Golden LEAF Schools

What is the Golden LEAF Schools (GLS) Initiative? 

The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative embodies educational innovation across a network of twenty schools in rural North Carolina communities. The initiative introduces a pioneering school improvement approach centered on Marzano’s High Reliability Schools (HRS) model, a transformative framework designed to revolutionize education environments. 

The HRS model, structured across five progressive levels, represents an evolutionary approach to school management and pedagogy. With HRS as the core framework, schools within the network will have a full complement of resources to further educator development and improve student outcomes while focusing on high-quality mathematics instruction. 

The initiative will consist of two cohorts: (1) The Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort and (2) The Personalized Competency-based Education (PCBE) Cohort. There will be ten schools selected for each cohort. 

Who is Eligible? 

A full explanation of eligibility criteria is outlined on the Golden LEAF Schools Eligibility and Selection Criteria Document. 

PCBE Cohort Minimum Eligibility Requirements 

• The district is in a rural county as defined by the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center with persistent Tier 1 or 2 Economic Status.
• The district identifies a middle school that serves grades 6-8 and demonstrates readiness to begin at least at a Level 3 on the High Reliability Schools Progression.
• The district superintendent commits to support the initiative and is willing to participate in an interview with the selection committee at NCDPI.
• The principal commits to serve as principal for the duration of the grant. 

Why Apply for this Initiative? 

This initiative offers a rare combination of financial support, professional development, resources and incentives that can significantly enhance school performance and student outcomes, especially in rural and economically distressed areas.

PCBE Cohort 

• Long-term Vision
  • Support to institutionalize personalized learning approaches, fostering innovation and student-centered education that aligns with future-ready competencies.
• Comprehensive Support for Personalized, Competency-based Education
  • Support for creating an education system where learning is customized to student needs and mastery of skills.
  • Customized coaching sessions to help schools implement professional learning and CBE strategies effectively in their unique contexts.
• Targeted Professional Development
  • Participation in shared professional development sessions with other PCBE cohort schools to foster collaboration and best practice exchange.
  • Tailored professional development workshops aligned with an established progressive learning. Plan.
• Financial and Resource Investments
  • Up to $390,400 in funding and resources including stipends for teachers and travel funds to foster collaboration and share best practices.
• Collaboration and Networking Opportunities
  • Participation in cohort model fostering peer collaboration between schools.
  • Opportunities to attend national events and network with other educators and leaders to share best practices. 

How do I apply? 

Application materials are included in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative RFP. All applications must be submitted by 5 PM on February 18, 2026. Refer to Section H of the RFP for registration links for webinars designed to assist districts in completing the application.  FAQs and sample applications for both cohorts can be accessed on the Sample Application and Guidance Document. 

Who do I contact if I have questions? 

Please refer to the Sample Application and Guidance Document to review FAQs. If you have additional questions, please contact the GLS Project Manager, Jay Johnson, at jay.johnson@dpi.nc.gov.

Request for Proposals

Please review the Request for Proposals (RFP) if you are interested in applying for the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative.

Webinar Information

High Reliability Schools Framework Webinar:
Slide Deck
Recording

General Overview Webinar:
Slide Deck
Recording

Transformative Schools Cohort:
Slide Deck
Recording

Personalized, Competency-based Education Cohort:
Slide Deck
Recording

Request for Proposals for the Personalized, Competency-Based Education Cohort #2

To learn more about the Personalized, Competency-Based Education Cohort of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, please register for one of the informational webinars below by clicking the corresponding link: