatives

Farmington Woods Elementary’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. The school has consistently been recognized by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA), underscoring its role as a leader in magnet education.

The Elementary Magnet School of Merit Award

FWES has received the Magnet School of America's Elementary Magnet School of Merit Award, an honor annually bestowed upon the nation's top elementary magnet school. This award is a testament to the school's ability to successfully integrate its IB/PYP theme with high academic achievement and diversity. This national recognition is crucial for parents considering the school, as it signals a level of programming and student performance that is among the best in the United States. The school’s focus on global understanding means that students are not just learning facts, but developing cultural competence and empathy.

The Groundbreaking Aviation Program

One of the most unique aspects of the Farmington Woods Elementary curriculum, which contributes significantly to its STEM focus, is its specialized aviation program. This initiative, which was highlighted during Principal Pierce’s award recognition, demonstrates a commitment to experiential learning. The program, which often involves partnerships with local nonprofits, introduces elementary-aged students to the principles of flight, engineering, and aerospace. This hands-on, project-based learning experience connects directly to the IB/PYP theme of "How the World Works," allowing young students to explore advanced science and technology concepts in an engaging way. The aviation program is a prime example of how FWES uses its magnet theme to go above and beyond the standard curriculum, sparking early interest in high-demand career fields.

The Year-Round Calendar and Community Engagement

Farmington Woods Elementary operates on a year-round calendar, which is a key structural feature that influences both the learning environment and the community experience.

Understanding the WCPSS Year-Round Schedule

As a WCPSS year-round school, FWES utilizes a "Track 4" schedule. This calendar format features a shorter summer break and more frequent, shorter breaks (known as "intercessions") throughout the school year.
  • Benefits for Students: The year-round schedule is often credited with reducing "summer learning loss," as the shorter breaks keep academic concepts fresh in students' minds.
  • Benefits for Families: The frequent intercessions provide more flexible vacation opportunities throughout the year.
  • Intercession Programs: During the breaks, the school often offers optional enrichment programs or remediation to support student learning, further enhancing the educational opportunities.
The commitment to continuous learning, supported by the year-round calendar, is another layer of the school's success strategy.

Focus on Action and Community

The IB/PYP program culminates in the expectation that students will take "Action." This means applying their learning to real-world issues. Farmington Woods students are consistently encouraged to "learn globally, take action locally." This community-focused approach ensures that the education is not just theoretical but practical and impactful. From school-wide service projects to local environmental initiatives, FWES students are taught that their learning has a purpose beyond the classroom walls. This emphasis on action and community service fosters a strong sense of social responsibility, which is a core tenet of the International Baccalaureate philosophy.
5 Secrets Behind Farmington Woods Elementary School’s Top 20% Ranking for 2025-26
farmington woods elementary school
farmington woods elementary school

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