Accreditation is the launchpad for school improvement. The process probes the whole institution—from policies to learning conditions and cultural context—to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of every learner. Accreditation isn’t about passing a one-time inspection—it helps education providers meet improvement goals and sustain commitments to better learner outcomes.
Cognia (and its legacy agency SACS CASI) is the world’s largest education community, serving more than 30,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate over 16 million students. Cognia provides trusted expertise and actionable ideas that help schools continuously improve.
The North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) is an association of almost 90 independent schools* across the state, with the mission to promote educational excellence and empower member schools to thrive in pursuit of their missions.
NCAIS provides a wide variety of professional learning opportunities, advocates for independent education in the public domain and with the state legislature, provides guidance and support for heads and boards, and offers value-added resources and partnerships. NCAIS also serves as a liaison with regional accrediting bodies and the National Association of Independent Schools.
WHY NCA?
Grades K5-5 are basic foundational learning years in which our teachers strive to cultivate a love of learning within all students. In kindergarten through second grade, students are introduced to basic phonics, language, reading, handwriting, and mathematics skills. Upper elementary students are provided structured learning in language skills, Bible, spelling, reading, math, science, and history.
| Grade | Curricula | Enrichment Classes |
| K5 | Abeka, ACSI | Art, Library, Music, PE, Technology |
| Grade 1 | Abeka, ACSI | Art, Choir, Music, Library, PE, Technology |
| Grade 2 | Abeka, ACSI, BJU | Art, Choir, Music, Library, PE, Technology |
| Grade 3 | Abeka, BJU | Art, Choir, Music, Library, PE, Technology |
| Grade 4 | BJU | Art, Choir, Music, Library, PE, Technology |
| Grade 5 | BJU | Art, Band, Choir, PE, Technology |
The Middle School curriculum builds on what is learned in elementary school and prepares the students for courses in High School. Reading skills (including interpretation and analysis), critical thinking skills, and reasoning are emphasized in all subject areas.
All students entering 9th grade begin a college preparatory program designed to meet/exceed all University of North Carolina system college entrance requirements.
*25 Total Credits required
Educational Support Services (ESS) at NCA are designed to provide the necessary instruction and support to students with different learning needs than a typical student. This would include students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, cognitive disabilities, Autism spectrum, Down Syndrome, and other diagnoses that impact learning. We offer two programs: The Learning Academy and Learning Support.
The Learning Academy provides more intensive support in a separate classroom with a special education teacher. These classrooms are highly structured and provide the necessary small group and one-on-one instruction. Integration with typically developing peers is essential to their development and look for opportunities for students to interact with same-age peers when appropriate. This may include time in the general education classroom, lunch, enrichment classes, and/or recess.
Learning Support is designed for students who are able to function in a general education classroom, but require classroom modifications or pull-out instruction in a small group for reading, writing and/or math. This program has limited availability and is only available to currently enrolled students.
