Ascent Classical Academies has partnered with the board of Highlands Charter Academy (HCA), a proposed local charter school, to establish Ascent Classical Academy of Moore County. The school, opening in fall 2026, will offer a tuition-free classical education to students in grades K-12. It will open grades K-8, with one grade to be added each year until the 12th grade is established.
“We are thrilled to partner with such a dedicated and experienced team,” states Caroline Kelly, board chair for Highlands Charter Academy in a news release. “Our community strongly desires a high-quality, challenging, well-rounded program that addresses academic success and personal growth.”
Ascent Classical Academies develops within its students the moral and intellectual skills, habits, and virtues upon which independent, responsible, and joyful lives are built, in the firm belief that such lives are the basis for a free and flourishing republic,” said the release. This is achieved by always working to train the minds and improve the hearts of its students through a classical, content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue in an orderly and disciplined environment.
Ascent Classical Academy of Moore County will be the charter management organization’s first school in North Carolina. The group has successfully launched four schools in Colorado and is currently operating Ascent Classical Academy of Fort Mill, with approval to open five additional schools in South Carolina.
“Our team has been inspired and motivated by the desire and determination the HCA team has shown to bring a classical charter school to their county,” states Derec Shuler, founder and executive director of Ascent Classical Academies. “We are excited to join the community and focus on a robust opening for the 2026-27 school year.”
Charter schools, as defined by the NC Department of Public Instruction, are public schools of choice authorized by the State Board of Education and operated by independent non-profit boards of directors. State and local tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools, which have open enrollment and cannot discriminate in admissions, associate with any religion or religious group, or charge tuition. Charter schools operate free from many of the regulations that govern district schools, but charter schools are held accountable through the state assessment and accountability system, said the release.
Regarding the school’s location, Ascent Classical Academies is currently seeking a facility suitable to begin operations or adequate land on which to build and possibly utilize modular units until construction can commence.
Ascent Classical Academy representatives will be at the School Choice Expo at Sandhills Community College on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parents who want to learn more about the Ascent Classical Academy, the classical education model, and Ascent’s curriculum are encouraged to explore the school’s website. An Interest Form can be filled out for parents interested in enrolling their children or staying informed. It can be found at: moorecounty.ascentclassicalnc.org.
Contributed article and photo.
