Darden-Perry Academy Charter School
An Innovative Dual-Language
English and American Sign Language (ASL)Public Charter School
WELCOME TO DARDEN-PERRY ACADEMY
A Dual-Language English/ASL Public Charter School for All Students
Darden-Perry Academy is excited to announce its proposed opening in July 2027! Located in the heart of Wilmington, North Carolina, Darden-Perry Academy will be an innovative, year-round public charter school offering a unique dual-language educational experience through English and American Sign Language (ASL).
Our school is founded on the belief that language access, inclusion, and academic excellence benefit all learners. Through our dual-language English/ASL model, students will develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness, leadership abilities, and the academic foundation necessary for college, career, and lifelong success.
Darden-Perry Academy is intentionally designed as a K–12 public charter school with a clear pathway from kindergarten through graduation. The school will open serving grades K–8 and will add one grade level each year until reaching K–12 in Year Five, culminating in its first graduating class.
As we grow, our commitment will remain the same: providing a rigorous, inclusive, and innovative learning environment where students are empowered to achieve their highest potential and become confident contributors to their communities and the world.
Join us as we build a school where two languages, one community, and unlimited opportunities create a foundation for excellence for every learner.
drdarden-perry@dardenperryacademy.net
Phone: 910-275-4756
A Message from the Founder
Welcome to Darden-Perry Academy Charter School.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our vision for a new educational opportunity in Wilmington, North Carolina. Darden-Perry Academy was founded with a commitment to providing students with an innovative, high-quality education that promotes academic excellence, meaningful communication, and lifelong success.
Our unique dual-language English and American Sign Language (ASL) model is designed to prepare students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and future leaders. By fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a love of learning, we aim to empower students to reach their full potential while developing the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
At Darden-Perry Academy, we believe strong partnerships among families, educators, and the community are essential to student success. Together, we can create a school culture that inspires achievement, encourages leadership, and supports every student's educational journey.
Thank you for your interest in Darden-Perry Academy Charter School. I am excited about the future and look forward to building a school community where students are empowered to learn, lead, and succeed.
Dr. Rebecca Darden-Perry
Founder
Darden-Perry Academy Charter School
Mission
Darden-Perry Academy Charter School's mission is to provide an innovative dual-language education through English and American Sign Language (ASL) that empowers students to achieve academic excellence, communicate effectively, and become engaged citizens. Through full language access, high expectations, and meaningful learning experiences, we prepare students for success in college, careers, and an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Philosophy
Darden-Perry Academy Charter School believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality education in a supportive, communicative, and inclusive learning environment. As a bilingual-bimodal school, we embrace English and American Sign Language (ASL) as equal languages of instruction, fostering strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and academic achievement.
We believe diverse learning communities enrich the educational experience for all students. Through rigorous academics, character development, leadership opportunities, and meaningful family partnerships, we cultivate critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens prepared to succeed in college, careers, and life.
Our vision is to provide a seamless K–12 educational pathway that develops confident communicators, future leaders, and college- and career-ready graduates who are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed public charter school currently seeking authorization.
Our Approach
At Darden-Perry Academy Charter School, we believe every student deserves an education that fosters academic excellence, meaningful communication, strong character, and lifelong success. Our unique approach combines a dual-language English and American Sign Language (ASL) framework with high expectations, hands-on learning, family engagement, and a commitment to developing future leaders.
Our Pillars of Excellence
Dual-Language Education (English & ASL)
Building confident communicators through two languages.
Communication Access
Creating an environment where communication, collaboration, and connection are valued.
Character & Integrity
Developing leadership, responsibility, respect, perseverance, and positive relationships through character education and The Positivity Project.
Small Class Sizes
Providing personalized attention and meaningful relationships that support student success.
Health & Wellness
Promoting student well-being through yoga, mindfulness, movement, and healthy lifestyle practices.
Hands-On Learning
Engaging students through project-based learning, exploration, creativity, and real-world applications.
High Expectations & Academic Excellence
Challenging students to achieve their highest potential while providing the support needed for success.
Leadership Development
Empowering students to become confident leaders in their school, community, and beyond.
Technology & Digital Citizenship
Preparing students to use technology responsibly, ethically, and effectively in a digital world.
College & Career Readiness
Equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for success after graduation.
Weekly Parent Classes & Family Partnerships
Strengthening the home-school connection through ongoing parent education, engagement, and collaboration.
Community Partnerships & Service Learning
Connecting learning to the real world through community involvement, service, and meaningful partnerships.
Growing with Our Students
Darden-Perry Academy Charter School is intentionally designed as a K–12 educational pathway. The school will open serving grades K–8 and will add one grade level each year until reaching K–12 in Year Five. This thoughtful growth model ensures students experience the full Darden-Perry Academy program and allows the school to graduate its first class of college- and career-ready students who fully reflect the mission, vision, and values of our school.