Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Welcomes Four New Schools in New Academic Year
Charlotte, N.C. – This academic year will be a fresh chapter for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), with the inauguration of four brand-new schools. The new additions are part of a major initiative aimed at relieving overcrowding in the district while fulfilling promises made in a bond referendum passed several years ago.
New Learning Spaces: Knights View Elementary and Ballantyne Ridge High
Among the four new venues, Knights View Elementary and Ballantyne Ridge High stand out with state-of-the-art features designed to enhance the learning experience. These schools were established using proceeds from the 2017 bond referendum, which residents warmly supported. Both intend to accommodate a large number of students while ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Knights View Elementary: Innovative Learning Spaces
Knights View Elementary, costing approximately $60 million, is equipped with 45 classrooms capable of housing up to 900 students. Notably, the school showcases several state-of-the-art features, including touchless sinks and a unique ‘Maker Space’ – a platform specifically designed to let young innovators’ creativity blossom.
First-grade teacher, Kelly Green, enthused over the opportunity to teach in the brand-new classrooms, especially with the much-needed space for interactive learning.
Ballantyne Ridge High: Addressing Overcrowding Issues
Built to alleviate overcrowding at South Meck, Ardrey Kell, and Myers Park, Ballantyne Ridge High opened its doors for the first time this academic year. The construction of the 100-classroom school commenced in 2022, following strict timelines and spatial limitations, which led to a unique campus layout, with the football field positioned at the front of the building. The school can comfortably accommodate 2,500 students.
Expectations for the New Academic Year
As these freshly minted schools gradually fill with eager students, there is high optimism for academic achievement. Knights View Principal, Summer Rogers, anticipates a vibrant learning atmosphere, with teaching and learning activities taking place practically everywhere within the school’s confines.
For Ballantyne Ridge High Principal, Michael Milliote, the infectious energy and excitement surrounding the new school is a first-of-its-kind experience in his tenure with CMS.
As the first academic year in these new environments proceeds, both schools hope that their unique features and creative learning spaces will foster a robust learning experience and ultimately translate into tangible academic achievement for their students.
