On January 30, 2025, Pilot Mountain Middle School was awarded the prestigious 2025 North Carolina Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD) Lighthouse School Award. The Lighthouse Award is presented annually to schools that have furthered student achievement in innovative and creative ways and have nurtured a positive and supportive school and community atmosphere. The award was presented at the 2024 Conference.
Pilot Mountain Middle School was one of four schools statewide to receive the award from applications representing school systems statewide. Pilot Mountain Middle Principal Molly Anderson credits the student success to a “student-centered approach, innovative programming, and strong community partnerships.”
“At Pilot Mountain Middle School, we prioritize academic excellence while ensuring students have access to a wide range of opportunities that empower them to explore their passions,” says Anderson. “Our teachers, families, and students work together to create an environment where learning is meaningful and success is achievable.”
Growth information - Pilot Mountain Middle School has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic growth and achievement. Over multiple years, the school has exceeded growth expectations, as reflected in its Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) growth index scores:
2023-2024: +4.98 – Exceeded Expected Growth (Top 10% in the state)
2022-2023: +7.09 – Exceeded Expected Growth (Top 5% in the state)
2021-2022: +2.05 – Exceeded Expected Growth
Additionally, the school has maintained a North Carolina School Performance Grade of a B for multiple years, further highlighting its commitment to student success.
Pilot Mountain Middle School strives to provide a well-rounded, high-achieving educational environment for its students. The school invests in the future of each student by allowing the students to discover interests through exploration in the Paxton/Patterson College and Career Labs, which are part of the Careers Encore class. The labs are highly engaging, hands-on, career-focused learning experiences to help guide students toward the next step in their learning path. The goal is to prepare students to transition to high school to pursue specific learning paths that allow for college and career readiness. Surry County Schools’ innovative partnership with Surry-Yadkin Works allows students to design their own career paths, so students leave Pilot Middle School prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that are provided through internships and apprenticeship programs.
Pilot Mountain Middle School has successfully implemented the SCS Leadership Framework. Data shows that out of school suspensions and discipline referrals have significantly declined with the implementation of the program. The focus is to nurture the next generation of leaders who will thrive in an ever-changing world. Pilot Mountain Middle School provides students with the tools and guidance they will need to succeed both in school and as adults who are contributing members of society.
Principal Molly Anderson said, “The staff at Pilot Mountain Middle School has a strong commitment to academic excellence. They work tirelessly each and every day to ensure that students are reaching their full potential. It is such an honor and privilege to work among such an extraordinary team of teachers who are dedicated to the success and growth of students and the school community.”
Superintendent Dr. Travis L. Reeves praised Pilot Mountain Middle School for its dedication to academic innovation and student success. “Pilot Mountain Middle School has demonstrated exceptional growth and innovation, making it a deserving recipient of the NCASCD Lighthouse School Award,” said Dr. Reeves. “Its consistent excellence in student achievement, commitment to workforce-aligned programs, and focus on a strong school culture make it a model of success not only in Surry County but across the state.”