Alumni Spotlight

Meet Kaitlyn Emmer, a 2012 Charter Day School, now Classical Charter Schools of Leland, Graduate! Ms. Emmer runs her own mobile pet grooming company, Stinky Paws. Read how her CCS-America education and experience impacted her personally and professionally here!

MythBusters: Charter School Edition! Myth: Charter schools select their students. 

Fact: A charter school is a tuition-free school that must accept all applicants but operates without some of the constraints of traditional public schools, such as the increasingly politicized curriculum district schools use. In contrast, charter schools enable parents to choose the type of education and school they believe is best for their child.  Myth: Charter schools are not held accountable.  Fact: Charter schools must meet the same academic testing requirements and must abide by the same regulations governing exceptional children as traditional public schools. In fact, if a charter school doesn’t perform academically, it can be closed down. This is not the case for district-run public schools, where failing schools typically undergo improvement measures for years while countless students receive subpar educations.   Myth: Charter schools perform lower academically than district schools.  Fact: According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, “NC public schools have an average academic proficiency score of 56.1% while NC charter schools have a proficiency score of 66.7%.”  Myth: Charter schools take money away from district schools and cost taxpayers more money.  Fact: The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools states that for every dollar taxpayers spend per district-school student they spend just 73 cents per charter school student. So, charter schools save taxpayers by operating on less funding while delivering better results than district schools. 

Charter School FAQs 

Your Booster Clubs at Work

Our Booster Clubs work hard to continuously improve our schools. Parents and teachers working together allows for the additional support our students, staff, and campuses need. CCS-Southport and CCS-Leland hosted a Fun Run and Color Run in January. Both schools surpassed their goals! The money raised at CCS-Southport will go towards new carpool sidewalk covers. At CCS-Leland, the money will go towards an LED Marquee to display updates and information each day. Thank you, CCS-America families, community sponsors, and friends for your generous support of our schools! 

CCS-Southport CCS-Leland 

Who is Roger Bacon?

For years, educational institutions have been named for prominent people. George Washington University, Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and The Roger Bacon Academy (RBA). But, who wasRoger Bacon? Roger Bacon was a medieval English philosopher and professor who lived from 1220 to 1292. A graduate of Oxford University and one of the great scholars and teachers of his time, Bacon was well versed in mathematics, optics, alchemy, astronomy, linguistics, philosophy, and Latin. He was greatly influenced by the Greek philosopher Socrates, who taught by directly questioning his students, establishing what one of his students, Plato, described as the teacher-student dialogue. Classical Charter Schools of America, managed by RBA, uses similar methods. “Education has roots that are bitter, yet yield the sweetest fruit,” Aristotle, a student of Plato, is reported to have once proclaimed. It was this type of testament to education, that inspired RBA founder and CEO Baker Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell also was inspired by the teaching of a Texas educator named Thaddeus Lott, whose Direct Instruction methods are a modern version of Socrates’s dialogues. It’s no coincidence that The Roger Bacon Academy’s offices are located on Thaddeus Lott Lane. Learn more about Roger Bacon

How to Make Better Readers

The word “cursive” comes from a Latin word meaning “to run” and is the form of writing that quickly connects separate letters together to form a smooth, flowing writing motion. Many historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, are written cursively so studying them requires that we be skilled in cursive. Most importantly, continuously blending letter shapes together as we write a word is like blending letter sounds together as we speak a word. Many studies have shown that pairing cursive writing with reading aloud increases the performance of both skills and that they should progress hand-in-hand throughout a curriculum. Both block printing and keyboard typing disconnect letters from one another and cannot promote the sequential relationships established by the blending that occurs in cursive writing with oral reading as taught in all Classical Charter Schools of America.

Latest Research on Cursive Handwriting

Just Write!

National Handwriting Day was founded 45 years ago by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) to keep the enthusiasm of handwriting and handwritten materials alive. It is celebrated each year on January 23, John Hancock’s birthday. He is best known for having the first and most prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence, and as a result, a person’s signature is sometimes referred to as a “John Hancock.” After teaching cursive for many years, CCS-America began hosting a Handwriting Competition in 2019. Students in all grades are given a phrase to copy and a prompt to answer in their neatest handwriting with a cursive requirement in grades 4-8. First-place winners and honorable mentions will receive a cash prize! Additionally, classrooms that display overall handwriting excellence receive a door medallion. Our judges this year are Stephanie Fisher (K-3 Dean), Jessica Lopez (Dean of Classical Humanities), and Baker Mitchell (Founder and CEO). According to WIMA, “The benefits from handwriting are numerous, ranging from information retention and creativity to socialization and intelligence.” Read more about how handwriting helps memory and cognitive development here.

See Previous Competition Winners

1992: Parents Revolt

As we approach School Choice Week, let’s reflect on the history of the charter school movement. In 1992, parents revolted against the failing Minnesota state-run schools and the first charter school was established in St. Paul. The legislature allowed privately operated groups to establish schools under a contract or “charter” with the state. In 1996, North Carolina approved its own charter school law. What started as a small, local citizens’ revolt has blossomed into a national movement. Presently, 45 states and the District of Columbia permit charter schools, which provide education to approximately 3.3 million students. COVID-19 and opposition to Critical Race Theory have accelerated the charter school movement. Charter schools offer parents a voice in what type of education their child receives. At state-run schools, parents often have no choice in what or how their students learn. For 20 years parents have been choosing our schools. Thank you; and we appreciate YOUR CHOICE. 

Charter Schools Data

CCS-Wilmington Participates in the MLK Parade

Classical Charter Schools of Wilmington, formerly Douglass Academy, strives to make a positive impact in our community. Our founder, Baker Mitchell, wanted to open a school that would provide an exemplary education to every child regardless of socioeconomic status. Since our doors opened in 2013 it has been our privilege to serve our community.  One way our school gives back is to participate in celebrating the birthday of a true American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s contributions have positively shaped our country. In homage to his life, we have been honored to walk in the MLK Jr. Parade for the past nine years and teach our children about the positive impact he made on our lives.

Parade Photos

Students of the Month

Character education is an important part of the CCS-America curriculum. Each month, students are recognized for displaying a specific character trait that they are not only learning and practicing, but also recite daily in our Pledge. December’s character trait was Generosity. Students who shows generosity is careful with what they have so they can share with others. “I pledge to be virtuous in all my deeds” demonstrates the importance of generosity through our School Pledge. These students apply this trait to their everyday lives and do good for others without seeking anything in return. Congratulations to all of these students who demonstrated exemplary generosity. Check them out on the links below!

CCS-Leland

CCS-Southport

CCS-Whiteville

CCS-Wilmington 

Advantages of a CCS-A Education

Check out parent perspectives on what CCS-A schools accomplish for their children.

Guest Perspective: Kelly Mann, Locke Foundation Exodus from Traditional Public Schools Likely Will Continue Unless They Refocus on Truly Educating our Children

For years, traditional public schools have been on a path less focused on educating successful learners than on a path more focused on odd, agenda-driven curricula. Parents have never been more aware of the failures and misdirection of traditional public schools, and they are demanding choice. Parents feel duped, and rightfully so. This is most evident at district school board meetings where parents are learning that their voices don’t matter.  Parents want options with funding that follows their students and not the institution, and the legislature has responded with charter schools and Opportunity Scholarships. Because of this development – along with home-schools and private schools – enrollment numbers in two of North Carolina’s largest districts are down. According to a recent poll of 500 likely voters by Parents for Educational Freedom in NC, only 38% of respondents would choose a traditional public school for their child if money and distance weren’t factors, while 52% would choose a charter school or other option. Pre-pandemic, I was a public-school lifer. Today, two of my three girls are in non-district schools that better serve their educational needs.  I recently toured Classical Charter Schools of Leland and was impressed by the approach and academic success. All students and families deserve a K-12 education that meets their needs.

Guest Bio Read More 

King: A Classical Inspiration

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was classically educated. He understood that for people truly to be free, they need to be able to think for themselves. King thoroughly studied the teachings of India’s celebrated civil rights leader, Mahatma Gandhi prior to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Studying others’ works and being an avid reader are two cornerstones of a classical education which Dr. King embodied. He was also a master of classical rhetoric seen in his speeches and writings. Each day we can honor the memory and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by seeking knowledge and being virtuous, “the goal of a true education!”

Letters from a Birmingham Jail, Dr. MLK Jr. Keep Moving, Dr. MLK Jr. 

New Year, Same Pledge

For many, the start of a new calendar year is a time for reflection and new beginnings. It encourages us to re-evaluate how we make choices and spend our time, and helps us prioritize what matters most to us. At CCS-A, we know New Year’s resolutions can be challenging to maintain. Therefore, to avoid temporary nature, we say our School Pledge every day. Our Pledge focuses on health, truth, and virtue, so it’s easy to connect your resolutions to our Pledge! If one of your resolutions this year is to become “physically fit,” provide “charity towards my neighbor,”, or even to exemplify “prudence in new undertakings,” our School Pledge can be a daily reminder of your goals. No matter what you decide, we encourage you to discuss the tenets of the Pledge with your student and how both of you can apply it to your goals for this year!

Link to School Pledge

Happy Holidays

In celebration of the Christmas season, check out the Art of Christmas gallery at CCS-Leland and your responses from the December 1st survey on Favorite Traditions! We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

The Art of Christmas Display Responses from 12/01: Favorite Family Traditions

Topics YOU want to see!

Please complete the one question survey below to help us focus on the topics that are of most interest to you. You can also help by telling your friends and family about our unique family of schools and suggesting they visit EnrollRBA.com to learn more!

Click here for the Survey!

Leland Beta Does it Betta!

Achievement, character, leadership, and service. Certainly these qualities are found among all of the CCS-Leland student body, but the scholars in the National Junior Beta Club are taking it one step further. Since August, the Beta Club members have made an impact of over 400 hours of community service in the Cape Fear region. Students in 6th-8th have participated in food drives, packed backpacks with supplies for students in need, campus cleanup initiatives, and even a charity lemonade stand that raised over $1,200.00 for Canine Angels! These students have worked hard not only to maintain the requirements of a NJBC member (93+ grade average and 3+ on EOGs) but also to make a lasting and positive impact on the community around them. Bravo to Beta Club!

Learn about Beta Club!

16-Judge Court Eyes Restricting Parent Choice: We Object

If you wish to send your children to a school that holds traditional values, you should have the freedom to do so. That’s at the heart of a nearly six-year-old legal fight that, in effect, challenges Charter Day School’s [now Classical Charter Schools of Leland] right to establish traditional policies in the first place. Media attention has, since 2016, focused on our traditional policies – particularly our dress code, which the plaintiffs have attacked. “This case … goes right to the heart of parents’ choice and choosing whichever school best matches their educational philosophy and … will best suit their children,” Constitutional Law Attorney Aaron Streett representing CDS told WECT television on Monday.   As WECT’s Ann McAdams explained, “Charter Day School takes a traditional approach to teaching, promoting traditional values, manners and respect. They believe their gender specific dress code instills mutual respect, discipline and order. Boys cannot wear jewelry, must wear a belt, and have to keep their hair neatly trimmed. Except for gym class and field trips, girls are required to wear some form of a skirt, and may not wear pants.” The case, Streett says, is about much more than just the dress code. “This is the kind of choice that could affect any charter school, no matter what educational philosophy. If the Court of Appeals or any other court say that charter schools are essentially state actors, they will be back in many ways on a level playing field with [the more powerful] traditional government run public schools, which is exactly what the North Carolina legislature was trying to move away from in charter schools.”

Read WECT Report Read T74 Article

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is *Reciting* Aloud for All to Hear!

Each year, select students in 5th-8th grade get the opportunity to work on their oratorical skills whilst spreading holiday cheer! For a few weeks, these students are tasked with immersing themselves in a classical Christmas poem. They annotate the poem, learn about the author, memorize the poem, discover the importance of public speaking, and even participate in diction exercises. Students learn that oratory skills are essential in business, education, and the public arena. They realize that it also increases self-confidence and makes them more comfortable around people. As a culminating activity, students first recite the poem individually for a grade. Then as a class, they recite the poems together in a caroling manner to students in primary grades!

See the student performances here!

Happy 225th Birthday to the Bill of Rights

“A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on Earth,” declared Thomas Jefferson. The Bill of Rights embodies the cause of America and humankind. It is a document securing inalienable rights, or God-given rights. The Constitution would not have been ratified without the adoption of the Bill of Rights as the first Ten Amendments. The Bill of Rights: The First Amendment includes the rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, and petition. The Second Amendment secures the right to bear arms.  The Third Amendment prohibits the government from housing soldiers in citizens’ homes. The Fourth Amendment prohibits the government from unreasonable search and seizure of a citizen’s private property. The Fifth Amendment secures due process of the law, prohibits a person to be tried for the same crime twice, and negates self-incrimination. The Sixth Amendment secures the right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury. The Seventh Amendment extends the sixth amendment to federal civil cases. The Eighth Amendment bars excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.  The Ninth Amendment gives all rights to the people that are not specifically stated in the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment limits the federal government to only those powers delegated in the Constitution; all other powers belong to the states and to the people. What do all Ten Amendments have in common? They limit governmental power and safeguard states’ and citizens’ rights. Happy Birthday Bill of Rights and thank you for preserving our rights for the past 225 years!

The Bill of Rights at the National Archives Learn more at the Bill of Rights Institute

Students of the Month: Our Pledge in Action

Character education is an important part of the CCS-A curriculum. Each month, students are recognized for displaying a specific character trait that they are not only learning and practicing, but also recite daily in our Pledge. November’s character trait was Self Control. A student who shows self control chooses to do what is right, even if it is not the easiest choice. Self control is seen in the Pledge as “I pledge to be virtuous in all my deeds”. Each Student of the Month applies these words to their everyday lives. Self control is exemplified by being calm and respectful in class, using good manners, and making good decisions. Congratulations to all of the students who demonstrated exemplary self control. Check them out on the links below!

CCS-Leland CCS-Southport CCS-Whiteville CCS-Wilmington