School News- 2/11/2026
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NC Universities Embrace Classical Choice Classical charter students get an admission edge By Jessica Lopez, Dean of Classical Humanities A college admissions test measuring skills that are emphasized in classic curricula just got the nod from the University of North Carolina (UNC). The test, known as the Classic Learning Test or CLT, targets critical thinking, grammar reasoning, classic writings, and traditional math. These vital skills contrast with the common core and progressive education ideas tested in the SAT and ACT tests. The CLT is now accepted by all 16 UNC institutions, and this gives our classically educated students a distinct edge for scoring higher on this admissions test. We led North Carolina with our classically oriented application in 1999. In 2024, we first took the CLT8 and finished in the top 20 schools nationwide. The other top 20 finishers were all high-tuition private schools, unlike our tuition-free CCS-America schools. The next year 2025, our classic educated eighth-grade Leland and Whiteville students led the nation by achieving first and third places on the CLT8 test. The CLT8 previews the CLT admissions test and confirms that our students are blazing a pathway for their success. The CLT is accepted by a number of other state university systems, all the United States military academies, and more than 300 institutions overall. Despite the state end-of-grade tests being based on common core progressive material, our classical curriculum enables CCS-America schools with their dedicated coaches, teachers, and staff to be the top scorers in their counties. Giving a rigorous test aligned with classical materials, our schools using direct instruction lead the nation. Let your friends and neighbors know that we have openings in our Kindergarten classes in Leland, Whiteville, Southport, and Wilmington. An early start promotes success. Jessica Lopez is Dean of Classical Humanities for Classical Charter Schools of America and is in her 17th year with the organization. **************
Basketball Champions Named After a competitive and exciting CCS-America Middle School basketball season, two teams have come out on top! Congratulations to our 2025-2026 girls’ champions, CCS-Leland! They finished the season with an impressive 5-1 record. Congratulations to our 2025-2026 boys’ champions, CCS-Whiteville! They finished the season with the same great 5-1 record. Every team had a fantastic season and improved so much from beginning to end. The season was full of close games, great plays, and spirited fans. We are proud of all our athletes for such a great season! Special thanks to the coaches, referees, Mrs. Rexroad, and Mrs. Lafave. We are excited for the CCS-America sports program to continue to grow! **************
Students of the Month: Honesty Virtue is an important part of CCS-America’s classical curriculum. Each month, we recognize students for displaying a specific character trait from our School Pledge that they not only say, but practice in their daily lives. January’s character trait was Honesty. Honest students are truthful in both their words and their actions. Honesty is seen in the School Pledge as “I Pledge to be truthful in all my works.” Students apply these words by telling the truth, following the rules, and not exaggerating facts. Congratulations to all CCS-A students who exemplified honesty this month! Check out January’s honorees: **************
CCS-America Staff Spotlights CCS-America prides itself on having the best, most encouraging, and most positive staff members. Law 1 of the Roger Bacon Academy states “Reward good behavior- you’ll get more of it.” Teachers who consistently encourage and reward positive behavior will get more of it in return and foster meaningful, lasting relationships with their students. While we value and are grateful for all our amazing staff members, we would like to highlight a few who have stood out on recent parent surveys as going above and beyond to reward positive behavior and build impactful student relationships.
Nora Gail Terry: CCS-Whiteville “She puts real effort into helping her students learn and grow. She’s patient, organized, and truly understands how to connect with her students. It’s clear she cares about their success – not just in school, but in life.” -First Grade Parent Mrs. Terry serves as the Lead First Grade Teacher at CCS-Whiteville. She has taught Kindergarten and First Grade at CCS-America for over fifteen years, working with and helping our youngest learners develop a love for reading and literature. She puts in extra time and effort to make sure her students understand and are learning to their fullest potential. Click HERE to see why teaching is important to Mrs. Terry and what part she is most passionate about
Sarah Jones: CCS-Leland “We appreciate the time, care, and heart she pours into helping these kids grow and shine. She makes such a difference!“ -Sixth Grade Parent Mrs. Jones serves as the Lead Sixth Grade Teacher at CCS-Leland. She has taught at CCS-America for almost 5 years, working hard daily to create a positive classroom environment that ensures the success of her students. She supports and leads the entire Sixth Grade team. She is a teacher who shows strength, courage, confidence, and determination in everything she does, and teaches her students to do the same. Click HERE to see what Mrs. Jones loves about working in education.
Chelsea Nichols: CCS-Wilmington “She took the time to be patient with my child through rough times, and now my child has learned so much through her teaching!” -Fourth Grade Parent Ms. Nichols serves as a Fourth Grade Teacher and Lead 3-5 Teacher at CCS-Wilmington. She has taught at CCS-America for over a year, jumping right into things and working hard to create a positive and safe space for her students. She makes and fosters genuine connections with her students and puts in the extra effort to make them feel confident about what they are learning. Click HERE to see what Ms. Nichols loves about being a teacher!
Sarah Owen: CCS-Southport “She is always there to help and will go above and beyond to get whatever it is you need. She truly gets to know our children and loves them and wants them to succeed and be happy.” -Southport Parent Ms. Owen serves as an Office Assistant at CCS-Southport and is the face of the middle school office. She has been working at the Southport campus since the opening of their middle school. She is always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile no matter the challenges of the day. She loves being a part of the daily lives of students, families, and staff and finds it very rewarding to watch elementary students grow and transition into students ready for high school. Click HERE to see why Ms. Owen loves being a part of CCS-Southport.
We Still Have Spots Open! There is still time to enroll for the 2026-2027 school year! We have seats open across all grade levels and all campuses. All prospective students (including siblings of current students) can enroll online for the upcoming school year at www.EnrollRBA.com for any of our four top-ranking locations. To access the application, click the “Visit and Enroll HERE” text next to the campus logo that you wish to enroll. REMINDER: A Chrome or desktop browser are the best options for accessing the application. ************** |
Celebrating Our HeroesEvery year, CCS-America campuses hold their annual Veterans Day programs. Family members, veterans, and community members are invited to join each campus for a celebration dedicated to those who keep our country safe and protect our freedom.This year, under the guidance of their dedicated music teachers, students performed patriotic songs in honor of our veterans and the sacrifices they have made. Students worked hard and practiced diligently to make their performances the best they could be.Veterans, thank you for all you have done for us and for the United States of America. It was an honor to welcome you to our campuses and express our gratitude through these performances.Check out pictures from each campus below:
Happy 250th Birthday to the Marines!Founded on November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps has spent the last 250 years serving our country with honor and bravery. Marines have fought from the shores of Tripoli to the valleys of Afghanistan- always the most-ready when the nation is least-ready.Marines always answer the call of the Nation. On any given day, nearly 38,000 Marines are forward deployed around the globe, enabling them to be the first on scene, first to help, first to contain a brewing crisis, and if required to do so, first to fight anywhere for as long as it takes. Marines stand always ready.Those who have worn the uniform continue to serve through the way they live their lives, leading the way in their communities and embodying the spirit of “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” At CCS-America, we are lucky to have multiple former Marines on our staff and serving at our schools. They bring to our campuses their core values of honor, courage, and commitment, living out their motto Semper Fidelis—‘Always Faithful.’The Roger Bacon Academy:Mr. Steve Smith, served from 1979-2006, retired as a Sergeant MajorMs. Katie Boyce, served from 2007-2011, CorporalCCS-LelandMr. Robert Wingett, served from 1981-2002, retired as a Master SergeantMr. Joe Flores, served from 2011-2019, SergeantMs. Stephanie Doyle, served from 2007-2010, Lance CorporalCCS-WhitevilleMr. Christopher Mitchell, served from 1994-2000, CorporalHappy Birthday, Marines! Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our freedom and safety!Please join us in celebrating 250 years of the Marine Corps’ faithful service to our nation.*************
What is Ready Position?At CCS-America, we believe that strong learning begins with strong habits. One of these important habits is ‘ready position’, a posture that prepares students for instruction and helps them stay focused in the classroom.To achieve ready position, students sit facing forward with their chairs scooted under their desks and their feet flat on the floor. They fold their hands on their desks, keep their heads up, and direct their eyes towards the board, awaiting instruction. This position signals that they are prepared to listen, learn, and fully engage with the lesson.By practicing ready position every day, students build positive habits that they will carry with them beyond their time at CCS-America.*************
Open Enrollment Begins December 1st!Now is the time to spread the word—Open Enrollment begins in less than 2 weeks!On Monday, December 1st, enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open. We encourage families to submit applications as soon as possible to secure their spot in our school lotteries. Invite your friends and family to join our unique network of classical charter schools!Once Open Enrollment begins, new students can begin the enrollment process at