School News- 8/26/2026
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The CCS-America Advantage Attending a CCS-America school and learning with our unique classical curriculum sets students up for success and gives them multiple advantages as they continue with their education. One of these advantages is that CCS-America eighth grade graduates enter high school with up to five of their required twenty-two high school credits already completed. That puts them nearly a year ahead of other incoming students. Students can use these credits to explore additional elective courses, take a lighter course load each semester, or even position themselves to graduate early. CCS-America offers the following courses for high school credit: English 1, Math 1, Earth and Environmental Science, Latin 1, and Latin 2. The coursework is challenging, rewarding, and prepares students for success in both high school and beyond. By completing these courses in middle school, students gain important academic experience while also getting a head start on their high school journey. **************
Dress for Success Days Research shows that dressing professionally can boost confidence, improve performance, and strengthen communication skills. Learning to present oneself in a polished and professional manner is a valuable life skill that can have a positive impact in both academic and professional settings, including interviews, internships, business meetings, and other future opportunities. To help students build this important skill and develop this habit early, CCS-America schools hold monthly Dress for Success Days throughout the year. While participation is optional, these days give students an opportunity to practice presenting themselves with confidence and professionalism. Students will have several opportunities to participate in Dress for Success Days throughout the school year, and we encourage all students to join in. 2026 Dress for Success Days: August 27 (Tomorrow!) October 1 October 29 November 24 December 17 Parents can find Dress for Success attire and accessories by visiting ShopRBA’s Dress for Success Collection. **************
New Referral Program: Help Us Spread the Word! Do you know a family searching for a school where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed? CCS-America is launching a new referral incentive program to encourage families and staff to share the benefits of a CCS-America education with others. Beginning this week, current families and staff who refer a new student will receive a $50 Amazon gift card for each student who enrolls and is in a seat by September 21, 2026. In addition, newly enrolled students will receive a $100 ShopRBA gift card to help with uniform purchases. To quality, the applicant must put the first and last name of the parent or staff member in the “Referred by” section of the enrollment application. Sometimes, the most persuasive invitation is simply one parent saying to another “You should come take a look at our school.” This program is designed to help more families discover the CCS-America difference, including a structured learning environment, strong character development, a classical curriculum, high academic expectations, and the joy that comes when hard work is noticed, praised, and rewarded. Attendance will be verified before incentives are awarded, and gift cards will be distributed through each school’s office following fall break. Thank you for helping us give more children the opportunity to succeed with a CCS-America education. Have prospective families visit www.EnrollRBA.com to apply today. **************
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Dear Classical Charter Schools of America Parents, Families, and Friends,As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, I find myself once again reflecting with pride on the accomplishments of our students, staff, and families. This year has been filled with growth, joy, achievement, and continued evidence of the excellence that defines our CCS-America community.One of the most exciting highlights was the outstanding performance of all four CCS-America schools on the NC 2024-2025 End of Grade (EOG) assessments.CCS-Southport earned the highest combined scores of all public elementary and middle schools in Brunswick County while exceeding growth expectations. CCS-Leland also exceeded growth expectations and achieved the second-highest Reading scores in Brunswick County, second only to CCS-Southport. CCS-Whiteville exceeded growth expectations and was one of only five schools in its area to exceed growth in overall academic performance. CCS-Wilmington met growth expectations and achieved an impressive six-point increase in overall school performance.These accomplishments are a testament to the strength of our classical curriculum and unique instructional system, the dedication of our teachers and staff, the support of our families, and the perseverance of our students. We are incredibly proud of what all our schools have achieved together and of the joyful culture that motivates students to achieve these successes.Beyond academics, our students continued to thrive in athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities. Our middle school sports programs continued to grow, while our drama students, show choirs, Beta Club members, Science Olympiad teams, archers, and many other student groups proudly represented CCS-America throughout the year. Our RBA Cheerleading team reclaimed their title of National Champions! And a CCS-Leland student won first place in a national poster contest sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution, while several other CCS-A students placed in the top five at the state level. We also enjoyed another successful year of community events, performances, and celebrations that brought our charter family together.At CCS-America, joy has proven to be one of the most powerful motivators for both students and teachers. Perhaps most rewarding this year was seeing our students continue to grow in their love for learning and watching them come alive in their classrooms. Witnessing how this culture can transform students into strong, virtuous learners reminds me why our mission matters so deeply.As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, I am excited for all that is to come. Thank you to our incredible teachers and staff, our supportive parents, and our dedicated students for making this year such a success. You are what makes CCS-America so special.We wish you a restful summer break and look forward to welcoming you back in July.Warm regards,Baker A. Mitchell, Founder**************
Celebrating Over 26 Years of Excellence and JoyLast month, staff and teachers from CCS-America’s four campuses gathered to celebrate the schools’ outstanding accomplishments and academic excellence.The gala was held in appreciation of the amazing work done by CCS-America staff that made these accomplishments possible. This tradition has taken place every other year since the opening of CCS-Leland in 1999.During the event, employees were recognized for reaching milestone years of dedicated service. The evening was full of dancing, a delicious dinner, and opportunities for staff members from different campuses to connect and build friendships.The gala, held at the Wilmington Convention Center, was sponsored by the Roger Bacon Academy, the charter management organization that developed the CCS-America curriculum and oversees the four schools.Founder and CEO Baker Mitchell attributes CCS-America’s many successes and accomplishments to a positive school culture emphasizing joy.Click on the link below to read his recent Washington Times Opinion Editorial about how learning is enhanced by this unique culture of joy:
A Full-Circle Poetry JourneyThis week, some of our CCS-Leland eighth graders were paid a very special visit from Roger Bacon Academy founder Baker Mitchell.Back when these students were in fourth grade, Mr. Mitchell visited their classroom twice a week to teach poetry writing. That class eventually grew into the CCS-America poetry writing curriculum that is now an essential part of our ELA program.Now, these original student poets are preparing to graduate and move on from CCS-America. Before they do, Mr. Mitchell returned to their classroom one last time to hear them recite their poems for him. Afterward, he signed each of their yearbooks.This special full-circle moment was the perfect way to celebrate and complete their poetry writing journeys at CCS-America! They will carry these skills with them to high school and beyond, and we are excited to see what they write next!Visit the link below to read poems written by CCS-Leland’s original poetry writing students:
CCS-Wilmington Presents: The Little MermaidOn May 6, CCS-Wilmington third, fourth, and fifth grade students lit up their auditorium with an engaging and dynamic performance of their spring musical, The Little Mermaid.The students gave two performances. First, they put on a show for the K-2 students, bringing lots of laughs, smiling faces, and singing along. Later that night, they performed for their parents, families, and the Wilmington community. Both audiences eagerly watched Ariel’s journey to the world beyond the sea, filled with curiosity, love, and the important message of finding your voice.We are grateful to Aaron Wyatt, Kimberly Rexroad, and Jeane Lafave for their time, hard work, and dedication in helping put on this performance. A special shout-out to Ms. Kathy Thompson for being a spectacular Ursula!Students, take a bow!
CCS-Leland Presents: WonderlandLast Friday, May 22, CCS-Leland kicked off the long weekend with a show-stopping performance of their spring musical, Wonderland!The cast was made up of middle school Drama and Show Choir students. They worked hard and practiced for months to prepare for their big performance.They took the audience along with Alice on her eventful journey through Wonderland, meeting many friends and learning important lessons along the way. Parents, students, staff, and community members were captivated by the story that unfolded on stage.Congratulations to CCS-Leland on this fantastic performance! Thank you to Val Steffel, Donna Hahn, and Kimberly Boyd for all their hard work in bringing this show to life.This performance marks the end of CCS-America school plays for the 2025-2026 school year. We are excited to see what amazing shows will be put on next year!
We Still Have Spots Open!The 2026-2027 school year is almost here, and there is still time to enroll! 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 
