Portrait of a Learner: Scholars Academy of Albemarle's Exceptionality Academy
( Every Learner is Unique | Every Success is Celebrated)
Who Are Our Learners?
At Scholars Academy of Albemarle’s Exceptionality Academy, our scholars are extraordinary individuals navigating their unique learning journeys. From Kindergarten through 12th grade, these neurodiverse learners bring with them a rich tapestry of strengths, perspectives, and challenges. Their exceptionalities include:
| Exceptionality | Percentage of Students |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | 36% |
| ADHD | 64% |
| Gifted or Profoundly Gifted | 43% |
| Developmentally Delayed | 7% |
| High Anxiety/Perfectionism | 57% |
| Dyslexia | 14% |
| Learning Disabilities | 43% |
At Scholars Academy of Albemarle’s Exceptionality Academy, our scholars are extraordinary individuals navigating their unique learning journeys. From Kindergarten through 12th grade, these neurodiverse learners bring with them a rich tapestry of strengths, perspectives, and challenges. Their exceptionalities include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Other challenges that impact their classroom experience
Additional Insight: 86% of our students have an active IEP or are in the process of IEP referral for evaluation, ensuring individualized educational support.
Scholarship Support
100% of our scholars receive scholarship funds through a combination of school-provided and state-funded financial aid. During the 23-24 academic year, the Board of Directors of Scholars Academy approved and awarded $123,690 in school-provided financial assistance to support the enrollment of our students at Scholars Academy of Albemarle. This commitment ensures that exceptional education is accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances.
Overcoming Trauma
Many of our scholars have experienced trauma in previous school settings, including:
- Exclusion and Isolation: Feeling left out or unsupported in traditional classrooms.
- Ill-Equipped Staff: Educators unintentionally triggering dysregulation due to a lack of understanding or training.
- Misunderstanding Lens: Being viewed as “problematic” or as exhibiting “problem-behavior.”
- Severe Bullying: Enduring emotional or physical harm from peers.
We aim to break this cycle and push the boundaries of the educational system to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for every child.
At Scholars Academy, we believe in a holistic, collaborative approach to supporting neurodiverse learners. This includes:
- Partnerships with Families and Therapists: Working closely to build individualized support plans for each child.
- Expert Teachers and Specialists: Collaborating with professionals who are trained in ABA, special education, and child psychology.
- Action-Research-Based Programs: Implementing solution-based strategies tailored to each scholar’s unique needs.
- Community Partnerships:
- Downtown Police Station: Officers spend time with scholars to build positive, trusting relationships that provide a foundation for future de-escalation support if needed.
- Integrated ABA Therapists: ABA therapists play a crucial role in our classrooms by providing direct behavioral support, guiding evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with educators to create strategies that enhance learning, social-emotional development, and classroom engagement. We partner with two ABA Therapy Centers.
Our
Approach
Our teachers hold degrees in education, psychology, and special education, as well as licensure in K-12 AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted), K-12 Reading Specialist, National Board Certification, Biology, Comprehensive Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and more.
Scholars Academy is a double-accredited K-12, North Carolina Private School accredited by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) and Accreditation International (Ai).
Our 23-24 end-of-year testing data demonstrated high achievement and high growth across our school during the 23-24 academic year. Highlights include:
- Mathematics: Average achievement at the 77th percentile compared to peers nationwide, with 90% of students scoring at or above grade level.
- Reading: Average achievement at the 79th percentile, with 97% of students scoring at or above grade level.
- Growth Metrics: Percentage of projected growth met across all grades:
- Mathematics: 150%
- Reading: 191%
When compared to local schools, Scholars Academy demonstrates exceptional performance:
- Mathematics Proficiency: 90% (Scholars Academy) vs. 45% (Stanly County Schools)
- Reading Proficiency: 97% (Scholars Academy) vs. 48% (Stanly County Schools)
- Growth Metrics:
- Mathematics: 150% (Scholars Academy) vs. 105% (Stanly County Schools)
- Reading: 191% (Scholars Academy) vs. 110% (Stanly County Schools)
These results were derived from data sources as follows:
- Scholars Academy: Reported from NWEA MAP Growth Assessments
- Local & North Carolina State Data: Sourced from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) accountability results.
- National Data: Sourced from National NWEA MAP Growth Averages and Benchmarks
These results highlight the success of our tailored, research-based approach and the dedication of our scholars, families, and faculty to achieving excellence.
23-24 Growth Metrics Comparison
Below is a visual representation of the growth metrics for Mathematics and Reading during the 23-24 academic year. This chart compares Scholars Academy to Stanly County Schools, North Carolina (State), and National averages:
23-24 Proficiency Metrics Comparison
Below is a visual representation of the proficiency metrics for Mathematics and Reading during the 23-24 academic year. This chart compares Scholars Academy to Stanly County Schools, North Carolina (State), and National averages:
Relationships First, Teaching Second
We believe:
- Teaching starts with trust. Relationships are the cornerstone of our work.
- We teach children, not just “complex children,” although many are complex.
- All children are doing the best they can at any given moment. Dysregulation is communication—a signal of an unmet need.
- It is our responsibility to decipher that need and provide the support necessary for the child to gain increased functionality in the classroom environment.
Our Learning Environment
Individualized Attention: Every lesson is taught 1:1 or in small groups, ensuring personalized instruction.
Three Daily Recess Periods: Meeting physical and sensory needs with frequent opportunities for movement and sensory stimulation.
Positive Lens: Viewing every scholar’s potential with optimism and steadfast commitment.
Inclusive Mindset: We are responsible for ensuring every child learns and grows—no exceptions.
Kindness, Love, and Acceptance
At Scholars Academy, we have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. Instead, we actively teach:
- Kindness
- Love
- Acceptance
Our scholars, faculty, and families are held to the highest standard of always being kind. This foundational expectation fosters a community of support, empathy, and connection where everyone feels safe and valued.
Our Mission
To ensure every child is:
- Validated for exactly who they are
- Empowered to succeed both in and out of the classroom
Equipped with the tools and confidence to navigate the world authentically
Our Home
We’re located in the heart of Downtown Albemarle, NC: 116 S 2nd St., Albemarle, NC A place where learners thrive in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.
Success Beyond the Classroom
At Scholars Academy of Albemarle’s Exceptionality Academy, every step forward is celebrated, every effort is acknowledged, and every scholar is supported in achieving their potential. Together, we build a foundation for lifelong success—one smile, one lesson, and one moment at a time.