The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) is a public residential high school located in Durham, North Carolina, with a second campus in Morganton. Founded in 1980, it was the first school of its kind in the United States and has served as a model for similar institutions worldwide. The school specializes in the intensive study of science, mathematics, and technology while also offering comprehensive education in humanities and the arts. NCSSM is part of the University of North Carolina System and admits qualified high school juniors and seniors from across North Carolina through a competitive application process. The school operates tuition-free for North Carolina residents and provides full boarding facilities for its students. The Durham campus typically enrolls approximately 680 students, while the newer Morganton campus, opened in 2022, expands the school’s reach to western North Carolina. The institution consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the United States and has received numerous accolades for academic excellence. NCSSM offers advanced coursework, research opportunities, and mentorship programs through partnerships with nearby universities and research institutions in the Research Triangle Park area. Notable alumni have gone on to successful careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and other fields.