Latest Update on the Proposed Darden-Perry Academy Charter School in Wilmington, NC

The vision for Darden-Perry Academy continues to move forward.

Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed tuition-free public charter school planned for Wilmington, North Carolina, with a distinctive educational model built around English and American Sign Language (ASL) dual-language education, rigorous academics, STEM, communication, leadership, and character development.

The school is proposed 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.

As Darden-Perry Academy moves through the charter approval and planning process, our focus remains clear: building a strong educational program and school community designed for all students.

Moving Through the North Carolina Charter Process

Opening a North Carolina public charter school requires an extensive review and planning process. Darden-Perry Academy has continued to advance through that process while the Board and school leadership strengthen the academic, operational, financial, governance, and facility plans required to successfully open and operate the school. The review process provides an important opportunity to demonstrate not only what makes Darden-Perry Academy distinctive, but also how the school intends to deliver a rigorous and sustainable educational program.

Our team continues to use feedback throughout the process to strengthen the school's plans and prepare for the next stages of development.

A Dual-Language School for All Students

At the center of Darden-Perry Academy is a simple but powerful idea:

Two Languages. One Connected Community. Students will learn through English and American Sign Language as part of a schoolwide Dual Language Framework.

English instruction will support the development of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and academic language skills. American Sign Language instruction will develop students' receptive and expressive ASL skills. As students progress through the grades, they will have opportunities to build increasing proficiency in both languages. This model is designed for all students who choose Darden-Perry Academy.

Academic Excellence and Innovation

Dual-language learning is one part of a broader academic vision. Darden-Perry Academy will maintain high academic expectations while providing students with meaningful opportunities to communicate, collaborate, think critically, and solve problems. The educational program will emphasize strong foundations in literacy and mathematics along with science, social studies, STEM, technology, leadership, and character development. Hands-on learning will give students opportunities to move beyond simply receiving information. Students will be encouraged to ask questions, investigate, create, test ideas, solve problems, and communicate what they have learned. Our goal is to develop students who are prepared to succeed academically and apply their knowledge confidently in the world beyond the classroom.

Planning for a Wilmington Home

Darden-Perry Academy is actively completing the facility and regulatory planning necessary to establish its future home in Wilmington. Facility development for a new charter school involves multiple steps, including site planning, zoning, lease negotiations, building requirements, and preparations for future occupancy.

That work is part of the larger planning process taking place before the proposed July 2027 opening. As facility milestones are finalized, Darden-Perry Academy will share appropriate updates with families and the community.

Growing From K–8 to K–12

Darden-Perry Academy plans to begin by serving Grades K–8 in its first year.

The school will then add one grade each year until it serves students through Grade 12. This planned growth will allow Darden-Perry Academy to build its secondary program intentionally while creating continuity for students and families as the school community grows. The long-term vision is a K–12 educational community where students can progress from their early school years through graduation within the Darden-Perry educational model.

Building the Darden-Perry Community

A school is more than a building or an academic program. It is a community.

As Darden-Perry Academy moves toward its proposed opening, we are building relationships with families, educators, volunteers, community organizations, businesses, and supporters who are interested in the school's vision.

Community information sessions, school events, volunteer opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and family outreach will continue to be important parts of the school's development. These opportunities allow the community to learn more about Darden-Perry Academy while helping the school build a strong foundation before opening its doors.

Opportunities to Support Darden-Perry Academy

Building a new public charter school requires significant preparation before the first student enters a classroom. Darden-Perry Academy continues to develop the resources, relationships, and community support necessary for a successful opening. Individuals, businesses, organizations, and community partners interested in supporting the school's development will have opportunities to participate through volunteering, community engagement, partnerships, and charitable giving.

Every relationship we build now contributes to the foundation of the future school community.

Stay Connected With Our Progress

The months ahead will include important milestones for Darden-Perry Academy.

Families and community members can follow our progress through the Darden-Perry Academy website, news updates, events, and official social media channels.

Families interested in the school are encouraged to join the Darden-Perry Academy Family Interest List to receive information about school developments, upcoming events, family information sessions, and future enrollment opportunities.

Prospective employees and volunteers can also register their interest through the school's Employment and Volunteer Interest form.

Looking Ahead

Darden-Perry Academy is being developed around a distinctive vision for public education in Wilmington:

English and American Sign Language.

Rigorous academics.

STEM and innovation.

Communication and collaboration.

Leadership and character.

One connected school community.

There is still important work ahead as the school moves through the charter authorization and pre-opening process. We will continue approaching that work carefully while keeping families and the community informed about significant developments.

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.