Summit Charter School History & Vision

Summit Charter School began as a dream in the winter of 1996 when parents and community leaders met to discuss the need for improved options for local education.  They believed that community excellence must begin with educational excellence.  They envisioned a locally governed, public elementary and middle school that would offer the academic quality and creative opportunities of an independent, private school.  Following many months of weekly meetings, extensive planning sessions and the completion of lengthy applications, Summit was approved as one of North Carolina’s first Charter Schools.

Teachers, staff and administrators had to be hired, curriculum selected and desks and chairs ordered – all in great faith that if we built it, they would come.  Construction of the original campus was miraculously completed in five short weeks, just in time for the new school to open its doors in September of 1997.   As those first students arrived, freshly attired in their “dress code,” there was a sense of great satisfaction combined with the sobering realization that our work had just begun.

Since that time, ten classes have graduated from Summit.  The school has already  received numerous accolades and awards in recognition of its academic excellence.  Enrollment is strong and steady.  Many of the original teachers are still proudly committed to Summit, and several new teachers have joined the team.  New families continue to arrive every year – some actually moving to the area because of Summit!

Now a new and exciting chapter begins for Summit Charter School.  As we prepare to transition to our beautiful new campus, there may be the temptation to breathe another sigh of relief and believe we have achieved the dream.  Instead, it is more important than ever before to reaffirm daily the vision and ideals originally established for Summit Charter School.  Then we can celebrate both the dream and the reality that is Summit Charter School, everyday.