Return to Headlines

Ballantyne Ridge High School celebrates at district dedication

Posted on 11.5.24

Group has ribbon-cutting at Ballantyne Ridge High School

Ballantyne Ridge High School opened in August as the newest high school in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The facility, funded by the 2017 bond, was needed to meet the tremendous growth in south Charlotte and has relieved overcrowding at Ardrey Kell and South Mecklenburg high schools. On Nov. 1, the district officially dedicated the building with music and praise for its endless opportunities for students and the shared commitment of CMS and the community.

“Many dedicated individuals invested countless hours to create this beautiful space,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. “Education is a partnership, and working together, we can create a nurturing environment where you – our students – can learn, grow and thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Starting with today’s Ballantyne Ridge students, this school will be home to many, many, many generations of wolves who are bright, compassionate, informed and engaged citizens.”

Ballantyne Ridge Principal Michael MilioteBoard of Education members Summer Nunn, District 6, and Lenora Shipp, at-large, spoke at the event, along with Ballantyne Ridge Principal Michael Miliote. Juniors Elena Newton and Rachel Parsons also spoke about leaving their respective high schools to become leaders at a new school. The program included performances by Ballantyne Ridge’s jazz ensemble and orchestra. 

The four-story, state-of-the-art school has 100 classrooms and 1,425 students with capacity for 2,500 students. It also has a turf stadium and a turf practice field. The home of the wolves, the school has adopted a motto from a line in Rudyard Kipling’s The Law of the Jungle: “For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” Miliote said wolves can adapt to different seasons and environments, and he is proud that there have been no issues as students have come together from rival schools to become one pack.

“One of the best parts about this school is, of course, the students,” Miliote said. “We are super diverse – 30% Caucasian, 30% Hispanic, 20% African American, 15% Asian – that’s not something you typically see in a high school, so I think it’s really representative of the world in terms of what our kids experience and how they value their cultures and customs that they come in the door with every day. We’re very proud of that.”

Miliote said staff meets with students regularly, putting them front and center and adjusting policies based on their experiences as needed. They encourage the pack mentality and offer opportunities for students to come together around common events, such as their homecoming activities.

“I have high expectations of them – we’ve talked about that throughout the first quarter,” Miliote said. “But in all candor, I think they’ve exceeded the expectations, which tells us they’re ready for more.”

To see the dedication ceremony, click here.

Ballantyne Ridge HS orchestra

Board, superintendent, principal at Ballantyne Ridge

Ballantyne Ridge Principal Miliote and staff