The Caldwell County School System is a nationally accredited public school district enrolling nearly 12,000 students in grades PK-12. It is the largest employer in Caldwell County, employing 1,855 educators and non-certified staff. The district includes six high schools—three traditional high schools, an alternative school, and two innovative high schools located on the campus of Caldwell Community College, 12 elementary schools, four middle schools, and four K-8 schools in the scenic areas of Caldwell County. The school district is the largest provider of educational services in Caldwell County. Additionally, the district operates the Patterson Science Center, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Agriculture and Math (STEAM) center for grades K-12 that includes an outdoor classroom environment of 1,400 acres. The school district also operates preschool classes at nine elementary schools.