Darden-Perry Academy: A New Vision for Dual-Language Education in Wilmington, NC
Updated: Aug 30
Education continues to evolve, and Darden-Perry Academy is developing a distinctive approach to public education in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed tuition-free public charter school built around a schoolwide English and American Sign Language (ASL) Dual Language Framework designed to strengthen communication, academic achievement, collaboration, cultural awareness, leadership, and future readiness.
The school plans to open in July 2027 with Grades K–8 and grow by one grade each year through Grade 12, pending charter approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education. Our vision extends beyond simply teaching a second language.
We are building a school community where students develop proficiency in English and American Sign Language while pursuing academic excellence and preparing for the opportunities ahead.
Why English and American Sign Language?
Language gives students powerful ways to communicate, connect, collaborate, and understand the world around them. At Darden-Perry Academy, English and American Sign Language will be intentionally incorporated into the educational experience. Students will develop skills in both languages while participating in rigorous academics, STEM, hands-on learning, character development, leadership opportunities, and preparation for college and careers.
Our proposed educational model includes:
An English and American Sign Language dual-language pathway
English literacy and academic instruction aligned with North Carolina standards
Structured American Sign Language development
Rigorous academic expectations
STEM and hands-on learning
Project-based learning opportunities
Leadership and character development
College and career preparation
Our goal is not simply to offer ASL as an elective. English and American Sign Language will be meaningful parts of how students learn, communicate, collaborate, and connect as one school community.
Two Languages. One Connected Community.
Darden-Perry Academy's Dual Language Framework is designed for all students who choose our school. Students will learn alongside one another while developing communication skills, building relationships, solving problems, and learning from different perspectives.
Our framework is designed to help students:
Develop proficiency in English and American Sign Language
Strengthen communication and collaboration
Build confidence
Develop cultural awareness
Think critically and solve problems
Become effective communicators and leaders
We believe learning two languages can give students another way to understand ideas, communicate with others, and participate in an increasingly connected world.
A Strong Academic Foundation
Academic excellence is central to Darden-Perry Academy. Students will receive rigorous instruction aligned with North Carolina academic standards while developing proficiency in English and American Sign Language.
Our educational framework will emphasize strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, STEM, technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Teachers will use effective instructional practices and meaningful learning experiences to help students build knowledge, apply what they learn, and continue growing academically. Our goal is to develop students who can think, communicate, create, collaborate, and solve problems.
Innovation Through STEM and Hands-On Learning
Students learn differently when they have opportunities to apply what they know.
Darden-Perry Academy plans to incorporate hands-on and project-based learning that encourages students to ask questions, investigate ideas, design solutions, create, test, improve, and communicate their findings. STEM learning will provide opportunities for students to connect science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to real-world challenges. These experiences can help students develop curiosity, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Preparing Students for College, Careers, and Life
Education should prepare students not only for the next grade level, but also for the opportunities they will encounter after graduation. As Darden-Perry Academy grows into its planned K–12 model, the school intends to develop opportunities for career exploration, hands-on learning, advanced coursework, and future career and technical education pathways.
Potential areas of exploration may include:
STEM
Technology
Digital arts and media
Entrepreneurship
Culinary arts
Design and skilled trades
Career and technical education pathways
Specific programs and course offerings will be developed as the school grows and will depend upon student interest, staffing, resources, facilities, and applicable program requirements. Our long-term goal is for graduates to leave Darden-Perry Academy prepared for college, careers, continued learning, and leadership.
Character and Leadership Matter
Academic knowledge is only one part of preparing students for the future.
Darden-Perry Academy plans to intentionally develop qualities such as integrity, responsibility, empathy, resilience, confidence, collaboration, and leadership throughout the educational experience. Students will have opportunities to take responsibility for their learning, contribute to their school community, work with others, and develop the confidence to lead. We want students to understand that success includes not only what they know, but also how they use their knowledge and abilities to contribute to the world around them.
Families as Partners
Strong schools are built through strong relationships with families.
Darden-Perry Academy envisions families as important partners in the school community. Through communication, family information sessions, school events, volunteer opportunities, and other forms of engagement, families will have opportunities to understand the school's educational model and participate in the development of the school community. Our goal is to create a culture in which students, educators, families, and community partners work toward a shared purpose: helping students learn, grow, communicate, lead, and succeed.
Growing From K–8 Through Grade 12
Darden-Perry Academy plans to open with Grades K–8 in July 2027 and add one grade each year until the school serves students through Grade 12.
This planned growth model will allow the school to develop its secondary and high school programming intentionally while students and families grow with the Darden-Perry community. Over time, the vision is to create a complete educational pathway that prepares students from their early academic years through high school graduation.
Building Our Future in Wilmington
Darden-Perry Academy is actively working through the planning necessary to establish its future school community in Wilmington. This work includes charter authorization, academic planning, facility development, zoning and regulatory requirements, fundraising, staffing preparation, community engagement, and operational planning. Each step brings the school closer to its proposed opening.
As important milestones are reached, we will continue sharing updates with families and the community.
A School Community Built for All Students
Darden-Perry Academy is being developed around several core ideas:
Two Languages. Students develop proficiency in English and American Sign Language. Academic Excellence. Students experience rigorous academics designed to build strong foundations and prepare them for continued success.
Communication and Collaboration. Students learn to express ideas, understand others, build relationships, and work effectively together. Innovation.
STEM and hands-on learning encourage curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Leadership and Character. Students develop confidence, integrity, responsibility, empathy, resilience, and leadership.
One Community. Students learn together, grow together, and contribute to a connected school community.
Join the Darden-Perry Academy Journey
Darden-Perry Academy is still growing, planning, and building the foundation for its proposed July 2027 opening. Families and community members can follow our progress through school news, upcoming events, family information sessions, and official Darden-Perry Academy social media channels. Families interested in Darden-Perry Academy are encouraged to join our Family Interest List for future updates and enrollment information. Individuals interested in employment or volunteering can also register to receive future opportunities.
Community members and organizations interested in supporting the school can learn more about opportunities to contribute to Darden-Perry Academy's development.
Soar Beyond Expectations
Darden-Perry Academy represents a different vision for public education in Wilmington:
English and American Sign Language. Academic Excellence. STEM and Innovation. Communication and Collaboration. Leadership and Character. One Connected Community. We are building toward a school where students don't simply attend.
They learn. They communicate. They collaborate. They lead. And they soar beyond expectations.
Two Languages. One Connected Community. Endless Possibilities.
Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed tuition-free public charter school in Wilmington, North Carolina. Proposed opening: July 2027 with Grades K–8, growing one grade annually through Grade 12, pending charter approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education.
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