April 21, 2026
Important Update for CCS Families
Dear CCS Families, Last night, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted to move ahead with the merger of the three public school districts. At this time, there are no immediate changes for s...

Welcome —
About Us
Experience education like never before. Your journey starts here.
We pride ourselves on providing a dynamic and innovative learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. Our holistic approach to education blends rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on character development, creativity, and critical thinking. We offer a diverse range of programs, including advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and personalized support, ensuring every student receives a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. Join us, and inspire and prepare future leaders for a lifetime of success.

Inclusivity
We prioritize inclusivity by actively promoting a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.
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April 21, 2026
Dear CCS Families, Last night, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted to move ahead with the merger of the three public school districts. At this time, there are no immediate changes for s...
April 15, 2026
Our Mechanical Minds students are headed to an international competition—what an amazing accomplishment! 💡🤖Let’s come together as a school community to help get them therePlease consider supporting...
March 24, 2026
Dear CCS Families, Catawba County Schools is aware that the Catawba County Board of Commissioners will consider a potential school district merger, with a vote scheduled for April 20.While this dec...
March 18, 2026
Seeking Restaurant Partners for the Education Foundation Restaurant Week!The Education Foundation of Catawba County Schools is excited to announce the return of one of our largest fundraisers—Dinin...
School Profile

Mission Statement:
Our mission at St. Stephens Elementary is to inspire a passion for learning while nurturing the whole child in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are committed to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility by empowering every student to reach their full potential. Through collaboration with families, staff, and the community, we aim to prepare our students to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens.
Grades: Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment: 744 students
Principal: Matt Barham
Assistant Principals: Beth Embree and Lauren Timblin
School Hours: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM
Principal’s Message
At St. Stephens Elementary, our mission is to keep students at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to support the whole child through the dedication of our top-notch educators, Student Services department, and exceptional staff.
Students are our passion, and we are honored to serve the St. Stephens community. Thank you for trusting us with your children as we partner to prepare them for their future endeavors.
Warm regards,
Matt Barham
Phone: 828-256-2570 | Email