Peak Charter Academy (PCA), is being honored for achieving rapid and significant achievements in student learning and performance. The International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) named PCA a 2020 Model School.
Peak’s unique instructional program and strong academic performance led to the prestigious designation, which is awarded to only 18 schools nationwide. PCA’s academic successes are rooted in its commitment to engaging all scholars through a unique blend of differentiated, tiered, and workshop-based instructional practices.
“Our ability to plan and facilitate individualized learning experiences through ICLE’s Rigor, Relevance, and Engagement frameworks has allowed us to challenge every Peak scholar to grow and thrive,” said Steve Pond, principal of PCA. “We are humbled and honored that Peak Charter Academy has been recognized as one of only 18 Model Schools across the nation.”
Selected annually based on a variety of criteria, Model Schools must have substantive, data-validated growth year over year; evidence of a strong culture that puts students at the center of learning; and dedication to transforming instruction to meet the needs and demands of the future.
“Model Schools are doing the incredibly hard work of courageously leading the charge in the infinite game of education,” says Dr. Bill Daggett, Founder and Chairman, ICLE. “Each of the 2020 Model Schools exemplifies the strength of conviction that drives meaningful, long-term improvements and leaves our classrooms better than we found them.”
This designation follows shortly after Peak also was named the Best Public School, and Principal Pond was named the Best Elementary Principal, for the second year in a row in Cary Magazine’s annual Maggy Awards. PCA and Principal Pond were honored to be recognized as two of this year's "Blue Ribbon Winners.” Peak was also named the region’s Most Loved Charter School for the past two years by Hulafrog.
PCA also has been invited to share key learnings and best practices at ICLE’s 28th Annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando, FL in June.
Since its founding in 2017, Peak has built a strong foundation of academic success. In the 2018-19 school year, Peak outperformed its local district in math and reading on the state test, and in the same year, the school also outperformed the state. On the most recent state report card, PCA earned an “A” grade and ranked in the top five percent of all North Carolina public schools. Additionally, for the past two years, Peak has met or exceeded growth expectations.