Excellence in Education coming to Lake Lure

On August 21, 2009, the inaugural board of directors of the Lake Lure Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy (LLCA-CFA) was appointed. The eight founding members represent the Town of Lake Lure, the Challenge Foundation/Team CFA, the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Acadia NorthStar. Board officers are Philip Byers, Chairman; Jim Proctor, Vice-Chair; Russ Pitts, Treasurer and Chris Braund, Secretary. Other directors include Joan Lange, Cheryl Reinstadler, David Faunce and Bryan King.

In what will be a very busy year leading up to the start of classes in the fall of 2010, the board will be overseeing the construction of temporary facilities, finalization of the school charter, hiring of staff and the enrollment of students. When open, it will mark the end of a near 50-year hiatus without a local school in the Lake Lure area where Rutherford, Henderson, Polk, Buncombe and McDowell counties meet.

Events Calendar

• Monthly Board Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. Lake Lure Town Hall: 2948 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure N.C. 28746
• School Open House: Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 1:00–3:30, come meet the teachers and tour our campus. Click here for the event flyer.

The Lake Lure Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy (LLCA-CFA), is a tuition-free public charter school open to all North Carolina students. Classes will begin in the fall of 2010, opening as K–7 and growing to K–12. The curriculum utilizes the Core Knowledge Sequence, a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science and fine arts. The high school program will offer a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that prepares students for a lifetime of critical thinking, self-motivated learning and active citizenship.

• Safe, supportive learning environment
• Rigorous content-based curriculum aligned to North Carolina state standards
• Students take the NC EOG and EOC, as well as nationally recognized standardized exams
• Curriculum proven to increase learning
• Focused approach to developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Teacher-led instruction that includes exploration and hands-on learning
• A well-rounded education that includes extracurricular activities such as art, drama, music, and sports Student/teacher/parent partnership in quality education

Frequently Asked Questions about LLCA-CFA

What is the mission of Lake Lure Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy?

To provide a first-class education for every child and to develop thoughtful, articulate young adults. To provide an academically challenging curriculum in an environment that enables development of character, morals and responsibility. To foster a constant and continuous relationship between families, staff and the community.

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a tuition-free, public school funded by state and local government funds. It is privately and independently operated by its own board of directors and is a recognized and approved organization granted a charter by the State of North Carolina. Charter schools were created to provide innovative educational choices for students and their families.

Who can attend?

Any student eligible to attend a North Carolina public school may apply for enrollment at LLCA-CFA. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, color, gender, national origin or religion. We aim to keep classroom sizes under 22 students. Should we have more applications than spots available in any one grade, new students for that grade will be selected by lottery. Siblings of enrolled students are accommodated to the greatest extent possible.

What is the curriculum at LLCA-CFA?

Our K–8 utilizes the Core Knowledge Sequence, which has been aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The Core Knowledge Sequence exposes students to a broad range of historical, scientific, and cultural topics that will build on one another to prepare them for educational success. Our high school curriculum is based on Dorothy Sayers’ The Lost Tools of Learning, which emphasizes the teaching of grammar, logic, and rhetoric in all content areas.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. To ensure an environment that is conducive to learning, each student must follow the dress code of LLCA-CFA. This dress code is strictly enforced and eliminates many social problems.

What do parents need to provide?

As a charter school with limited funding, we must rely on our parents for vital contributions. Parents will need to purchase the required school uniform items and provide transportation for their children. (We will work to connect families for carpooling.) A prepared lunch may be purchased at school or parents may provide their child with a healthy lunch each day. Lastly, we encourage our parents to become involved as a partner with the school to ensure our success.

Where is the school?

We will be opening as K–7 in the fall of 2010 utilizing temporary classroom buildings on Memorial Highway near the town center of Lake Lure. We are in the process of constructing a larger, permanent campus off of Island Creek Road near Hwy 9 by Ingles. 8th grade will be added in the fall of 2011. Then, in 2010, we expect to move the school to a new facility and add a grade each year.

How do I enroll my child?

Application forms are available on the school website, www.llca.teamcfa.org. These are due in the spring of each year to determine enrollment in the fall. A lottery and waiting list will be utilized as necessary.

Core Knowledge Curriculum

The TeamCFA K-8 program utilizes the Core Knowledge curriculum. The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and fine arts. Other areas of study, such as local and state history, can be integrated into the curriculum.

The Core Knowledge Sequence eliminates many of the gaps and unnecessary repetitions that can characterize a curriculum in which materials are chosen at random. This research-based curriculum offers a coherent plan that easily integrates state standards while providing the flexibility to meet local needs.

The sequence leads students through a broad range of historical, scientific, and cultural topics that build their knowledge from one year to the next and prepares them for educational success. For more information go to www.coreknowledge.org

High School Classical Curriculum

The LLCA-CFA high school program will offer a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that prepares students for a lifetime of critical thinking, self-motivated learning, and active citizenship.

During the high school years, LLCA-CFA’s nature as a classical academy will come to full flower. The school’s understanding of classical education is based on Dorothy Sayers’s 1947 essay “The Lost Tools of Learning.” Sayers emphasizes that the trivium of grammar, dialectic (logic), and rhetoric is foundational both for further studies and post-collegiate life: indeed, the ability to write correctly, to reason soundly, and to speak persuasively serves one well in any field of study, in any profession.

While fulfilling the state’s graduation requirements, high school students will also study Latin, logic, and rhetoric. The senior rhetoric thesis, which has both written and oral components, is the capstone of the curriculum. In offering students this education, LLCA-CFA will seek to graduate thoughtful, articulate young adults.

For more information go to tjca.teamcfa.org

TeamCFA is a growing national network of public charter schools dedicated to the mission of student achievement, academic excellence and measurable results.

TeamCFA students are taught to:

• Become confident and capable learners
• Gain the essential skills needed to compete in an increasingly competitive world
• Build character to make choices that result in a better life for themselves and others
• Develop the confidence to realize their full potential
• Be positive additions to civil society and thoughtful contributors to a brighter future
• For more information go to www.teamcfa.org

Frequently Asked Questions about TeamCFA

Who is TeamCFA?

TeamCFA is a growing national network of charter schools dedicated to the mission of student achievement, academic excellence, measurable results, and bringing school choice to more students and their families.

What does TeamCFA stand for?

The acronym “team” stands for together each achieves more. In the spirit of teamwork, it is our belief that the success of the student takes the active participation, communication, and commitment of the teacher, student, and parent working collaboratively. To that end, each stakeholder formalizes this commitment by signing and upholding the Team Commitment contract. “CFA,” of course, stands for Challenge Foundation Academy.

Who is the Challenge Foundation?

The Challenge Foundation is a private charitable trust founded in 1988. The foundation’s support of over 187 charters schools through $20M in grants brought about the development of a model school concept that provides every student with a first-class education. The Challenge Foundation lends its name, funding, and operating support to the schools in its network.

How does a school become a Challenge Foundation Academy?

There are currently two ways to gain access to our network: start-up and conversion. Through the expertise gained in supporting charter schools over the last 15+ years, the Challenge Foundation has put together a school model based on best practices that were identified in the areas of academics, business, and governance.

What is required for a Start-up?

TeamCFA partners with passionate, committed educators, leaders, and community groups who are able to demonstrate support of the CFA model, and establish local need for underserved students. TeamCFA offers start-up costs which may include the initial financing for facilities with the vision that a successful CFA will become self-sustaining in 5–7 years.

What is required for a Conversion?

Existing charter schools who share our vision of achievement, excellence, and measurable results and are interested in gaining access to our network of support in the areas of academics, business, and governance can inquire about converting to a CFA and finding a partner in education.

How do students enroll in a TeamCFA school?

TeamCFA follows the federal guidelines for open enrollment. In other words, if we receive more applications than there are seats, all applicants are given equal chance of admission through a lottery process as outlined by the state. Additionally, TeamCFA does not discriminate based on disability, race, color, gender, national origin, religion or ancestry.

How do schools benefit from the TeamCFA network affiliation?

Schools that are established in our network gain access to a broad range of services, grants, staff advancement training, consulting, as well as personalized access to Core Knowledge. Educators who share a vision of cultivating young citizens and motivating capable learners have the opportunity to share their best practices across a thriving, collaborative network.

A Letter from School Director Caroline Upchurch

Hello, my name is Caroline Upchurch, and I am elated to be named inaugural School Director for Lake Lure Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy. I have been fortunate enough, in my life to have received one of the greatest gifts in the world: an education.

Born the only child to two prominent hospital administrators, my parents instilled in me a great appreciation and desire to pursue knowledge. I graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, and then continued my education at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Art in Ceramics and my Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography. I decided at this point to pursue my Master of Fine Art in Photography at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

Upon graduation I was offered a position as an elementary teacher, a position I least expected but one that initiated my professional career in the field of education—more specifically, charter schools. I began as a first grade classroom teacher, then moved to fifth, followed by five years at the high school level. During my years as a teacher I saw a need to move beyond my classroom door and reach out to serve more students. To accomplish this I entered the Master of School Administration program at North Carolina State University.

Upon completion of my Masters I received my Principal’s license and was extended the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal. Earlier this year my name was given to the LLCA-CFA board of directors on recommendation that I be considered for this esteemed position. My diverse background and deep convictions about the Core Knowledge Curriculum coupled with my zeal for education were the combination LLCA-CFA was seeking in a leader.

Now as I look to the future I am filled with excitement as this community pulls together to foster the beginnings of an amazing adventure into education. I am honored to be the School Director and look forward to building a school atmosphere where Parents, Teachers and most importantly Students share my deep appreciation and love for education.

Sincerely,
M. Caroline Upchurch