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Discover Northern Guilford Elementary

Northern Elementary School is a proud, community-based neighborhood school where strong relationships, high expectations, and a genuine sense of belonging define the Nighthawk experience. We are a true team—staff, students, families, and community partners working together to support every child, strengthen our school, and ensure all students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn.

Experience Why Families Choose Us

We are a true team. Staff support one another, celebrate one another, and step in when someone needs help. We genuinely believe that our students are our students—not just the students in our individual classrooms.

We are a neighborhood school. Our families, staff, students, and community partners are deeply connected, creating a strong sense of belonging and pride in being a Northern Nighthawk.

Student Supports

  • Exceptional Children (EC) Programs
  • Academically Gifted (AG) Programs

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Points of Pride

  • Academic Excellence: A strong tradition of academic success, with high expectations and a commitment to helping every student grow and achieve.

  • A True Team: A dedicated, veteran staff who bring experience, stability, and a deep commitment to our students, families, and school community.

  • Learning Beyond the Classroom: Students have meaningful opportunities to learn through field trips, hands-on experiences, community partnerships, and real-world connections.

  • Neighborhood & Community: We are a true neighborhood school where families, staff, students, and community partners come together to support our Nighthawks.

  • Whole-Child Focus: We prioritize not only academics, but also relationships, SEL, character development, leadership, and creating a school where every child feels known and valued.

Academic Opportunities

Families should know about our strong Exceptional Children and Academically Gifted programs. Students also participate in community art shows, grade level musical performances, honors chorus, overnight field trips in 4th and 5th grades.

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School Discovery Month

All GCS families and future families are invited to explore our amazing schools during School Discovery Month.  Visit, ask questions, meet our staff, and see all the opportunities GCS has to offer in your attendance zone, as well as our Choice schools and programs.

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Cartoonish purple nighthawk with a yellow beak, wings crossed over its chest, and a confident, slightly smug smile. The upright pose and muscular wings give the mascot a bold and self-assured personality.

The Guilford Guarantee

One district.
Many possibilities.

No matter whether you choose your neighborhood school or a Choice school or program, GCS has a school that's right for your child.  Through the Guilford Guarantee, all schools will help students understand their potential and provide multiple pathways to success after high school.

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Learn about the Guilford Guarantee

College Credit 

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Opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.

Career Credentials 

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Access to industry recognized credentials in high demand fields.

Real-World Experience 

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Hands-on learning through internships, apprenticeships and work based learning.

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Cartoonish purple nighthawk with a yellow beak, wings crossed over its chest, and a confident, slightly smug smile. The upright pose and muscular wings give the mascot a bold and self-assured personality.

Choice Application Window
October 9 through December 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Elementary & Middle School Selections
Step Date
Lottery and Notification Friday, December 11, 2026
Family Accept and Decline Offers Deadline Friday, December 18, 2026
High School Options Selections
Step Date
Lottery and Notification Friday, February 5, 2027
Families Accept or Decline Offers Deadline Friday, February 12, 2027