Photos courtesy of Cumberland County Schools
The Cumberland County School System
Each day, we at Cumberland County Schools open our doors and welcome nearly 50,000 students into our community of schools that have everything each child needs to become capable, confident and successful in life. From caring teachers, rigorous academics, and social and emotional development, to support services, athletics and extracurricular activities, CCS focuses on meeting the needs of “the whole child.’’
Our premier professionals are passionate about being a support system that builds a positive relationship with each child. They are also passionate about engaging families as partners to help our students achieve academic success in the classroom and beyond.
In our 86 schools, there are caring and dedicated teachers and support staff who are skilled in knowing the diverse needs of each child and bringing out their potential — they have a laser-like focus on helping them “become their best selves.’’
In CCS, families have educational options through our Choice Programs and neighborhood schools that are tailored to appeal to each child’s interests and the ways they learn best. Initiatives
that include language immersion (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese), the arts, year-round schedules, virtual learning, and specialized studies (global and classical), as well as early colleges, numerous academies (math and science, finance, green technology, fire, information technology, engineering technologies, health sciences; and technology) and programs in collision repair and international baccalaureate, have enabled CCS to develop a reputation of offering high-quality learning options that match the learning needs of every child.
CCS has a diverse student population that represents more than 87 different countries and 68 native languages. More than 14,000 CCS students are military/federally connected. As one of the founding members of the Military Compact and Military Child Education Coalition, the district has built a support system for the military child. With the help of committed community members, we are delighted to provide engaging learning experiences that prepare every student to be competitive, collaborative, and successful in our global world. To learn more about CCS, including enrollment and partnership opportunities, visit our website at ccs.k12.nc.us. n
Photo courtesy of Cumberland County Schools
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Alderman Road Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 2860 Alderman Road Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-321-0398
Alma Easom Primary Grades K – 1 1610 Westlawn Ave.
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 910-484-0194
School of Choice: Core Knowledge
Armstrong Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 3395 Dunn Road Eastover, NC 28312
Phone: 910-483-2425
School of Choice: Technology
Ashley Elementary Grades 3 – 5 810 Trainer Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-484-4156
School of Choice: Communications w/ Foreign Language
Beaver Dam Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 12059 NC Hwy 210 Roseboro, NC 28382
Phone: 910-838-0008
Ben Martin Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5
430 N. Reilly Road Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-864-4843
School of Choice: Accelerated Learning
Bill Hefner Elementary Grades K – 5 7059 Calamar Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314
Phone: 910-860-7058
Brentwood Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 1115 Bingham Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-864-5310
C. Wayne Collier Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 3522 Sturbridge Drive
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-424-7200
School of Choice: Core Knowledge
Cliffdale Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 6450 Cliffdale Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-864-3442
Uniform Dress Code
College Lakes Elementary Grades K – 5 4963 Rosehill Road
Fayetteville, NC 28311
Phone: 910-488-6650
School of Choice: Technology
Cumberland Mills
Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 2576 Hope Mills Road
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-424-4536
School of Choice: Math
Cumberland Road
Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 2700 Cumberland Road Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-485-7171
School of Choice: Montessoriemphasized Pre-K – 1
Cumberland Academy K–5
Virtual School Grades K – 5 800 North St. Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-500-7584
School of Choice: Virtual Academy
District 7 Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 5721 Smithfield Road Wade, NC 28395
Phone: 910-483-0001
School of Choice: Classical Studies
E.E. Miller Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 1361 Rim Road
Fayetteville, NC 28314
Phone: 910-868-2800
Year Round School
School of Choice: Language Immersion
E. Melvin Honeycutt
Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
4665 Lakewood Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-426-2020
Ed V. Baldwin Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
4441 Legion Road
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-425-0145
Eastover-Central
Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
5174 Dunn Road
Eastover, NC 28312
Phone: 910-483-8997
School of Choice: Arts
Elizabeth Cashwell
Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
2970 Legion Road
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-424-2312
Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Classical Studies
Ferguson-Easley
Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
1857 Seabrook Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-483-4883
School of Choice: Math and Science
Gallberry Farm Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
8109 Byerly Drive
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-424-1490
Glendale Acres Elementary
Grades K – 2
2915 Skycrest Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-484-9031
School of Choice: Communications with Foreign Language
Gray’s Creek Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 2964 School Road
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-483-3352
Internationally Themed
Howard Hall Elementary
Grades K – 5 526 Andrews Road
Fayetteville, NC 28311
Phone: 910-822-5100
School of Choice: Classical Studies and Language Immersion (offered K only)
J.W. Coon Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
905 Hope Mills Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-425-6141
J.W. Seabrook Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
4619 NC Hwy. 210 S. Fayetteville, NC 28312
Phone: 910-323-2930
School of Choice: Classical Studies
Lake Rim Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
1455 Hoke Loop Road
Fayetteville, NC 28314
Phone: 910-867-1133
School of Choice: Accelerated Learning with Science and Primary 1 (offered K-1 only)
Long Hill Elementary Grades 2 – 5 6490 Ramsey St.
Fayetteville, NC 28311
Phone: 910-488-0012
School of Choice: LearningCentered Academy
Loyd Auman Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 6882 Raeford Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-868-8153
School of Choice: Technology
Lucile Souders Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5
128 Hillview Ave. Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-488-6705
School of Choice: Math and Science
Manchester Elementary Grades K – 5 611 Spring Ave. Spring Lake, NC 28390 Phone: 910-436-2151
Uniform Dress Code School of Choice: Math and Natural Science
Margaret Willis Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 1412 Belvedere Ave. Fayetteville, NC 28305 Phone: 910-484-9064
Uniform Dress Code School of Choice: Technology
Mary McArthur Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 3809 Village Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-424-2206
School of Choice: Arts, A+ School
Montclair Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 555 Glensford Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Phone: 910-868-5124
Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Primary 1 (offered K – 1 only)
Morganton Road Elementary Grades K – 5
102 Bonanza Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303 Phone: 910-867-4137
School of Choice: Language Immersion
New Century International Elementary Grades K – 5
7465 Century Circle Fayetteville, NC 28306 Phone: 910-487-2340
Language Immersion (Mandarin Chinese)
Ponderosa Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 311 Bonanza Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303 Phone: 910-864-0148
Uniform Dress Code School of Choice: Math
Raleigh Road Elementary Grades K – 1 8330 Ramsey St. Linden, NC 28356 Phone: 910-488-0850
Rockfish Elementary Grades K – 5 5763 Rockfish Road Hope Mills, NC 28348 Phone: 910-424-5313
Sherwood Park Elementary Grades Pre-K – 5 2115 Hope Mills Road Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-424-4797
School of Choice: Technology
Stedman Elementary Grades 2 – 5
7370 Clinton Road
Stedman, NC 28391 Phone: 910-483-3886
School of Choice: Math
Stedman Primary Grades Pre-K – 1 155 E. First St. Stedman, NC 28391 Phone: 910-484-6954
School of Choice: Math
Stoney Point Elementary Grades K – 5
7411 Rockfish Road Fayetteville, NC 28306 Phone: 910-424-3945
Sunnyside Elementary Grades K – 5
3876 Sunnyside School Road Fayetteville, NC 28312 Phone: 910-483-4319
Vanstory Hills Elementary Grades 2 – 5
400 Foxhall Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-483-0809
William H. Owen Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
4533 Raeford Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-425-6163
Uniform Dress Code School of Choice: Language Immersion – Spanish
W. T. Brown Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
2522 Andrews Church Road
Spring Lake, NC 28390
Phone: 910-497-1258
Uniform Dress Code School of Leadership
Walker-Spivey Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
500 Fisher Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-483-5656
Uniform Dress Code
Warrenwood Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5 4618 Rosehill Road
Fayetteville, NC 28311
Phone: 910-488-6609
Westarea Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 5
941 Country Club Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-488-1705
Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Math and Science
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Anne Chesnutt Middle Grades 6 – 8 2121 Skibo Road
Fayetteville, NC 28314
Phone: 910-867-9147
Year Road School, Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Foreign Language and Global Communication
Cumberland Academy 6-12
Virtual School Grades 6 – 12
800 North St. Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-500-7985
School of Choice: Virtual Academy
Douglas Byrd Middle Grades 6 – 8 1616 Ireland Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-483-3101
Gray’s Creek Middle Grades 6 – 8 5151 Celebration Drive Hope Mills, NC 28348 Phone: 910-483-4124
Hope Mills Middle Grades 6 – 8 4975 Cameron Road Hope Mills, NC 28348 Phone: 910-425-5106
Howard Learning Academy Grades 6 – 8 1608 Camden Road Fayetteville, NC 28306 Phone: 910-483-5434
Uniform Dress Code
John R. Griffin Middle Grades 6 – 8 5551 Fisher Road Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-424-7678
Lewis Chapel Middle Grades 6 – 8 2150 Skibo Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 Phone: 910-864-1407
Uniform Dress Code School of Choice: Cultural and Performing Arts
Luther ‘Nick’ Jeralds Middle Grades 6 – 8 2517 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 Phone: 910-822-2570
School of Choice: Math and Science
Mac Williams Middle Grades 6 – 8 4644 Clinton Road Fayetteville, NC 28312 Phone: 910-483-8222
Max Abbott Middle Grades 6 – 8 590 Winding Creek Road
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 910-323-2201
School of Choice: Global Studies
New Century International Middle Grades 6 – 8
7455 Century Circle
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-487-2001
School of Choice: Language Immersion
Pine Forest Middle
Grades 6 – 8
6901 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28311
Phone: 910-488-2711
School of Choice: Learning Styles
Reid Ross Classical Grades 6 – 12
3200 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-488-8415
Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Year-Round Classical Studies
Seventy-First Classical
Middle Grades 6 – 8
6830 Raeford Road Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-864-0092
Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Classical Studies
Southview Middle Grades 6 – 8 4100 Elk Road
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-424-3131
Uniform Dress Code
School of Choice: Multiple Intelligences
Spring Lake Middle
Grades 6 – 8
612 Spring Ave.
Spring Lake, NC 28390
Phone: 910-497-1175
Westover Middle
Grades 6 – 8
275 Bonanza Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-864-0813
Uniform Dress Code
HIGH SCHOOLS
A.B. Wilkins High Grades: 9 – 12
1429 Skibo Road Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-864-5438
Uniform Dress Code
Cape Fear High
Grades 9 – 12
4762 Clinton Road
Fayetteville, NC 28312
Phone: 910-483-0191
School of Choice: FFA
Academy of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Cross Creek Early College
High
Grades 9 – 12
1200 Murchison Road
Butler Building, Suite 100
Fayetteville, NC 28301
On Campus of Fayetteville
State University
Phone: 910-500-7551
School of Choice: Accelerated Learning and College Credit
Cumberland International
Early College High Grades 9 – 12
1200 Murchison Road
J. Knuckles Building Fayetteville, NC 28301
On Campus of Fayetteville State University
Phone: 910 226-6485
School of Choice: Accelerated Learning and College Credit, Focus on Language, Culture and Diplomacy
Cumberland Polytechnic High
Grades 9 – 12
2201 Hull Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
On Campus of Fayetteville
Technical Community College Phone: 910-486-7300
Cumberland Academy 6-12
Virtual School Grades: 6 – 12
800 North St. Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-500-7985
School of Choice: Virtual Academy
Douglas Byrd High Grades 9 – 12
1624 Ireland Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: 910-484-8121
School of Choice: Academy of Finance and Academy of Green Technology
E. E. Smith High Grades 9 – 12
1800 Seabrook Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Phone: 910-483-0153
School of Choice: Fire Science and Academy of Math and Science
Gray’s Creek High Grades 9 – 12
5301 Celebration Drive
Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-424-8589
School of Choice: Academy of Information Technology
Jack Britt High School Grades 9 – 12
7403 Rockfish Road
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-429-2800
School of Choice: Integrated Systems Technology and Applied Engineering
Massey Hill Classical High Grades 9 – 12
1062 Southern Ave. Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-485-8761
School of Choice: Classical Studies
Uniform Dress Code
Pine Forest High Grades 9 – 12 525 Andrews Road Fayetteville, NC 28311
Phone: 910-488-2384
School of Choice: Academy of Information Technology
Ramsey Street High Grades 9 – 12 117 Quincy St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 Phone: 910-437-5829
Reid Ross Classical High Grades 6 – 12
3200 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 Phone: 910-488-8415
Uniform Dress Code Year-Round
School of Choice: Classical Studies
Seventy-First High Grades 9 – 12
6764 Raeford Road Fayetteville, NC 28304 Phone: 910-867-3116
School of Choice: School of Arts
South View High Grades 9 – 12 4184 Elk Road Hope Mills, NC 28348
Phone: 910-425-8181
School of Choice: International Baccalaureate Academy and Academy of Public Safety and Security
Terry Sanford High Grades 9 – 12
2301 Fort Bragg Road Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-484-1151
School of Choice: Academy of Global Studies
Westover High Grades 9 – 12
277 Bonanza Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-864-0190
School of Choice: Academy of Engineering Technologies and Academy of Health Sciences
Terry Sanford High School retires alumni jerseys for current MLB players
Story and photos by Jason Canady
On a sunny yet chilly Saturday in December, with a crisp wind making its presence known, Terry Sanford High School’s head baseball coach Sam Guy prepared the finishing touches for a momentous jersey retirement ceremony.
Terry Sanford proudly boasts two alumni currently playing Major League Baseball — DJ Herz and Austin Warren. Both pitchers hail from Fayetteville and, along with their families, attended the ceremony held in their honor. Herz is a starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals, and Warren pitches for the San Francisco Giants. Coach Guy, who played a pivotal role in their journeys, chose to commemorate their achievements by retiring their numbers — making them the first baseball jerseys retired in the school’s 84-year history.
Before the ceremony began, Guy checked in with the school’s booster club, who had burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill. He ensured the tarp covering two large, metal jersey displays mounted
atop the club’s batting cages was secure against the persistent wind, which threatened to unveil the tribute prematurely.
The event, though public, remained an intimate affair, attended mainly by current and former Terry Sanford baseball players.
The informal gathering felt more like a backyard barbecue than a formal ceremony — a reflection of Herz and Warren’s humble and unassuming personalities. “It’s what they wanted,” Guy said.
When asked what it meant to have coached two MLB players, Guy expressed his amazement.
“It’s crazy. I don’t know how many high schools in North Carolina have two active major leaguers — maybe none. Getting the calls from them when they were making their debuts was just awesome,” he said.
Both Herz and Warren lit up when recounting their big-league call-ups.
DJ Herz and Austin Warren stand in front of Herz’ retired Terry Sanford High School jerseys.
Herz’s journey to the Nationals
Washington Nationals pitcher DJ Herz recalled the moment vividly.
“It was a great feeling,” he said. “I called my parents first, then my girlfriend and a few close friends. I was two hours away from where we were playing Triple-A when I got the call and was told I was going to the bigs. They said I’d be pitching the next day, but I didn’t even have my cleats — they were on the bus! I asked, ‘How am I getting to D.C.? What about my car?’ I woke up the next morning and flew to D.C.”
Drafted by the Chicago Cubs straight out of Terry Sanford in 2019, Herz was traded to the Nationals in July 2023 as part of a deal involving third baseman Jeimer Candelario. Herz made his MLB debut in June 2024, starting against the Mets. Though his debut ended in a loss, he secured his first win in his third start and made history by becoming just the second pitcher since 1901 to record 13 strikeouts without a walk in each of his first three starts.
Warren’s path to the Giants
San Francisco Giants pitcher Austin Warren shared a similarly emotional memory of his MLB debut.
“It was awesome. I almost burst into tears,” Warren said. “I called my parents, even though it was 2 a.m. their time. I had to wake them up to book plane tickets for the game later that day.”
Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, Warren debuted in July 2021, finishing his rookie season with a stellar 1.77 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 16 relief appearances. His jersey was retired in January 2022, but Warren attended Saturday’s ceremony to support Herz and witness the unveiling of his own jersey.
When the time came, Guy cut the strings holding the tarps, revealing two oversized 5-by-8-foot metal jerseys mounted on the batting cage roof. Each display bore the player’s name, number, and graduation year, standing as a testament to their achievements.
A legacy of excellence
Guy, who has been coaching for 25 years (with 15 at Terry Sanford), reflected on what set Herz and Warren apart.
“The difference between high school and college players and college players to pros is intent — being intentional in the classroom, with every rep, and in everything they do on and off the field. Talent is essential, but reaching your full potential requires intentionality,” he said.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for fans to connect with their local heroes. One such longtime fan, Ray Street, brought a collection of Warren’s trading cards to share.
“I’ve followed Warren since middle school. Today, I got my gameworn jersey signed and even traded cards with him,” Street said.
The current Terry Sanford team has benefited greatly from their professional alumni. Senior pitcher Josh Hart, a Division 1 commit to East Carolina University, credits Herz and Warren for their mentorship.
“DJ has helped me with my mechanics during the offseason,” Hart said. Austin also helped Hart when he was in town last year. “It’s been great having both DJ and Austin around. They’ve been a big influence.”
Both Herz and Warren expressed their desire to inspire the next generation of players. Warren encouraged perseverance.
“Never give up,” he said. “I wasn’t the biggest in high school.and didn’t feel like I was getting noticed, but I was. You might not think you’re getting the looks, but you are. If you have the heart and dedication, just never give up and push yourself to be the best player you can possibly be.”
Herz emphasized hard work. “Work your butt off when no one’s watching,” he advised. “Good things happen when you put in the effort behind the scenes. I give my dad a lot of credit because he pushed me when I didn’t feel like it.”
The ceremony concluded with smiles all around as Guy declared, “No one in the history of Terry Sanford baseball will ever wear the numbers 1 and 7 again.”
Warren summed up the honor: “To come back to Terry Sanford and see my jersey on that roof for the rest of my life is going to be awesome.” n
Terry Sanford High School’s head baseball coach Sam Guy poses with Warren and Herz.
Warren poses with fan Ray Street at the jersey retirement ceremony.
Explore choices for education
By Jami McLaughlin
courtesy of Cumberland County Schools
From public school and private school to charter school and home school, there are education options for families trying to find the best fit for their children. Beginning that search can be challenging.
There are several learning environments outside your assigned public school if you want to explore non-traditional learning, language immersion, Christian education and other options. With each, there is much to evaluate before you make your final decision.
Preschool is one of the first steps for your child. Programs in this area include everything from Mother’s Morning Out, which can be important for socialization, to preparing for kindergarten with pre-K.
Some preschools have started their open registrations so if you are interested, head to their websites or school offices to apply.
The NC Pre-K program through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services also provides free preschool education for families who qualify through participating Cumberland County Schools, Head Start programs and licensed four- and five-star private centers. Families can find more information and register at ccpfc.org/ncprek.
For families with children where there may be concerns with development and hitting typical milestones, there is also a special education preschool program through the Cumberland County Schools Early In Special Education Preschool program. For more information, go to ccs.k12.nc.us/page/early-in-special-educationpreschool.
There are choices for kindergarten through high school. They include Choice Programs, charter schools, private schools and even homeschooling if your family wants more freedom to plan their own field trips and have classes at home around the dining room table. There are schools that teach through drama, music and art; others that offer year-round schedules; and some that partner with Fayetteville Technical Community College to offer associate degrees upon high school graduation. Each has distinct characteristics and is worth looking into to find a good fit for your child.
Cumberland County Schools Choice Programs
Cumberland County Schools offers Choice Programs throughout the county with elementary to high school options. Programs at select schools include Spanish or Mandarin Chinese language immersion, year-round, Montessori, classical studies, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and early college. The notifications come in early summer, and these programs are worth looking into if you are able to provide transportation to and from school. The application window to apply to CCS Choice Programs for the 2025-2026 school year ran from Nov. 18, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025. For more information, go to ccs.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/choiceprograms and to apply go to ccsncc.scriborder.com.
Charter schools
There also are public charter schools in this area. Public charter schools are tuition-free and have individual lottery systems for admission. There are no entrance requirements, and they have separate boards of directors that oversee operations.
Three public charter schools operate in our area: Alpha Academy, which has a STEM program; Capitol Encore Academy in downtown Fayetteville with arts-based learning methods; and Anderson Creek Academy in Harnett County, which boasts a culturally responsive curriculum. With each charter school, families need to provide uniforms and their own transportation, except for Alpha Academy. All three charter schools begin accepting applications early in the year and new students are chosen by lottery. If you do not get in the first time, be patient. Waitlists can move up quickly.
Private schools
Private schools have a lure for families who might want a Christianbased education or smaller class sizes. There are over two dozen private schools from which to choose in Cumberland County.
For most schools, there is an application process, a tuition schedule and a requirement for students to maintain specific criteria. There may also be a requirement to have a recommendation from a church pastor if looking at a religious-based school. Most private schools require an interview.
Questions to consider when picking Choice Programs, private or charter schools, or homeschooling:
• What does tuition cover?
• What are your transportation needs? Can your chosen school provide them?
• Are uniforms a requirement? If so, is that an issue for your family?
• If allergies are an issue, how will your child be cared for? What is the policy on having prescription or emergency medications at school? Is there a nurse on staff?
• What sports are offered and what grades can participate?
• What “extras” are offered including art, languages, any academically gifted programs?
• Does the school offer college counseling in high school?
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• And if you have a child who learns differently, what special education programs can they offer, or do they have teachers who are trained to work with children with special learning disabilities?
Online or in-person tours are available at most schools. Looking at the facilities, meeting teachers and checking over the curriculum can help you narrow your choices. Asking friends for referrals can help explore firsthand experiences.
Most preschools and private schools have open houses. Check each school website and mark your calendars, especially for the preschool applications, because there is usually a waitlist for a few of the schools. With that, the time to look is now.
Tuition is a huge deterrent for some families, who can look at the yearly rates with alarm; however, there are scholarships and other financial aid available at some private schools. Contacting the school admission office is an important first step for learning about your options.
There is also help through the state. North Carolina offers two scholarship programs through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) that help families afford private education. New applicants are entered into a lottery for parents who qualify based on income or have students with disabilities.
The Opportunity Scholarship program can help cover tuition and fees through a scholarship of between $3,000 to $7,000 if your family meets the income requirements and other criteria. The Education Savings Accounts scholarships are for children with disabilities, documented with an individualized education program dated within
the last three years. The ESA+ can provide up to $9,000 — or $17,000 for students with certain disabilities — for tuition and other expenses such as speech therapy and tutoring services. Families may apply for more than one program. More information can be found through the NCSEAA website at ncseaa.edu.
If you have more than one child, check with the school admissions office for a sibling discount if more than one of your children will attend. However, discounts will vary from school to school.
Most schools also offer payment plans where you can choose your payment comfort level.
Homeschool
Homeschooling is also an option for those families who want to bring their education into their homes and have more control over the child’s curriculum and pace to meet their individual needs. There is a strong homeschooling community in Cumberland County and quite a few local resources, including social media support and field trip or sports collaborations. Being informed on homeschooling requirements is crucial through the following website: ncadmin. nc.gov/citizens/home-school-information. Joining various local Facebook groups like N.C. Homeschool Families will also be helpful.
Finding the right learning environment that best meets the needs of your child is the goal.
Whether a school is private, public or charter, it is important to find the right fit for your child and your family. n
FREEDOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
ACSI/COGNIA FULLY ACCREDITED
PRESCHOOL-12TH GRADE
PRESCHOOL-12TH GRADE
ELEMENTARY MUSIC, ART, PE, SEL PROGRAM, TECH TIME/LIBRARY
ELEMENTARY MUSIC, ART, PE, TECH/LIBRARY, SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM
HIGH SCHOOL AP & HONORS CLASSES, DUEL ENROLLMENT AT FTCC
FREEDOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
ACSI/COGNIA FULLY ACCREDITED
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
HIGH SCHOOL AP & HONORS CLASSES, DUAL COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
PRESCHOOL-12TH GRADE
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
EXTENDED CARE UNTIL 6PM
ELEMENTARY MUSIC, ART, PE, SEL PROGRAM, TECH TIME/LIBRARY
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
8-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM
HIGH SCHOOL AP & HONORS CLASSES, DUEL ENROLLMENT AT FTCC
ACSI/COGNIA FULLY ACCREDITED
EXTENDED CARE UNTIL 6PM
PRESCHOOL-12TH GRADE
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
8-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM
3130 Gillespie St. Fayetteville, NC Admissions@fcapatriots.org 910-485-7777 fcapatriots.org
ELEMENTARY MUSIC ART, PE, SEL PROGRAM TECH TIME/LIBRARY
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
STRUGGLING/GIFTED LEARNER PROGRAMS
EXTENDED CARE UNTIL 6PM
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW FREEDOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
8-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
3130 Gillespie St. Fayetteville, NC Admissions@fcapatriots.org 910-485-7777 fcapatriots.org
8-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM EXTENDED CARE UNTIL 6PM
3130 Gillespie St Fayettevil e NC Admissions@fcapatriots org 910-485-7777 fcapatriots org HIGH SCHOOL AP & HONORS CLASSES, DUEL ENROLLMENT AT FTCC
Alpha Academy Charter Public School 8030 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Bal-Perazim Christian Academy 4921 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 28303
Berean Baptist Academy 518 Glensford Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Birds Nest Montessori School 6867 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Capitol Encore Academy Charter Public School 126 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Cornerstone Christian Academy 3000 Scotty Hill Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Destiny Now Academy 6974 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Fayetteville Academy 3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Fayetteville Christian School 1422 Ireland Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304
First Impressions Academy 6925 Nexus Court, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Flaming Sword Christian Academy & Daycare 3230 Legion Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348
Freedom Christian Academy 3130 Gillespie St., Fayetteville, NC 28306
Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy 2601 Lone Pine Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Guy Schools Inc. 985 S. McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Liberty Christian Academy 6548 Rockfish Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306
New Life Christian Academy 1420 Hoke Loop Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Northwood Temple Academy 4200 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311
Northwood Early Education Academy Peace Campus 3203 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Renaissance Classical Christian 6427 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Riverside Christian Academy 2010 Middle River Loop, Fayetteville, NC 28312
Rockfish Christian Academy 7604 Rockfish Road, Raeford, NC 28376
St. Ann Catholic School 365 N. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Saint Patrick Catholic School 1620 Malborough Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304
The School of Hope (students with autism only) 111 Burns St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Trinity Christian School of Fayetteville 3727 Rosehill Road, Fayetteville, NC 28311
Village Christian Academy 908 S. McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-223-7711 pre-K–12
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*Dress code ** pre-K now at Northwood Early Education Academy Peace Campus
Capitol Encore Academy teacher cultivates passion for planting in students
By Gary Mangum | Photography by Tony Wooten
Most people see an alley as a pathway to get from one place to another.
Or a dead end that leads nowhere. A place that is stark, with little beauty, atmosphere and personality.
But Aikeem Leigh saw so much more, and has made an alley off Anderson Street in downtown Fayetteville into something special.
Aikeem is a 2nd-grade teacher at the Capitol Encore Academy located on Hay Street. He has been teaching at the school for five years, four of which he has spent instructing 3rd-grade math, and is a longtime gardener who envisioned the alley off the Capitol Encore Academy, as a spot to grow flowers and vegetables.
“I enjoy planting. I enjoy teaching others how to plant,” said Aikeem, 35. “There’s something therapeutic about putting your hands in the dirt.”
He wanted to teach the students, and anyone else who was interested, the art of gardening.
When he started the garden in 2021, “it was just a blank slate, absolutely nothing,” Aikeem said, later encouraged by the school’s Superintendent Gerard Falls to create what Aikeem later named the “Alley Garden Project.”
The beginning
Helping Aikeem get the garden started was Fredalene DeNoble, a 3rd-grade teacher at Capitol Encore Academy.
The two shared the same plan for the space, Fredalene said.
“We had a vision of an outside teaching space/garden,” she said.
So the two filled up planters and boxes.
“We took a day and built and constructed the garden,” Fredalene said. “I painted the garden boxes and made sure that the colors were bright and cheerful. We successfully opened the garden with benches for people to sit.”
The school’s visual arts middle school students designed a mural for the alley, Falls said, and stemming from that came Aikeem’s idea to start the garden. Aikeem put together a crowdfunding campaign to get all the supplies needed to complete the project, Falls said, after which students and volunteers helped get an initial garden started.
The Capitol Encore Academy
Capitol Encore Academy is a public charter school that is tuition free and any student in North Carolina can attend, Superintendent Falls said. The school was first established in 2014 with grades K–5, but
has since expanded to serve students in grades K–12. It’s housed in the historic Capitol Department Store building that was established in 1921. The department store, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, closed in 1990.
“In order to get a charter you have to have a specific mission and focus. Ours is arts integration,” Falls said. “What that means is that arts are treated as an equal to math and science and reading. In addition to having a lot of arts classes that our students take, the arts are also co-taught along with the core academic subjects.”
The Capitol Encore Academy is not all about test scores, Aikeem said. “We incorporate the arts into a mainstream curriculum,” he said. “We want to make sure that our students are being assessed not just based on their ability to take a test, but they’re being assessed on their overall knowledge of the concept so that requires a real-life application.”
The garden is his classroom and a means for hands-on learning.
Reaction to the Alley Garden Project
The citizens of Fayetteville appear to be responding to the alley garden.
“We have 4th Friday downtown. People come through here all the time when the garden is in full bloom, and they come and take pictures,” Aikeem said.
Vibe Gastropub is a vegan restaurant located across the street from Capitol Encore Academy at 131 Hay St., Suite 101. As one of Capitol Encore Academy’s neighbors, Vibe Gastropub appreciates the core themes of the garden.
“I think it’s great especially with people moving towards sustainability, growing their own food,” said Val Humphrey, the restaurant’s assistant manager, “and, as someone who lived in the city and didn’t have a yard, I like the idea of learning how to grow things in the city.”
Fredalene hopes that others will cherish the view.
“This brought me so much joy to see the joy the children had watching their plants grow,” Fredalene said. “This is a great project for all to enjoy.” n
Aikeem Leigh started the Alley Garden Project in 2021 and uses it to teach students about gardening.
Better health for the whole family
Cape Fear Valley Health offers pediatric and primary care close to home
By Lia Tremblay | Photography by Christina Martin
Every newborn is a treasure, but when little Levi Rosser came into the world, it was with a special kind of joy to his parents. His birth was their long-awaited reward after a long and daunting process of fertility treatments.
“He’s a little miracle baby,” said his mother, Kristen. “Going through all of that has made us so grateful to see him grow and learn new things.”
When it came to pediatric care, Kristen wanted a practice that would take his health seriously and help her navigate all the questions of new motherhood. While pregnant, she asked around to see who other moms were taking their babies to.
“I wanted to make sure it was a place where we would feel like we weren’t just a number,” she said. “Somewhere I could ask about any concern, no matter how small, and get a real answer.”
That led her to Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care in Lillington, near where the Rossers live. They had their first visit just one day after bringing Levi home from the hospital, and Kristen said it was exactly what she was looking for.
“From the time you walk in the door to the time you leave, you feel like family,” she said. “They know us when we come in, and they take their time with whatever questions we have.”
The proximity to her home is a bonus, Kristen said, and it illuminates Cape Fear Valley’s continued efforts to increase healthcare access in surrounding counties.
“We live in a rural area where there wasn’t always a ton of access to healthcare,” she said. “But this is right down the road, which is really nice. This way you don’t have a 30-minute drive with a child who doesn’t feel good.”
Fayetteville. “We want to develop a relationship with them, so they know they can come to us with any kind of issue.”
When a child reaches school age, Dr. Hodges said, families may have a whole new list of questions about required vaccines, developmental concerns, sports physicals and changing routines. All of these are easier to manage when there’s an established relationship between provider and family.
“Because we know them well,” she said, “we can talk more openly about a lot of things. I can make sure they are as protected as possible with immunizations, and get them any referrals they might need for specialists or therapies that will help.”
Of course, kids aren’t the only ones who need regular checkups. Adults who regularly see a primary care provider are better able to manage chronic conditions, and have easier access to screenings for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more.
To provide ongoing healthcare for the entire family, Cape Fear Valley has pediatric and primary care practices throughout Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett and Hoke Counties.
Being right around the corner isn’t just a relief when your child is sick. It also helps families keep pace with recommended checkups, allowing providers to get to know a child’s overall health in the rapidly changing first years of life.
“I have kids I've seen from their first visit as a 2-dayold all the way until they go to college,” said Ana Hodges, M.D., of Cape Fear Valley Legacy Pediatrics in
As the Rossers look after their own health and little Levi’s, Kristen said they hope to someday be bringing a second child to doctor visits. She has some advice for other parents who are seeking the best care for their children — or themselves.
“Ask around,” she said. “You’ll get a good idea of where you’ll feel welcome, where your questions will be answered and your concerns will be taken seriously. You want to feel at home, like you’ve really found an advocate for your child and your family.” n
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the doctor in the photos as Ana Hodges. The doctor in the photos was Alison Vurnakes, M.D., of Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care Lillington. This article has been updated with the correct information and the bottom photo updated to a headshot of Hodges. CityView apologizes for this error.
Alison Vurnakes, M.D., of Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care Lillington examines Levi Rosser.
Ana Hodges, M.D., of Cape Fear Valley Legacy Pediatrics in Fayetteville
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