Information
The Catamount School is a 6-8 public school operated by and located on the campus ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
Dr. Tammy Barron serves as our EC Coordinator and can be reached at tlbarron@wcu.edu
Information on EC services for North Carolina students is available at
The Catamount School participates in state required assessments for 6th, 7th, and
8th grade. All students will take the appropriate End of Grade (EOG) exam and, if
enrolled, the Math 1 End of Course (EOC) exam. Sarah Tatham serves as the Test Coordinator
and can be reached at statham@wcu.edu
Testing and Assessment Policy
The Catamount School is a public school open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Jackson County
residents who meet certain criteria as explained in our admission policy. The Catamount
School will begin enrollment for the upcoming school year in March.
Admissions Policy
The Catamount School Student Handbook 25-26
Parent's Guide to Student Achievement
Middle School Information for Parent Achievement Guide
Code of Student Conduct and Behavior Policy
Student Discipline Hearing Procedures Policy
Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures
Student Discipline-Restraint Policy
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities
Rights of Student with Disabilities
Weapons and Explosives Prohibited Policy
Comprehensive Health Education Program
Selection of Instructional Materials
Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Resources
Pregnant and Parenting Students and Employees
Administering Medicine to Students
Emergency Administration of Naloxone
Emergency Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices
Use of Wireless Communication Devices
Title I - Parent and Family Engagement
Links for families regarding homelessness:
Following state legislation, the Catamount School has an Advisory Board made up of the Dean of the College of Education of Allied Professions (CEAP), the Jackson County Public Schools Superintendent, and others. The duties of the Advisory Board are as follows:
- Monitor the operations of the laboratory school and the distribution of moneys allocated for such operations.
- Recommend to the Chancellor necessary policy, program, and administration modifications.
- Evaluate biennially the performance of the principal and recommend corresponding action to the Chancellor.
- Annually review evaluations of the laboratory school's operation and research findings.
Advisory Board Membership
- Kim Winter, Dean of CEAP, permanent
- Dana Ayers, JCPS Superintendent, permanent
- David Virtue, Taft B. Botner Distinguished Professor in CEAP, 2024-2028
- Kim Corzine, Jackson County Community Member, 2022-2026
- Jake Robinson, Board of Trustees Member, 2025-2029
- Bob Beaudet, Health and Physical Education Faculty in CEAP, 2022-2026
- Holly Pinter, Middle Grades Faculty in CEAP, 2024-2028
- Kelly Tracy, Director of the School of Teaching & Learning, 2023-2026
- Malinda Pennington, Special Education Faculty in CEAP, 2025-2029
- Eleanor Macaulay, JCPS Principal, Scotts Creek School, 2025-2029
For further information on the Advisory Board, please contact the office of the Dean of CEAP at 828.227.3306
Counselors are available for Catamount School students. Counseling services are coordinated through Dr. Lisen Roberts. She can be reached at lroberts@wcu.edu
Homeless Liaison contact is Sarah Tatham. She can be reached at statham@wcu.edu.
Students who are identified as EL (English Learner) are entitled to services, and those services will be provided through either ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ or a contracted agent.
ENGLISH LEARNERS- TITLE III, ELL contact: Sarah Tatham 828-227-7500, statham@wcu.edu
The Catamount School welcomes volunteers. Parents and community members wishing to
volunteer should reach out to Mrs. Heckert at jheckert@wcu.edu.
Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct
2025-26 Electives:
Theatre
Cherokee Language
Robotics
Mythology
Art
Literary Magazine
2025-26 Clubs:
Student Leadership
Eco Club
Community Service
Pickleball
Book Club
2025-26 Athletics:
Girls and Boys Cross Country
Girls and Boys Track
Girls Volleyball
Girls and Boys Basketball
Be a part of The Catamount School
Contact Us
Sarah Tatham, Principal
1 University Drive
Camp 138
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828.227.7500
828.227.7388 (fax)
statham@wcu.edu