In Goochland County Public Schools, classroom technology creates opportunities for real-world experiences that prepare students for their futures, and teachers make these experiences meaningful for students by leveraging technology to personalize learning. For these efforts, all five GCPS schools have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools for 2022–25.
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and they are recognized for using Apple technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in learning, teaching, and the school environment.
Using technology, GCPS schools collaborate across subjects, engage students and families, enhance teaching, and make learning memorable for students. “Our classrooms use technology every day to bring learning to life,” Superintendent Jeremy Raley, Ed.D., said. “Being named Apple Distinguished Schools recognizes our innovative practices and honors teachers and school leaders for their efforts to integrate technology in ways that strengthen our instructional program.”
“The Apple Distinguished Schools program provides us with access to additional Apple resources and opportunities to learn from other schools that have been recognized as technology innovators,” Coordinator of Technology Integration and Innovation Matt Caratachea, Ed.D., said. With a cadre of strong Instructional Technology Coaches, the expertise of the Technology Integration and Innovation department, equipment and infrastructure built and maintained by the IT team, and the support and involvement of division and school leaders, GCPS has taken risks and seen rewards. “Our teachers and staff creatively and effectively use technology in our classrooms every day, and we have a collaborative team that shares successes and works together to solve challenges.
“These efforts create learning environments that engage students and provide our community and us with tangible evidence of academic achievement,” Caratachea said.