State Testing Is Upon Us

Dear Parents and Guardians, it is that time of year when students in grades 3-10 have to take a series of state mandated End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) tests. Unfortunately these tests are not optional and play a very large part in the academic life of our students and the school. Outcomes on these tests are important in a variety of ways – from student promotion to school letter grades. Given the importance the state places on these tests, the school also takes them very seriously.

Over the past several weeks teachers have implemented a comprehensive and rigorous review. You have probably noticed that homework and classwork assignments have changed and that there have been numerous practice tests and quizzes. All of this is designed to have the students primed and ready to do their best on the day of the exam.

With all of this in mind, there are a few things that are very important at home:

• Rest – Students need to get a good night’s rest each day. A sleepy and tired student is one that does not show their true level of achievement on the EOG/EOC. This is not something that can be done the night before the test, but needs to be started now so it becomes a routine by test day.
• Nutrition – Students need to eat healthy in the days leading to the tests. What this means is a combination of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. What you do not want is a student to be jacked up on a sugar high during the test. As sugar levels spike, so do insulin levels. Simple sugars cause blood sugar levels to rise then fall rapidly, and the resultant insulin levels stay high for far longer. This results in sleepiness and lethargy that adversely impact student performance. A balanced diet between now and the tests will help ensure students are physiologically ready to do their best.
• Study – While the teachers are putting forth super-human efforts at school, some of the practice has to take place at home. This can be in the form of homework, practice tests, and traditional studying. Cramming the day or so before the tests is counterproductive and leads to lower achievement. A steady diet of work and study in the period leading up to the test produces the best results and lowers anxiety and stress levels.
• Encouragement – Students truly need to be encouraged and confident this time of year. Sometimes the review process can be a little overwhelming to students and they begin to doubt themselves. The teachers are very cognizant of this and are trying to actively promote student confidence in themselves and their preparation. It is important that this happen at home as well. Please encourage your child and help build them up each day. This time of year is hard on everyone and we want them to feel good when that test starts.

Thank you for your help with these items. By working together we can provide students with the best opportunity to demonstrate what they are truly capable of.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Below are some important dates as we move through the 2017-2018 school year.

• May 17 - AP World History Exam
• May 17 - Middle School and High School Spring Performance
• May 18 - NHS Staff v. Students Volleyball Game
• May 19 - High School Dance
• May 22 - June 1 - EOG / EOC Testing
• May 28 -  Memorial Day (No School)
• June 1 - K-2 Field Day
• June 4 - 3-5 Field Day
• June 5 - Last Day of School (Early Release)

 

Applications Continue To Be Accepted

Pinnacle Classical Academy’s annual application period has ended for the 2018-2019 school year. That however does NOT mean that we are not accepting applications.

What does this mean?

The end of the application period simply means that student applications received afterward, are placed on our wait list. Throughout the spring and summer our enrollment changes and students from the wait list are offered enrollment in the school.

What should I do?

If you are interested in having your student attend Pinnacle for the 2018-2019 school year, you should fill out an initial application at the link below. Initial applications are also  available at the S. Post Rd. and the Joes Lake Road campuses, as well as the link below.

Initial Application 2018-2019 

Completed initial applications may be mailed or delivered in person to either Pinnacle Classical Academy campus. Completed initial applications can also be faxed to 704-487-8616, they can also be scanned and emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

 

Traffic Information

K-2 Campus:

• The cones will be moved at 3pm each day. Please do not arrive on campus prior to that time.
• Heed the no left turn sign. Turning left causes delays and creates an unsafe environment for everyone. 
• Follow the directions of the staff in the parking lot. Doing so will make the line faster and more efficiently.

3-12 Campus:

• The gates do not open until 2:45 each day. Please do not arrive on campus prior to that time.
• Please do not attempt to turn left out of either parking lot. Doing so causes delays and created an unsafe environment.
• Follow the directions of the staff in the parking lot and heed the traffic cones that have been placed in key areas. 

 

WHAT DOES COLLEGE PREPARATORY MEAN?

At Pinnacle Classical Academy, it means an Associate in Science degree upon graduation.

November 22, 2016

Shelby, N.C. – Pinnacle Classical Academy formally announces that it has entered into a partnership with Cleveland Community College that will allow students to complete an Associate in Science degree in the College Transfer Program as part of the standard curriculum while in high school.

This innovative program is a continuing part of Pinnacle Classical Academy’s mission to provide all students with a premier college preparatory experience. Students at Pinnacle will have the opportunity to earn an Associate in Science degree through Cleveland Community College that consists of 61 hours of college credit. The Associate in Science degree program will provide all students with an incomparable college preparatory experience while remaining under the guidance and supervision of Pinnacle Classical Academy faculty and staff. According to Pinnacle Headmaster Robert Brown, “The Associate in Science degree program will provide our students with an incomparable college preparatory experience. There is no better way to prepare for the rigors of a four-year college or university than to complete a two-year degree in high school.”

The associate degree courses will be taught on the Pinnacle Classical Academy campus during the school day at no cost to parents. The 61 hours of college credit students will earn represents an average savings of over $42,000 in tuition, books, fees, and room and board at any public university in North Carolina. Completion of the degree coursework means that Pinnacle students will have already completed a number of general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree while in high school.

Pinnacle students will begin the degree program in their junior year of high school and complete the coursework in their senior year. This program is cohort-based, which means that students will take a series of prescribed and carefully sequenced courses each year. This approach ensures that all students who are successful in the coursework will complete the degree program without the need for additional courses or classroom time. Another unique feature of the Pinnacle Classical Academy program is that it does not use an internal selection process such as those that exclude a large number of students who apply. All Pinnacle students who meet state requirements will be included in this program.

Pinnacle Classical Academy students begin preparation for this program during middle school by earning high school graduation credit. By earning high school credit in middle school, it provides students with the schedule flexibility to take additional academic courses and electives that best suit their interests and needs. According to Amy Horton, parent of a current Pinnacle freshman, “My daughter will graduate from Pinnacle Classical Academy with the first graduating class in 2020 with her diploma and an associate degree. Being in a rigorous college preparatory program at Pinnacle is teaching her how to study and be successful in any college class. The higher expectations and standards are reflected in her attitude about learning.”

 

Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School

Pinnacle Classical Academy is now an affiliate school of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

The Affiliate School Program is a unique gateway to education resources, events, and tools designed to bring American history to life in the classroom. Our network of schools connects teachers and students to valuable American history resources.

The Gilder Lehrman Collection contains more than 60,000 documents detailing the political and social history of the United States. The Collection’s holdings include handwritten letters, diaries, maps, photographs, printed books, and pamphlets ranging from 1493 through modern times.

Please see Gilder Lehrman Affiliate Program

 

PCA Test Scores Released!

Middle School Reading & Math Results

Kindergarten Teachers Develop NCCAT Seminar

The Kindergarten teachers at Pinnacle Classical Academy developed and submitted a project proposal for a Planning and Solutions Seminar at the NC Academy for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT). The proposal was selected and the Kindergarten team will be attending NCCAT in Cullowhee during the week of March 29 - April 1, 2016. Their seminar will revolve around researching, creating, and organizing interactive SmartBoard lessons to support the Kindergarten CKLA Listening and Learning strands. During the Kindergarten teachers' seminar, all lodging, meals, meeting space and the resources available on their campus will be provided free of charge.

It is an honor to have a project chosen for NCCAT and speaks very highly of the hard work and dedication that went into not only the proposal, but the entire teaching process.

 

What Makes Pinnacle Classical Academy Different?

At Pinnacle Classical Academy our educational philosophy is based on the three R’s – Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships. Rigorous coursework, relevant learning activities, and meaningful relationships with teachers and other staff members are all necessary to ensure that every student is successful and prepared for college. This is a bold proposition, but one that is necessary to meet the educational needs of students in a 21st century society.

Rigor

The school maintains high academic expectations for all students and staff members. The standards we set for our students are designed to push them beyond the simple routines of content mastery. Students must also demonstrate the ability to apply their learning and discipline-specific thinking skills in a variety of educational contexts. This type of academic rigor pushes students well beyond what can be easily accomplished, and compels them to continually expand their levels of knowledge, understanding, and the ability to apply what they know in diverse situations.

Relevance

The curriculum that Pinnacle Classical Academy utilizes is based on the idea that only through mastery of content knowledge can students become proficient at applying and utilizing what they have learned. The content knowledge and thinking skills taught at Pinnacle Classical Academy are drawn from items that are desperately needed in real-world tasks and professions. These include but are not limited to expressing knowledge and understanding in writing, working in teams to solve problems, effectively verbalizing information, conducting effective research, and thinking logically and critically in order to develop solutions. The learning opportunities provide students with practice and experiences in dealing with real-world problems in a controlled academic environment.

Relationships

Not only does Pinnacle Classical Academy maintain high standards and utilize relevant content and skills, but the school also builds powerful and enduring relationships with students. The relationships that students build with adults help to ensure that they are motivated and successful in school. Through these relationships with effective instructors and other adults, students are able to meet the high expectations that are placed upon them.

Parental Partnership

Parents are a vital piece of the educational puzzle at Pinnacle Classical Academy. Education is a partnership and engaged parents are crucial to the success of students during the learning process. Pinnacle Classical Academy encourages all parents to be actively engaged in their student's learning, both at home and at school. Students with parents that are involved in their learning experience higher achievement, develop proper social skills, have a better attitude toward school and learning, and have a higher rate of graduating and attending college.

Outcomes

Pinnacle Classical Academy focuses on incorporating elements of classical education and research-based best practices in education to aid students in developing critical and logical reasoning skills. At Pinnacle Classical Academy, it is our goal to develop caring, productive citizens who exemplify ethical values throughout their daily lives. Integrated into all aspects of the academic curriculum will be the accepted patterns for developing lifelong learners and globally competitive students.

Pinnacle Classical Academy is located at 900 South Post Road in Shelby. This will be the school’s home during the construction of our permanent campus. The plan for a permanent home is to construct a new K-12 campus on Joe’s Lake Road, about one mile from the South Post Road location.