When Quincy Williams arrived at Massey Hill Classical High School, he was looking for something smaller—and safer.
After experiencing bullying in middle school, the high school junior said the idea of attending a large, traditional high school felt overwhelming. Massey Hill’s small class sizes and academic rigor, however, offered something different: a place where he felt seen.
“I am surrounded by peers that love me and teachers that love me,” Williams told the Cumberland County Board of Education on Tuesday. “Massey Hill helped me realize that I am more than what my past is.”
Now, as the district weighs whether to close or consolidate schools as part of a broader facilities and utilization study, Williams and several parents, students, teachers, and alumni urged the board to keep Massey Hill open.
A school of choice—and belonging
Since enrolling at Massey Hill, Williams has founded multiple student organizations, including DECA—which helps students develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills; a team that participates in the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, a national investment challenge for high school students; an esports club; an anime club; and the school’s speech and debate program.
He also ranks among the top competitors in congressional debate statewide—with only two Cumberland County Schools students appearing on that list, both from Massey Hill.
“For the first time, I feel like I can be whatever I hope to be,” Williams said. “That’s because of this school.”
His story was echoed by parents who described Massey Hill as a haven for students who thrive in smaller, discussion-based learning environments—particularly those with disabilities, artistic interests, or past struggles in traditional school settings.
Lyrica Harris, whose son is a junior at Massey Hill, said the school’s arts-focused curriculum and individualized support made a profound difference.
“My son has grown academically and socially in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” Harris said. “Every teacher does everything they can to make sure students succeed.”
Academic performance
Massey Hill enrolls 262 students—about 52% of its 500-student capacity—and has the county’s third-highest operating cost per student among its high schools, according to the district’s facilities study. Yet speakers on Tuesday repeatedly emphasized that enrollment alone does not tell the full story of the school, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Massey Hill earned an “A” performance grade for the 2024–25 school year, with a score of 86, according to its North Carolina School Report Card. The school’s academic growth exceeded expectations, continuing a multi-year trend of strong performance.
The school earned A ratings in three of the past four years and consistently outperforms district and state averages in academic growth.
Massey Hill was also named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll at the Platinum level, the highest designation from the College Board, recognizing schools that expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) coursework while supporting student success.
Joseph Miller, a math and AP teacher who has taught at Massey Hill for 15 years, urged board members to look beyond cost-per-student figures.
“The true value of Massey Hill lies in how students learn to think, speak, and engage,” Miller said. “This community—where every student is known—cannot simply be recreated.”
A lifeline for military families
Several speakers highlighted Massey Hill’s importance to Cumberland County’s large military population.
Lisaya Setter, a military spouse of 27 years, said her daughter struggled academically and emotionally in multiple school systems before enrolling at Massey Hill.
“This child loves going to school now,” Setter said. “She excels. The teachers go out of their way to help these kids. Losing this school would be devastating.”
Setter added that Massey Hill offers rare stability for military families who frequently relocate—something she described as “nothing short of a miracle.”
Community pride and concern
Kim Thomas, a parent of a former student at the school called Massey Hill “the very best of Cumberland County Schools,” noting that the school ranks among the top performers locally, statewide and nationally.
“This is your claim to fame,” Thomas said. “To close it would erase decades of excellence and community.”
The support for Massey Hill during Tuesday’s public forum comes as Cumberland County Schools continues reviewing a districtwide facilities study examining aging buildings, enrollment trends and long-term operating costs. Board members have not voted on any school closures, and no specific recommendations have been adopted.
For students like Quincy Williams, the stakes are personal. “I understand the board has hard decisions to make,” he said. “But I hope you take into consideration what this school has given us—and what it still can.”
To contact education reporter Dasia Williams, email dwilliams@cityviewnc.com.
