Darden-Perry Academy: The First of Its Kind in North Carolina — and the Second in the Nation

Education is evolving, and so are we. Darden-Perry Academy is reshaping what inclusive, bilingual, and future-ready learning looks like. As a K–12 bilingual/bimodal school serving Hearing, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and Exceptional Children, we are proudly stepping into a role that we will be the first in North Carolina to implement this model.

This is more than a milestone.

It’s a movement.

We are including all students which:

• Builds deep communication skills

• Strengthens cultural connections

• Expands social-emotional learning

• Ensures equitable opportunities for all students

💬 Why a Bilingual/Bimodal School?

Families and partners often ask:

“Why hasn’t this been done before?”

Because bilingual-bimodal education (ASL + English) is a highly specialized model that requires the right leadership, partnerships, and community need. Darden-Perry Academy brings all three together for the first time in North Carolina.

• Full K–12 access

• Inclusive enrollment for hearing and DHH students

• Research-based literacy programs

• ASL + spoken English instruction for all

• Career and technical education woven through the curriculum

Darden-Perry Academy fills that gap — boldly and intentionally.

📚 A Research-Based Academic Model

We combine leading educational frameworks to ensure student success:

Academic Excellence

• Fairview Learning for literacy and English language growth

• Rigorous K–12 curriculum aligned to state standards

• Dual-language instruction in ASL and spoken/written English

Social-Emotional Leadership

• The Positivity Project

  
  

  Helping students build resilience, empathy, and authentic leadership.

Career-Technical Pathways

Hands-on, future-focused programs including:

• Woodworking

• Sewing & textiles

• Digital arts and media/Screenprinting

• Entrepreneurship

• STEM labs

• Culinary Arts

Students leave prepared for college, workforce, and community leadership.

🏫 A Campus Designed for Accessibility & Innovation

Our future space includes:

• 52 rooms

• Four large multi-use spaces for athletics, performing arts, and CTE

• Six wide hallways for mobility and sensory-friendly navigation

• Two-way mirror classrooms for teacher coaching, training, and professional development

Every detail supports accessibility, creativity, and growth.

🌍 A Community for Every Learner

Darden-Perry Academy is a place where:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing students have full access

• Hearing students gain bilingual and cultural skills

• Exceptional learners receive support

• Parents find community

• Students become leaders

We don’t just include students — we empower them.

✨ Your Questions Help Us Grow

We are inviting the community to explore this groundbreaking school model with us.

Ask us about:

• Enrollment

• ASL/English teaching model

• Exceptional Children Support

• Gifted and Talented Learners

• College and career pathways

• Educator recruitment

• Community partnerships

• Founding board opportunities

Your curiosity shapes our future.

🤝 Join the Movement

Darden-Perry Academy is not just North Carolina’s first —

It’s a new blueprint for the nation.

Equitable.

Inclusive.

Bilingual.

Innovative.

Community-rooted.

👉 We invite you to ask questions and connect with us today.

Together, we are creating history.