Back to school-Private, charter schools

Several private and charter schools in the area are set to start classes. Here’s a roundup:

Cannon School

Classes at Cannon School, 8015 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, began Monday.

The private, co-educational school is for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. About 800 students from seven counties attend Cannon.

Cannon emphasizes five core values: courage, teamwork, respect, integrity and passion.

Cannon School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Southern Association of Independent Schools.

The athletic program includes cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, swimming, baseball, golf, softball, track and field and lacrosse.

Matt Gossage is head of school.

For more information, call the school at 704-786-8171 or visit the website at www.cannonschool.org.

Faith Christian Academy

Classes at Faith Christian Academy, 904 Chipola St., Kannapolis, will begin Sunday.

The school is a co-educational, religious-affiliated school that offers kindergarten through 12th grade.

The school’s affiliation is Free Will Baptist.

Before-school and after-school care is available for students enrolled there. Nursery school for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years is also available.

The school offers the A Beka curriculum for kindergarten through second grade and the computer-based Switched-on-Schoolhouse curriculum for higher grades.

Athletics are also offered at the school. Middle school and high school students can get involved in basketball, volleyball and other activities.

For more information about Faith Christian Academy, call 704-933-7586 or visit the website at www.thejustshalllivebyfaith.com.

Gray Stone Day School

Students at Gray Stone Day School, 48380 U.S. 52 in Misenheimer, on the campus of Pfeiffer University, will start classes today. Classes are from 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Gray Stone is a regional charter school that provides college preparatory curriculum for grades nine through 12. It is a state-supported school, so there is no charge to any North Carolina resident. Students can attend for free.

The school serves students from Stanly, Rowan, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Mecklenburg, Davidson and Randolph counties.

Gray Stone students can use some Pfeiffer facilities, such as the G.A. Pfeiffer Library, athletic fields and the auxiliary gym. Students can earn college credits while enrolled.

The school is a member of the Yadkin Valley Conference in North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Gray Stone participates in all major sports, except football and wrestling.

Gray Stone's technology department offers one wireless laptop cart for use in most of the classrooms. There is also a small computer lab. Students may bring their laptops and work in most of the areas on campus or they have access to many other computers to use while in the facility.

In the fall, students can participate in boys cross country and soccer, and girls cross country, tennis and volleyball. Winter sports include boys and girls basketball, boys and girls swimming and cheerleading. In the spring, students can participate in baseball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and track.

For more information, call 704-463-0567 or visit the website at www.graystoneday.org.

North Hills Christian School

North Hills Christian School, 2970 W. Innes St., Salisbury, is a co-educational, non-denominational, college-preparatory Christian day school that serves students in preschool through high school

Classes will begin with a half day at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday. The school is continuing to accept students for enrollment, although several classes have been capped and students and families have been placed in a waiting pool. Tuition assistance is available for families who qualify.

North Hills Christian School was established in 1967. This year’s projected enrollment of 310 students will exceed last year’s enrollment total of 290, which was a seven-year high for the school.

NHCS is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

The school offers a separate honors track for middle and high school students, AP and dual enrollment classes, and a dedicated staff for gifted and special needs students. On average, students score approximately 2.5 years above grade level on nationally-normed standardized tests.

This year, North Hills has introduced a one-to-one tablet PC program for high school students. Technology instruction and application will be integrated more into the curriculum this year for students in the preschool, elementary, and middle schools, as well. Students in first through eighth grades regularly attend a computer lab, where a core academic teacher works alongside a technology professional, where the use of computers meets our academic core curriculum. Skype, learning.com and other technology based instruction will be incorporated this year.

NHCS curriculum is biblically integrated and includes scripture memorization, class instruction on how to use the Bible and apply it, discussion of Biblical principals and values, and a special Summit class for high school students that includes discussion of contemporary issues and worldview perspectives. All curriculum at the school focuses upon biblical perspectives and values.

The school has a competitive athletic program and offers the following sports: a recreational basketball league for elementary students in grades preschool-third grade; basketball (girls and boys), cheerleading, volleyball, and tennis for grades four-six; basketball (girls and boys) cheerleading, cross country (co-ed), golf, soccer (co-ed), volleyball (girls), softball, tennis, and baseball for grades seven and eight; basketball(girls and boys), cross country (co-ed), golf (boys), volleyball (girls), softball, and baseball for grades 9-12. Students may try out and play football for the Cabarrus Stallions.

Chris Fowler, former area director of Young Life for Rowan County and former public school coach, has been hired as athletic director. Jason Causby, former head men’s varsity basketball coach at Salisbury High School, joined the faculty as head varsity basketball coach and special education teacher.

This year, the school will also begin a concert band program for students in grades six-eight to enhance the school’s offerings in fine arts, electives and foreign languages.

Community service opportunities include school-wide projects such as Operation Christmas Child and Empty Bowls, a fundraiser for Rowan Helping Ministries, as well as grade specific programs including monthly delivery for Meals on Wheels, visits to local nursing homes, etc.

New elementary afterschool clubs and activities will be introduced this year as an option for elementary students and families. More than 12 student activities will be offered this year for middle and high school students including History Club, Junior Civitans, Science Bowl, National Honor Society, Outdoor Club, Seriously Gaming, praise band, the Stock Market Game and more.

High school students may also participate in the school’s student government program, internships with local businesses, a new teacher cadet program and more.

Afterschool and before school care is offered for a modest fee.

Matt Mitchell, M.Ed., serves as head of school and Leslie Pullen, M.Ed., serves as associate head of school.

For more information, contact Nikki Eagle, director of recruitment and retention, by e-mail at neagle@northhillschristian.com or by phone at 704-636-3005 ext. 109.

Rockwell Christian School

About 130 students at Rockwell Christian School, 401 Depot St., Rockwell, will return to class Monday. School runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

An open house will be held at 7 p.m. Friday.

Rockwell Christian School is Christ-centered. There are weekly chapels, Bible classes and curriculums, and emphasis on a Biblical worldview in all areas of life.[0xa0]

The school’s sixth through 12th grades offer individualized instruction that also includes some traditional classes, online classes and courses in computer applications, digital art and graphics, language skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary and speed.[0xa0]The individualization of this setting makes it possible for advanced students to have a dual student status — high school and college simultaneously. But it also is a setting well suited for the academically challenged student.

School athletics include girls volleyball and basketball and boys soccer and basketball.

Before and after school care is available.

Dr. John Houghton is the school’s administrator.

For more information, call 704-279-8854 or visit the website at rockwellchristianschool.com.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Sacred Heart Catholic School begins classes at 7:55 a.m. Monday dismisses at 3 p.m.

Sacred Heart offers onsite before school care starting at 7:30 a.m. and after school care ending at 6 p.m.

More than 200 students are enrolled in prekindergarten through 8th grade, with 20-25 students per class.

Sacred Heart invites all students, regardless of race or religion. The school campus is located at 385 Lumen Christi Lane in Salisbury (across Jake Alexander Boulevard from the Crescent Golf Course community).

In 1882, the school was established as Salisbury Catholic School. It got its present name in 1942 when the Diocese of Raleigh was formed. The school moved to its new 100-acre campus in August 2009. Sacred Heart Catholic School is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Diocese of Charlotte.

Sacred Heart offers an advanced curriculum in language arts, math, science and social studies, and computer technology.

Daily breakout classrooms are offered in K-8 grades for additional small group instruction in language arts and math (teacher to student ratio is 1:14 maximum).

All curriculums are based on the N.C. Standard Course of Study, enhanced and extended by Charlotte Diocesan school standards.

In addition, technology curriculum follows The Partnership for the 21st Century Skills and IMPACT models. Spanish curriculum is enhanced with Rosetta Stone Software Programs. Writing curriculum is supplemented with “Empowering Writers”. The Math-A-Thon, Math Olympian, Battle of the Books, Catholic Daughters Writing Contest, Book It Reading, Annual Spelling Bee, and NC State Science Fair are some of the academic challenges that are offered at Sacred Heart.

Athletics are a very integral part of Sacred Heart Catholic School and include JV teams (grades 4-6) and varsity teams (grades 7-8). They offer 15 different teams where students can participate including soccer, girls/boys basketball, girl volleyball, fall and spring tennis, cheerleading, golf, softball, cross country, and track and field (track & field is open to grades 1-8). Sacred Heart is a member of the CCISSA and JPAC conferences and holds recent varsity championships in soccer, basketball, tennis, cheerleading, golf and softball.

School traditions and activities include morning assembly (with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag), weekly Mass, Fall Open House, All Saints Day Parade, Christmas Store, President's Day Parade, Catholic School Week Celebrations, Holiday class parties, Lenten Dinner, One Hundred Days of School Celebration, May Crowning, Field Day, an Annual Christmas program, pep rallies, President’s Fitness Challenge and much more. In addition, students are encouraged to participate include book fairs, field trips, class plays, and school dances.

Community service projects include Christmas caroling at the VA Medical Center; food collecting for the homeless shelter, animal control center, and Meals on Wheels; fundraising for Duke Energy's Share-the-Warmth program and the Arc Festival of Trees; visiting special Prayer Pals at Genesis Nursing Home; volunteering at the homeless shelter; and sponsoring an American Red Cross blood.

Students also participate in Locks of Love, The Christmas Heart Tree, Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets, Operation Shoebox and Sister Mary Robert’s Operation Suitcase.

Hot breakfasts and hot lunches are prepared for students daily.

Frank Cardelle is the school’s principal.

For more information, call 704-633-2841 or visit the website www.salisburycatholic.org

Salisbury Academy

About 150 students will begin class Wednesday at Salisbury Academy, 2210 Jake Alexander Blvd. N.

New parent orientation: will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today. The family drop in day will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday.

Back to school nights:Junior kindergarten and kindergarten Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.; first grade Monday, Aug. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m; grades 2-4 Monday, Sept.13 from 6 to 8 p.m.; grades 5-8 Tuesday Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Diane Fisher is the head of school.

Elementary activities include Battle of the BooksDARE with the Rowan County Sherriff’s Department

Eighth grade students are mentored by local professionals.

Other activities include Math Counts: Math Competition Team, N.C. Ecological Studies Investigating Renaissance, Art Math & The Cosmos: Math and Science program that is offered in conjunction with Duke TIP, Going Green Book Club Community

Thes school offers outreach programs with Abundant Day Services, Meals on Wheels, Hanford Dole Elementary Partners in Learning Rowan Vocational, Faithful Friends, Duke University Talent Identification Program Talent Searches.

After school care is provided for all students.

Salisbury Adventist School

Salisbury Adventist School, 305 Rudolph Road, was established in 1940.

The school is accredited by the North American Division Board of Regents. Teachers have master’s degrees.

The school is dedicated to delivering a GREAT education, which stands for God-centered, results-oriented, environment that is safe and nurturing, aligned with national, state and Adventist standards and is a team effort.

Students have opportunities to take part in community outreach projects, music, drama, public speaking, a national geography bee and a spelling bee. .

The school motto is “We Want JOY,” which stands for Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last. The school’s aim is “Every child CAN learn.”

Tuition is $275 a month for first through eighth grade, with a 10 percent discount for a second child. Michelle Bullard is the new principal.

For more information, call 704-633-1282 or visit the web site at www.salisburyadventistschool.org.