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Posted on 8/30/24
Four schools opened their doors to students on Monday, Aug. 26, to begin a new school year filled with endless possibilities. The 2017 bond provided three schools — two new to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and a new facility for Bruns Avenue Elementary School — and the 2023 bond passage allowed students and staff from Park Road Montessori School, now Sedgefield Montessori School, to move into a larger facility.
Ballantyne Ridge High School
4004 Toringdon Way, Charlotte 28277
Ballantyne Ridge High School is a new addition to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The four-story, state-of-the-art facility has 100 classrooms and was built to relieve overcrowding at Ardrey Kell and South Mecklenburg high schools, two of the largest high schools in North Carolina. This year’s student body will have about 1,550 students in ninth through 11th grades and a new mascot, the wolf. They include students moving up from Jay M. Robinson, South Charlotte and Quail Hollow middle schools, as well as more than 130 students who have transferred into the International Baccalaureate program. Ballantyne Ridge also has a turf stadium and is the only school in CMS with a turf practice field.
“I like how modern the school is and that our campus is so compact, which creates a great climate for our students and staff,” said Principal Michael Miliote. “Our motto is, ‘The strength of the wolf is in the pack, and the strength of the pack is in the wolf,’ which is key to how we will build community, responsibility and ownership. It takes each one of us working together to make this school strong. People have really rallied around us, and we are so excited to have this dynamic learning environment for our students.”
Bruns Avenue Elementary School
501 S. Bruns Ave., Charlotte 28208
This year, Bruns Avenue Elementary School students have a brighter, lighter space to call home. The new K-5 facility has 45 classrooms and features state-of-the-art security, learning labs and extension spaces. Unlike the old Bruns, built in 1969, all classrooms, the cafeteria and other areas have multiple windows to bring in natural light. A Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation facility also was embedded in the new school’s design and includes public restrooms for those using the nearby greenway. The new Bruns building is located next to the old school, which will soon be demolished.
“Opening our new Bruns Avenue Elementary School marks one of the best days of my career,” said Dr. Nathan Currie, principal. “Education is the heartbeat of a community, and Bruns will be a model school, providing our students with endless possibilities through a spirit of excellence.”
Knights View Elementary School
11000 Beau Riley Road, Charlotte 28277
Knights View Elementary School is also a new addition to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The new 45-classroom school provides relief to Elon Park, Hawk Ridge and Ballantyne elementary schools.The three-story building offers spacious classrooms, flexible learning areas and a makerspace for students to let their creativity shine through. The school’s mascot, the Royal Dragon, features a friendly green dragon adorned with a crown. This year, the school will welcome 525 students in grades pre-K through fourth and will add fifth grade next year. Knights View Elementary is also across the street from Ardrey Kell High School where students will have a chance to view their future selves as a knight, hence the name Knights View.
“We’re all in this together — learning and growing as one big family,” said Principal Summer Rogers. “We are a Leader in Me school and we believe in leadership and empowering our students and staff to continue to lead — in our school and in our community. We believe in honoring the greatness in all of us.”
Sedgefield Montessori School
715 Hartford Ave., Charlotte 28209
Students and staff from Park Road Montessori School moved to what is now Sedgefield Montessori School on the old Sedgefield Elementary School campus. Sedgefield Montessori is a pre-K through sixth grade, full choice magnet school that provides an optimal learning environment based upon montessori pedagogy. The 2023 bond passage allowed students and staff to move into an existing facility that’s larger and offers reduced class sizes. Phase two of the construction work will include incorporation of life skills classrooms, a security vestibule, exterior door improvements and minor upfits/renovations to the main building.On Monday, Aug. 26, students were welcomed to freshly painted walls, new furniture and tons of excitement.
“The building is bright, light and airy,” said Principal Jennifer Moore. “It’s like a dream come true, and I think (the kids) are going to be thrilled. They’re going to love this school and make it their own.”
