Dear Classical Charter Schools of America parents, families, and friends,

On behalf of the Roger Bacon Academy and CCS-America’s teachers, administrators, and staff, I am excited to welcome new and returning students back to school next Thursday, July 20th. We look forward to an exciting and productive 2023-24 school year.

To begin the year, I want to share some exciting news with you: A new national study by the prestigious Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University in California, published just a few weeks ago, identifies our family of schools as an educational top performer in the country. We couldn’t be more proud!

The Stanford study gives high grades overall to charter schools generally and indicates that charter schools managed by Charter Management Organizations (such as RBA) typically get even better results. Not only that, but it specifically identifies our family of schools as among the best in the nation at seeing that students from all ethnic, racial and economic backgrounds succeed in school. They call such schools “gap busters.” 

A copy of our News Release highlighting the Stanford study follows. 

Wishing you and your students the very best,

Baker A. Mitchell, Founder

“Gap Busters” News Release

CCS-America Staff Professional Development

Although school doesn’t start until next Thursday, nearly 400 CCS-America staff members returned this week for the annual new year’s intensive Professional Development.

From Monday, July 10th through Wednesday, July 19th, all CCS-America teachers and staff participate in numerous training sessions led by Academic Deans and Coaches, senior staff members, and guest speakers to prepare for a successful 2023-2024 school year. Throughout these eight days, teachers learn and collaborate on topics ranging from classroom management and school safety to Latin, cursive, and all aspects of CCS-America’s classical curriculum.

Each year our staff and teachers complete this training individualized for each grade and subject to ensure confidence and expertise in the new school year. By continuing to refine all classroom skills, our teachers are fully prepared to give the best possible education to all CCS-America students!

Click the link below to see pictures from yesterday’s staff welcome.

Pictures

Dear Classical Charter Schools of America Staff and Parents, 

As the 2022-2023 academic year comes to an end, I want to thank all our staff and teachers for their hard work and dedication that has led to yet another incredible year full of achievements. CCS-America has now delivered its Classical Curriculum and Direct Instruction for 23 years, and we are grateful for the commitment of more than 2,400 students across our four top-performing schools who have grown not only in their academics but in their character. 

Seeing your student’s improvements and accomplishments in our classrooms, at school events such as FASTAR and The History Bowl, and in extracurriculars like RBA Cheerleading, archery, Beta club, and Science Olympiad continues to impress everyone. The 2023-2024 school year will bring back all these signature RBA events and more. We will see the openings of the highly anticipated auditoriums, new parking, and the addition of the 8th grade at CCS-Southport’s Middle School. We thank you all for your patience with the construction, and we look forward to enjoying all the new amenities with you. 

Congratulations to our 8th grade class of 2023, and we wish them all the best as they advance into high school. Thank you, parents, for entrusting us with the safety and education of your children.

We look forward to the start of the 2023-2024 school year as we continue to reach for new heights of excellence. In the meantime, enjoy a safe and well-deserved summer break.

Best Regards,

Baker Mitchell, Founder 

Join Us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

The long awaited Classical Charter Schools of Southport Auditorium and Gymnasium is ready to open its doors! Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, June 23rd at 11:00 am. Refreshments and a Tour will follow!

Congratulations, Graduates! 

CCS-America kindergarten and 8th grade graduations were held yesterday. Congratulations to kindergarten students for a year full of growth in reading, math, writing, and more! We are so excited to watch them continue to expand their knowledge in the coming years.

We wish our 8th graders all the success of which they are capable as they progress into their future endeavors. Congratulations on the completion of Middle School and please join The Roger Bacon Academy Alumni Facebook Group so we can keep in touch!

Check out the 2023 graduates at the links below!

CCS-Leland Kindergarten

CCS-Leland 8th Grade

CCS-Whiteville 8th Grade

CCS-Wilmington Kindergarten

ShopRBA is Here! 

ShopRBA is your one stop shop for all things uniform! All products are uniform approved, high quality, discounted, and in one place for your convenience.

Orders placed over the summer break will be delivered to your student’s school within 5 business days for pick up. This year, kindergarten students will receive a complimentary uniform at Orientation to celebrate our Grand Opening!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Selena Laslovich, our ShopRBA coordinator, at ShopRBA@rogerbacon.net or at (910) 520-5634.

ShopRBA

Students of the Month

Virtue is an important part of CCS-America’s classical 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.

May’s character trait was Forgiveness. Students who show forgiveness let go of bitterness and revenge. Forgiveness is seen in the School Pledge as “I pledge to be virtuous in all my deeds.” CCS-America students apply these words to their everyday lives by recognizing a problem and the hurt that comes with it and then working through the process of making things right.

Congratulations to all of these students who demonstrated exemplary forgiveness. Check them out on the links below!

CCS-Leland

CCS-Whiteville

Race of Champions

The 9th Annual FASTAR Race of Champions was held on Wednesday, April 26th, and the competitors from each CCS-America school brought incredible skill, speed, and accuracy.

After the quick four races, each with four “laps” of reading and math, CCS-Southport was victorious by less than 9 seconds, making this the closest race we have ever had! Congratulations to all of the champion racers, and especially to CCS-Southport team members for their first victory!

If your student is interested in this thrilling academic race, be sure to sign them up for FASTAR in the 2023-2024 school year!

Pictures

The History Bowl

The Roger Bacon Academy presented the 7th Annual History Bowl last Friday, May 5th. After two mock Bowls and countless hours spent studying, students in grades 5-8 came as teams from each CCS-America school to compete in this final History Bowl Competition.

Throughout the year, students learn up to 400 questions that could be asked. These questions correspond with RBA’s chronological history curriculum. The abundance of historical knowledge, sportsmanship, and professional attire from students was truly impressive!

Congratulations to CCS-Whiteville for bringing home the trophy in grades 5, 6, and 8. CCS-Southport brought home the trophy in grade 7. The competition was close, and all CCS-America students should be proud of their hard work and performances.

Pictures

Celebrating the Arts at CCS-America

CCS-Leland and CCS-Whiteville students shared their work from this past year at the Annual Art Shows. Families and Staff watched Cheer, Dance, and Chorus performances, walked through Art exhibits, and more!

CCS-Whiteville started this annual event last year, and Mrs. Patrick states, “I am so thankful for the opportunity to have this event at our school for a second year. The Arts Showcase gives students the opportunity to be recognized for their artistic talents and creativity. This year, we had hundreds of parents and students watch the performances, view artwork, and visit our Glowing Art Room. I am so grateful to Ms. Singler, our art teacher, and all the elective teachers who dedicate so much time to these programs.”

Thank you to all who came to see the incredible work done by CCS-America students! Check out the amazing artwork and performances at the links below!

CCS-Leland Pictures

CCS-Whiteville Pictures

Students of the Month 

Virtue is an important part of CCS-America’s classical 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.

April’s character trait was Respect. Students who show respect treat others with honor and dignity. Respect is seen in the School Pledge as “I pledge to be obedient and loyal to those in authority.” CCS-America students apply these words to their everyday lives by treating adults with courtesy, using good manners, and treating their peers the way they want to be treated.

Congratulations to all of these students who demonstrated exemplary respect. Check them out on the links below!

CCS-Leland

CCS-Southport

CCS-Whiteville

CCS-Wilmington

We  Our Teachers

CCS-America teachers are at the heart of it all! We are honoring and celebrating all that they do May 8th-12th for Teacher Appreciation Week!

Check your school’s calendar and Facebook next week to see how you and your student(s) can show support for our teachers!

Four FASTAR Races Down, One More to Go!

CCS-Southport and CCS-Leland have finished their FASTAR Race Days, and all racers did a great job! While seeing CCS-America students having a blast on Race Day is one of our favorite things, nothing beats the improvement in their academic performances. CCS-Leland parent, Julie Piner, says, “My daughter has become more confident in reading and working through words. She sounds each word out so that she can get through the passage without asking for help!”

Today, at Crosswinds Church in Leland, the kindergarten through fifth grade students from each CCS-America campus who placed in the top five of their races will compete as a team for the final Race of Champions trophy! Last year, CCS-Leland took the trophy home, winning by just nine seconds. After the speedy FASTAR races at each campus, the competition will be close again this year!

CCS-Southport Photos

CCS-Leland Photos

RBA Cheer Continues to Dominate

RBA Cheer made another appearance at the U.S. Finals this past weekend in Myrtle Beach. Athletes and coaches outdid themselves yet again with stellar performances! Congratulations to all of the athletes, coaches, and parents who worked so hard this Cheer season!

• Reign Bows: National Champions
• Reign Storm: 2nd Place
• Black Ice: 2nd Place with a score of 95.3
• Purple Reign: National Champions
• R3ign: National Champions
• Silver Flame: National Champions and Grand Champions of all Level 1 teams! Score 95.5 which is the highest score in RBA history!

We are so proud of their accomplishments and are looking forward to next year!

Photos

Science Olympiad at the State Tournament

This past weekend, CCS-Leland and CCS-Whiteville Science Olympiad teams traveled to Raleigh to compete in the State Tournament. Hosted by NC State, each team competed in the events they qualified for at the regional competition last month. In several events, the CCS-America Science Olympiad teams placed in the top 10!

CCS-Leland

 Bridge: 10th

 Solar System: 7th

 Storm the Castle: 5th

CCS-Whiteville

 Solar System: 10th

Congratulations, competitors and coaches!

CCS-Leland Photos

CCS-Whiteville Photos

You Can Help NC’s Charter Schools

Legislation that could give a significant boost to North Carolina charter schools has been introduced in the General Assembly. House Bill 219, the Charter School Omnibus, would make various changes to the laws affecting charter schools. Among the most significant: It would ensure that students at public charter schools and public district schools receive equal funding.

Currently, N.C. charter school students receive 37% less local funding than district school students. If you agree that it’s time to end this disparity, we encourage you to reach out to your House or Senate member to share your views. Find your Legislators here.

More information: The Carolina Journal Article

The Road to the FASTAR Race of Champions 

CCS-Wilmington and CCS-Whiteville FASTAR finalists are ready for the Race of Champions! After two exciting Race Days filled with close competition, the trophy winners will be moving on to compete as a team against the other RBA schools.

CCS-Southport will race tomorrow, Thursday, April 13th and CCS-Leland follows a week after on Thursday, April 20th. All schools will meet at The Race of Champions on April 26th where the school with the most speed and accuracy will take home the trophy!

Congratulations to CCS-Wilmington and CCS-Whiteville FASTAR racers, pit crew members, and champions! Thank you parents for practicing with your student and cheering the racers on!

CCS-Wilmington Photos

CCS-Whiteville Photos

Safety First, Always

Since The Roger Bacon Academy’s founding in 1999, the safety of our students and staff has been the top priority. Safety is a shared responsibility. The buildings and grounds must meet regulatory standards, and the staff and students must observe safe practices in their conduct and set examples for all to follow.

Last month, all four CCS-America campuses and The RBA corporate office received the NCDOL OSHA Award for having a safe place for employees to work. To receive this award, an organization must maintain an incidence rate at least 50% below the average for its industry group.

Thank you to all of our staff for continuing to work hard and keep our sites safe for all!

Pictures

UPDATE: We are happy to share the opening of our new uniform website: ShopRBA.school! Uniforms will be available for pre-order on April 1st. This website ensures all CCS-America families will receive high-quality uniform items at a discounted price!

We are also excited to announce that for the 2023-2024 school year, our schools will provide a complimentary uniform starter package for our new Kindergarteners. More details will be forthcoming on package contents and how to place your child’s order.

For more information, please see this letter sent to staff and families last week.

Welcome to Quarter 4!

We hope that you all had a wonderful Spring Break! This year has flown by and we are looking forward to finishing the 2022-2023 school year strong! Here are the highlights to look forward to:

Science Olympiad

The CCS-Leland and CCS-Whiteville Science Olympiad students competed in the Regional Science Olympiad competition held at UNCW on March 11. After impressive performances by all students, both teams will be moving on to compete in the State Tournament, to be held April 21 & 22 at NC State University!

At the Regional and State level, Science Olympiad students compete in over 20 events in five categories: Life, Personal & Social Science, Earth & Space Science, Physical Science & Chemistry, Technology & Engineering Design, and Inquiry & Nature of Science. Students spend the year preparing for these events in the Science Olympiad elective offered to middle school students. If your student is interested in competing next year, elective registration will open this spring!

Congratulations to the Science Olympiad students and coaches! We will be cheering you all on at the State Tournament!

Results

Students of the Month

Virtue is an important part of CCS-America’s classical 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.

March’s character trait was Gratefulness. Students who are grateful show appreciation for what they have and do. Gratefulness is seen in the School Pledge as “I Pledge to be virtuous in all my deeds.” Students apply these words to their everyday lives by appreciating the people in their lives, saying “please” and “thank you”, and enjoying what they have.

Congratulations to all students who demonstrated exemplary gratefulness. Check them out at the links below!

CCS-Leland

CCS-Southport

CCS-Whiteville

CCS-Wilmington