Summit Charter School asks county for loan

This year, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that allows charter schools to request capital funding from their local board of commissioners.

Data shows improvements for local charter schools

With accountability data released from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, all charter schools in the Smoky Mountain News’ four-county coverage area showed an increase in the percentage of students passing state exams during the 2022-23 school year compared to 2021-22 school year. 

Summit breaks ground on new high school building

After graduating its first senior class in the spring of 2022, Summit Charter School has broken ground on phase II of a high school expansion that will include a new building. 

Macon school board opposes charter school bill

The Macon County School Board has signed a resolution in opposition to a bill that would greatly expand the ways in which charter schools have access to locally appropriated public school funding. While the bill’s supporters tout equal funding for charter schools, board members worry the legislation would further strain public school systems that are already strapped for cash.

SRCA board operates with reduced membership

Over the last eight months, three board members have either resigned or been removed from the Shining Rock Classical Academy Board of Directors, two of whom had issues with school leadership. During that time, no replacement board members have been added.

A labor of love: After 20 years, Petty walks away from MDCS

Mountain Discovery Charter School in Swain County is celebrating its 20th year serving students in Western North Carolina. The school has largely been a labor of love, a massive effort of parents and staff to provide the most well-rounded education possible to students throughout their elementary and middle school years. 

Shining Rock expansion in the works

Shining Rock Classical Academy may have just opened the doors to its new building  at the start of this school year, but plans for phase II of the construction process were in the works long before students ever stepped foot in the new building. 

Shining Rock begins school year in new, permanent home

The quiet calm of a bright summer morning dissipates like dew off the freshly manicured lawn upon entering Shining Rock Classical Academy. Inside, the back-to-school energy is palpable. 

Haywood County to get a new high school

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Shining Rock Classical Academy Board of Directors, the decision was made to begin offering high school grades effective in August 2021.

Shining Rock ends partnership with TeamCFA

Shining Rock Classical Academy’s Board of Directors recently voted to terminate its long-time partnership with TeamCFA, a national network of charter schools that provided SRCA with the initial funding it needed to get the school up and running. 

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