OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

Charter Schools

Lake Lure Classical Academy

Celebrating its 13th year, Lake Lure Classical Academy is a kindergarten through 12th-grade tuition-free public charter school that is open to all North Carolina students. Because we offer free bus transportation, we have over 500 students attending from across four counties. LLCA incorporates an engaging Core Knowledge curriculum that adheres to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and fine arts. The high school program offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum leading to a high school diploma. Students may also choose to participate in the College and Career Promise enabling them to take classes through Isothermal Community College (ICC). In addition to a high school diploma, students may also earn an Associate of Arts or Science Degree. There are also opportunities for students to earn certificates in courses such as computer science, welding, and machining through our partnership with ICC. LLCA also has a robust performing arts program and comprehensive athletics program.

1058 Island Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746 828-625-9292, llcharter.org

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a public charter school in Rutherford County. For over twenty years, we have been a college preparatory school option for our community, using the classical model of education. This model follows the Trivium, the three natural stages of human development involving Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.

At TJCA our goal is not just to impart knowledge to our students, but to equip them to think and learn for themselves, for the rest of their lives. The Trivium does this by grounding students early on with the Grammar stage: during the elementary school years and into middle school, students use observation and memorization to master basic facts dealing with history, literature, art, science, and mathematics. They are then ready for the Logic stage, starting in middle school and progressing into high school: through the Socratic method, students build the skills of discursive reasoning, learning to form and defend sound arguments. In the Rhetoric stage (high school), students develop the ability to communicate persuasively; they express the knowledge and logic they have acquired through public speaking, culminating in a senior thesis presentation and defense. These three steps build on each other to produce well-rounded, thoughtful students who understand the purpose of education and are ready to learn on their own.

Beyond academics, we offer an arts program for our many musicians, actors, and painters, and we have plenty of athletic opportunities ranging from football and soccer to basketball and tennis.

Grammar School:

1110 South Broadway, Forest City, NC 28043, 828-245-9526

Middle School:

2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro, NC 28114, 828-282-2170

High School:

2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro, NC 28114, 828-657-9998, tjca.org

Private

Landrum First Baptist Weekday Preschool

A ministry of the church, the weekday preschool provides education for ages two through four, as well as Toddler Time, a supportive ministry to families with toddlers. We strive to provide a quality program where teachers plan activities to meet the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each child.

300 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, 864-457-4448

Tryon Seventh-Day Adventist School

Offers education of the “whole person,” grades K-8. The home, school, church and community participate in the procedure of education, which also blends into the basic message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

2820 Lynn Rd., Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-6889; tryonadventistschool.org.

Home School

Home Schooling

For more information about home schools, curriculum, testing, requirements and recommendations, call 984-236-0110 or visit ncadmin.nc.gov/public/home-school-information.

Higher Education

Isothermal Community College, Polk Center

Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult High School (AHS) and General Educational Development (GED). English Second Language (ESL) is available free of charge for adults. Provides continuing education opportunities for adults who desire to upgrade their capabilities for professional success or to enrich their personal lives.

1255 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722 828-894-3092, isothermal.edu/continuing-education/polk-center