Whitnel Elementary

Heritage Middle School provides a variety of educational opportunities for the academic growth of children. It enrolls students in grades six through eight. The school s academic curriculum includes various subjects, such as art, math, social studies, science, foreign languages, music, reading and physical education. It offers the English as a Second Language program for students with limited English proficiency. The school provides opportunities to participate in a variety of sports activities, including football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track and field. In addition, it involves students in various extracurricular and academic programs, such as beta club, bad, chorus, science fairs, Science Olympiad and MATHCOUNTS. Located in Valdese, N.C., Heritage Middle School is a part of Burke County Public Schools.

Founded in 1971, Mayland Community College, also known ad MCC, offers educational services and serves Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties in North Carolina. The college offers services for more than 8000 individuals annually. It also houses the Phillips-Gwaltney Child Development Center, which provides spacing for more than 100 children from birth to age six. Mayland Community College also offers various educational programs for human services technology, practical nursing and medical assisting. The college also offers courses in public safety and occupational technologies programs, autobody repair, basic law enforcement training, carpentry, horticulture, criminal justice, welding and masonry. It is a member of the Appalachian Alliance, which is an association of ten institutions of higher learning in Western North Carolina. Mayland Community College organises the Student Support Services Program funded by the U. S. Department of Education. The college offers services that include reading, writing and math skills assistance, academic progress review, career counseling referrals, exposure to cultural events and tutoring. It also provides financial aid referral services. Mayland Community College maintains a location in Spruce Pine, N.C.