North Carolina Connections Academy, State’s Newest Fully Virtual Charter School, Names Nathan Currie Principal
Durham, NC (PRWEB) June 11, 2015 -- North Carolina Connections Academy (NCCA), the state’s newest full-time virtual public charter school serving grades K–9 across the state, has named North Carolina public school educator Nathan Currie as principal. Currently enrolling students in grades K-9 across North Carolina and set to open this August, NCCA brings a fully-accredited, tuition-free online public education directly into the homes of students or wherever there is Internet access 24/7.
Currie, a North Carolina resident, has built his 15-year education career in the Tar Heel state. Most recently, he served as Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Athletics for the Rowan-Salisbury Schools—the 18th largest school system in North Carolina, with a 20,000 student population spanning 36 schools. Currie was instrumental in overseeing alternative education, student services, policy development, school safety, and rolling out a 1:1 Digital Conversion, which allowed every student to take ownership of a digital device.
“I am excited that North Carolina will become more leading edge and innovative in education by providing virtual school access to families and children throughout the state,” NCCA Principal Nathan Currie said. “With the support of certified North Carolina teachers, students will now have the flexibility to interact with their curriculum and educational resources at their own pace—all within the comforts of their home. I am thrilled to lead this school; creating a digital footprint for how we are changing education in North Carolina with technology.”
Prior to serving as Assistant Superintendent, Currie served as Principal of the district’s H.D. Isenberg Elementary School and Assistant Principal of North Rowan Middle School. He has also served as Director of Middle Schools and Special Programs for Duplin County Schools, and began his education career at Rowan-Salisbury Schools as a teacher at Hanford Dole Elementary School and was named Teacher of the Year. Currie earned a Master of Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Livingstone College in Salisbury.
Currie will work from NCCA’s teaching center in Durham to manage the school operations and provide leadership to create an exceptional virtual school experience for students statewide. The school has also hired Christina Robinson, of Durham, as assistant principal, and is continuing to hire North Carolina-based administrative staff and state-certified teachers.
Bryan Setser, Board President of North Carolina Connections Academy, commented, “Mr. Currie brings a wealth of education expertise and leadership experience to NCCA, as well as a passion for helping students achieve academic success and reach their maximum potential. We look forward to the school’s inaugural year and great accomplishments of NCCA students, faculty and staff under his leadership.”
The school will combine North Carolina-certified teachers, an award-winning curriculum, technology tools, engaging electives, and social experiences to create a supportive and successful online learning program for families and students who want an individualized approach to education. As a public virtual charter school, all students will be required to take the same state assessments as traditional school students measuring their mastery of North Carolina state academic standards.
Students will learn from North Carolina teachers using detailed daily lesson plans that can be personalized to meet individual student needs. A parent, or another caring adult “Learning Coach,” will monitor student progress. Virtual school serves a wide variety of students, including those who are significantly ahead or behind in the classroom, those who need a flexible schedule or learn at a different pace from their peers, and those who need more individualized attention or live in rural settings. Homebound and previously home-schooled students can also thrive in NCCA’s virtual school program.
Enrollment for the 2015-16 school year is underway for up to 1,500 students in grades K-9. Families interested in learning more are invited to attend an online or in-person information session. For additional information, visit http://www.NorthCarolinaConnectionsAcademy.com.
About North Carolina Connections Academy
North Carolina Connections Academy (NCCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter pilot school for students in grades K-9. The school was approved in February 2015 by the North Carolina State Board of Education and will deliver a fully accredited education beginning in the 2015-2016 school year. NCCA provides students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere there is an Internet connection and with an innovative online curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards. The combination of certified North Carolina-based teachers, an award-winning curriculum, engaging electives, technology tools, and social experiences provides a supportive online learning opportunity for students who want an individualized approach to education. NCCA can initially enroll up to 1,500 students from across the state in grades K-9, and a grade level will be added each school year. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit http://www.NorthCarolinaConnectionsAcademy.com.
Rachel Smith, Connections Education, +1 (443) 873-1737, [email protected]
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