Honoring Our Heroes

On Friday, November 8th, each CCS-America campus held its annual Veterans Day Program. Family members, local veterans, and members of the community were invited to join in a celebration of those who protect us and our freedom.

Students, under the guidance of their dedicated music teachers, performed patriotic songs to honor and thank our heroes. Thank you to these music teachers and the performers for all of their hard work on these programs.

Our students had a great time honoring our heroes and showing them how much we appreciate them. Veterans, thank you for all you have done for us and for our country!

Check out pictures from each campus below:

CCS-Leland

CCS-Southport

CCS-Whiteville

CCS-Wilmington

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Extracurricular Spotlight: RBA Cheerleading

This weekend, our RBA cheerleading team is gearing up for an exciting challenge as they head to Concord for their first competition of the year.

Founded in 2004 by Jeane LaFave, RBA Reign Athletics Competitive Cheerleading has grown into one of the most respected programs in the area, bringing home over 30 national titles at various levels. 

For over two decades, RBA Cheerleading has conveyed the message that cheer is not just about competing — it’s about building the values of discipline, teamwork, and integrity. These core values have shaped not only the athletes themselves, but have also created a true sense of family and community within the program. This impact goes far beyond the gym, as many former athletes return as coaches or bring their own children to join the program.

While RBA has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, its greatest success is undoubtedly the lasting relationships it has helped to build and nurture.

Let’s all take a moment to wish these dedicated athletes the best of luck as they showcase their skills and hard work this weekend. We are so proud of them and can’t wait to cheer them on!

For more information about RBA Athletics and to become part of this amazing cheer family, contact Coach Lafave at rbaathletics@gmail.com.

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Why Do We Say the School Pledge?

Every morning, CCS-America students and staff gather together and start the day by reciting both the Pledge of Allegiance and the CCS-A School Pledge. But why is this tradition so important?

We recite the Pledge of Allegiance to express our pride in being Americans and to help students understand and appreciate the value of the freedoms and rights we hold dear.

The School Pledge, on the other hand, is said to set high expectations for ourselves, both in the classroom and in life. The Pledge emphasizes the importance of health, truth, and virtue. At the beginning of the school year, students explore the significance of the Pledge in their Character Education classes. Then, each month, students focus on a specific character trait, connecting it to the values expressed in the Pledge to deepen their understanding.

We encourage all parents and guardians to discuss the Pledge and its tenets with their children. Together, you can apply these values to everyday life, helping your children grow into citizens of strong character with strong futures.

See the School Pledge Here

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Open Enrollment is Almost Here!

Help us spread the word—Open Enrollment is less than a month away! Invite your friends and family to join us for the 2025-2026 school year!

Starting Monday, December 2nd, new students can begin the enrollment process at www.EnrollRBA.com.

Let’s make next school year the best one yet!

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Southport and Leland are CCS-A Soccer Champions!

We are proud to announce that Southport and Leland have emerged as the champions of our inaugural CCS-A middle school soccer season!

This year, all three of our middle schools—CCS-Leland, Southport, and Whiteville—fielded both boys and girls teams and competed in exciting weekly matches. After a season filled with hard-fought games and impressive victories, the Southport girls team (4-0 record) and Leland boys team (4-1 record) came out on top.

Congratulations to both teams on this achievement!We want to extend our pride and appreciation for all the athletes who participated this season. Your hard work, sportsmanship, and camaraderie made this season truly special.

A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Lafave, Mrs. Rexroad, and all our dedicated coaches and staff for their extraordinary efforts in making this a great first season.

We are excited to see what next year’s soccer season will bring! Middle school sports will continue this winter with basketball. Let’s keep the CCS-A spirit going and continue supporting our talented athletes!

Click below to view the full 2024-2025 sports calendar:

Middle School Sports Calendar

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Open Enrollment is One Month Away!

Mark your calendars and spread the word—Open Enrollment is just around the corner! We encourage you to invite your friends and family to be part of our vibrant school community for the 2025-2026 school year.

Starting Monday, December 2nd, new students can begin the enrollment process at www.EnrollRBA.com. We can’t wait to welcome new faces and look forward to the exciting year ahead for both our new and returning students!Let’s make next school year the best one yet!

 

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Student Work Spotlight: Fairy Tales

Our seventh grade English students recently embarked on an enchanting journey through the history and elements of fairy tales. They learned about the cultural significance and timeless appeal behind these stories. Students explored the common characteristics of fairy tales, such as magical elements, historical settings, and themes that teach lessons.

Students read classic tales from, “The Blue Fairy Book,” a collection that features favorites like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Yellow Dwarf,” and “The Princess on the Glass Hill.” They analyzed the common themes and structures, learning how these narratives have evolved over time across different cultures.

Finally, it was time for the real magic to happen- students used their creativity and what they had learned to write their own original fairy tales! Each story reflected the student’s unique voice and perspective, while using the traditional structure and characteristics of fairy tales. While all of the stories were impressive, the tales written by Scout Chambers and Katie McMahon stood out for their artistry and depth.This experience not only fostered a love for literature, but also encouraged creativity and critical thinking.

To read these outstanding fairy tales, click on the links below: 

“Maddi and the Stubborn King” by Scout Chambers

“Katherine and the Rat King” by Katie McMahon

 

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Halloween Festivities: Trunk or Treat

All four campuses got into the Halloween Spirit with our Annual Trunk or Treat celebration.

Parents, staff, and volunteers worked hard to transform their cars into delightful and spooky displays. From friendly ghosts to thrilling monsters and even Super Mario, each trunk had its own unique theme.

Elementary students dressed up in creative costumes and paraded across campus, collecting candy, toys, and other fun goodies from each trunk. Some campuses even hosted a staff costume contest!

With amazing costumes, smiling faces, and full candy buckets, this event was an amazing success! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make our Halloween festivities so memorable!

To check out pictures from each campus, click the links below:

CCS-Leland

CCS-Southport

CCS-Whiteville

CCS-Wilmington

 

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We Want to Hear From You!

At CCS-America, we value the insights and experiences of our parents and students. Your feedback and thoughts are essential in helping us understand what makes our school special. We invite you to share what you love about our community, your experiences with our teachers, and how our programs have positively impacted your family.

Submit your thoughts HERE for a chance to win a $100 RBA Store gift card! Plus, send in a video testimonial to be entered twice! (Deadline to enter gift card giveaway is 11/26)

 

Spotlight Nomination Form

If you believe you or someone you know deserves a staff or alumni spotlight, let us know! Fill out THIS FORM to nominate someone for a newsletter spotlight!

 

Review CCS-A for a Chance to Win $1000

Take a short survey on Niche.com letting other families know how much you enjoy your school, and be entered for a chance to win $1,000! This is open to students, parents, and recent alumni. Simply enter your full school name in the search bar (Classical Charter Schools of Leland/ Southport/ Whiteville/ Wilmington) and click the “Start Survey” button.

 

 

 

 

 

Classical Curriculum Spotlight: Penmanship

A key element of the Classical Charter Schools of America curriculum is the teaching of, and emphasis on, proper penmanship. We believe that our students have countless bright ideas to share with the world. The first step in expressing these ideas is ensuring they can be clearly understood through legible writing.

All CCS-A schools introduce penmanship instruction in Kindergarten and continue to incorporate it across each subject throughout all grades. We focus on important skills such as correct pencil grip, letter formation, and letter spacing and size.

Research shows that good handwriting not only enhances creativity and boosts confidence, but also improves overall learning. By prioritizing proper penmanship, we empower our students to get the most out of their education and prepare them for a successful future.

Visit the link below to learn more about our unique classical curriculum:

CCS-A Curriculum

 

Charter Schools Continue to Grow Across the Country

A recent report recently released by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) has found that over the past five years, charter school enrollment has continued to increase across the country, while district schools are facing a sharp decline.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, district schools have lost nearly 1.8 million students, while charter school enrollment has increased by 400,000. This highlights a growing preference among families for diverse educational options.

Starlee Coleman, President and CEO of NAPCS, emphasized that this growth reflects families seeking schools that align with their children’s needs.

“The continued enrollment growth in public charter schools is not just about numbers—it’s about the power of choice and opportunity for families across the country,” she stated. “Every new student who walks through the doors of a charter school represents a family that believes in the promise of public education and the potential for their child’s success. Charter schools are proof that when families are given options, innovation thrives and students excel.”

Read the full article and report here:

National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

 

 

 

 

Fall Festival Fun at CCS-Southport

The Southport campus celebrated the arrival of the fall season with their annual Fall Festival, and it was a fantastic success! The school community enjoyed an evening of laughter, joy, and excitement. The festival was filled with fun activities for all, including a bounce house, an obstacle course, inflatable ax throwing, face painting, cornhole, and much more.

Multiple family-friendly organizations (including the Museum of Coastal Carolinas, the Boys and Girls Scouts, the Sunset Harbor Fire Department, and more) were on site with games and prizes as well as engaging presentations, allowing attendees to learn about valuable community resources while still having a great time. 

Food trucks, including the ever-popular Kona Ice truck, added to the festive spirit and made sure that no one went home hungry.

Thank you to the Booster Club, volunteers, and the participating organizations for making the Fall Festival a memorable evening! We look forward to many more events like this that foster connection, community, and fun.

Here’s to a fantastic fall season!

Check out pictures from this fun-filled evening:

Southport Fall Festival
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CCS-Leland Boosterthon is a Success!

CCS-Leland began quarter 2 with an unforgettable Boosterthon! Each day, students participated in daily pep rallies where they learned about fitness, leadership, and the core character values we emphasize at CCS-A. As they collected donations, students celebrated their fundraising achievements with fun prizes at each milestone.

The Boosterthon ended with an exciting Fun Run for K-5 students and a memorable Color Run for middle school students. The students demonstrated incredible spirit- not only in their running, but also in their commitment to supporting their school’s programs.

After tallying the final donations, it was revealed that CCS-Leland exceeded their goal of raising $30,000 for new gym equipment!

To see some of this action-packed day, check out the photos linked below:

CCS-Leland Boosterthon

 

 

We Want to Hear From You!

At CCS-America, we value the insights and experiences of our parents and students. Your feedback and thoughts are essential in helping us understand what makes our school special. We invite you to share what you love about our community, your experiences with our teachers, and how our programs have positively impacted your family.

Submit your thoughts HERE for a chance to win a $100 RBA Store gift card! Plus, send in a video testimonial to be entered twice! (Deadline to enter gift card giveaway is 11/26)

 

Spotlight Nomination Form

If you believe you or someone you know deserves a staff or alumni spotlight, let us know! Fill out THIS FORM to nominate someone for a newsletter spotlight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Quarter 2!

Welcome back! We are so excited for another outstanding quarter. Here is what to look forward to:

 For a look at the entire 2024-2025 calendar, click on the link below.

 School Calendar

 

Alumni Spotlight: Scarlet Taylor

Scarlet Taylor, who attended CCS-Leland from 4th to 8th grade, is a true embodiment of determination and success. She graduated from CCS-Leland in 2015 and recently earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she was active in Kappa Delta sorority, the pre-physician assistant club, and had over 800 volunteer hours.

Scarlet currently works as a medical assistant at Tidal Wellness, specializing in aesthetics and integrative medicine. She credits her success to the strong connections she made with her RBA teachers, including Ms. Brangan, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Lopez, who inspired her love for learning and instilled confidence in her abilities.

Scarlet was also part of RBA’s first National Champion cheer team, where she learned the value of perseverance. As a first-generation college graduate, she navigated her educational journey with encouragement and support from the RBA community.

Scarlet’s younger brother is a current CCS-A student. Scarlet is excited for him to benefit from the same uplifting educational experience that she had. Her journey shows us all the lasting impact of a supportive educational environment.

“I am so thankful for the teachers at this school,” Scarlet said. “You are all truly impactful.”

Congratulations, Scarlet! We are proud to have you as part of the RBA Alumni family!

Click the link below to see what Scarlet had to say about her time at CCS-A:

Scarlet’s Letter to The RBA Community

If you believe you or someone you know deserves a staff or alumni spotlight, let us know! Fill out THIS FORM to nominate someone for a newsletter spotlight!

 

 

October is National Principals Month!

October is National Principals Month, and we are excited to celebrate our incredible Headmasters and Assistant Headmasters! We are very thankful for their dedication and the hard work they put in to keep CCS-A schools thriving.

– Mr. Steve Smith, Lead Administrator

– Mrs. Laurie Benton, CCS-Leland Headmaster

– Mrs. Jessica Fortier, CCS-Leland Asst. Headmaster

– Mr. Luke Laslovich, CCS-Southport Headmaster

– Mrs. Amanda Sauls, CCS-Southport Asst. Headmaster

– Mrs. Kimberly Patrick, CCS-Whiteville Headmaster

– Mrs. Leslie Strickland, CCS-Whiteville Asst. Headmaster

– Mrs. Jourdan Crawford, CCS-Wilmington Headmaster

If you see them around, take a moment to let them know how much you appreciate them. Let’s make this month extra special for our amazing leaders!

 

 

We Want to Hear From You!

At CCS-America, we value the insights and experiences of our parents and students. Your feedback and thoughts are essential in helping us understand what makes our school special. We invite you to share what you love about our community, your experiences with our staff, and how our programs have positively impacted your family.

Submit your thoughts HERE for a chance to win a $100 RBA Store gift card! Plus, send in a video testimonial to be entered twice!

 

 

 

 

 

Shakespeare Week 2024Although cut short by the storm, CCS-America schools ended Quarter 1 by celebrating our annual Shakespeare Week! Every year, students and staff celebrate by participating in activities, crafts, and events that illustrate Shakespearean life.This year, students and staff enjoyed a Magic Show from a court jester put on by No Sleeves Magic. They also had the unique opportunity to learn about and receive a visit from various raptors from Cape Fear Raptors, including hawks and owls.Students spent the week learning about the history of the 1500s and 1600s, enjoying classical literature, and acting out some of Shakespeare’s well-known plays. They even dressed up as their favorite Shakespearean characters, such as kings, knights, fairies, wizards, and more!Check out pictures from this magical week at the link below:Shakespeare Week Pictures

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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Walter J. PoriesDuring our Staff Orientation in early July, we were honored to hear from Dr. Walter J. Pories, a distinguished Professor of Surgery, Biochemistry, and Kinesiology at East Carolina University. Dr. Pories, a Holocaust survivor, shared his remarkable story of resilience and survival, emphasizing the importance of determination and courage- virtues that are highlighted in the CCS-A Pledge.Dr. Pories has made significant contributions to medicine and research, establishing multiple cancer centers and earning numerous prestigious awards. His pioneering work has not only advanced scientific knowledge, but also encouraged more young women to enter the medical field.We are grateful to Dr. Pories for sharing his inspiring journey and valuable lessons with our staff.To watch Dr. Pories’ talk from July, click on the link below:Dr. Pories July 2024 Talk

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CCS- Whiteville Welcomes New HeadmasterWe are excited to announce the appointment of Kimberly Patrick as the new Headmaster of Classical Charter Schools of Whiteville.For the past thirteen years, Ms. Patrick has been an integral part of the CCS-Whiteville community, serving as a teacher, coach, and operations coordinator. Most recently, she has excelled as the Assistant Headmaster of CCS-Whiteville’s Middle School, leading her students to exceed academic growth targets in each of her three years.Ms. Patrick will be supported by her administrative team, with Leslie Strickland as Assistant Headmaster and Leslie Smith as Operations Coordinator. These team members, with over 35 years of combined experience at CCS-Whiteville, have served in multiple positions and received numerous honors, including recent Teacher of the Year Awards for both Ms. Strickland and Ms. Smith.Please join us in congratulating Headmaster Kimberly Patrick. We look forward to the great things she and her team will accomplish!