The 2012-13 admissions season is underway at Haw River Christian Academy (HRCA) for re-enrollees, siblings, and corporation members until January 31. On February 2, HRCA will host its annual Open House event, 5:30-7:30 P.M., to provide prospective families with the opportunity to learn more about this non-denominational, private school in Chatham County. Applications from the general public can be submitted beginning on February 1.
HRCA has experienced extensive growth since it opened in August 2008, doubling in size each of the first 3 years and nearly at capacity in each grade in the current school year. Approximately 12% of its growth stems from families relocating to Chatham County from out-of-state or other areas of North Carolina. The school leased the education wing of Rock Spring Baptist Church, just north of Pittsboro on 15-501, as a starting point for founding and growing the school. Given the pace of growth, HRCA’s Long Range Planning team began researching potential locations one year ago, narrowing down its interest to a 12,000 square foot vacant building on 50 West Salisbury Street in downtown Pittsboro. A Special Use permit was submitted to the Town of Pittsboro on August 2, 2011. Since that time, the school has participated in five town meetings and spent approximately $15,000 in architectural fees, civil engineer fees, and a professional traffic study in order to meet all of the criteria required by the town’s decision makers. Building inspectors, the fire marshall, and other experts have also been asked for their input on the project. On February 6, the school’s application will revisit the Planning Board and then the following week, February 13, a public hearing has been opened with the Town Commissioners preparing for a final vote.
HRCA plans to relocate to a new facility for the 2012-13 school year in order to accommodate growth and increasing interest. Additionally, the school will begin adding its Logic School, grades 7-9, as it opens 7th grade in September. A new facility will also enable the school to open more seats in its Grammar School (Junior Kindergarten through Sixth Grade), provide adequate space for the expansion of its classical arts, music, drama, and elective courses, and continue with its vision to add one grade per year until serving grades JK-12.
Increasing enrollment can be attributed to more local families taking notice of the numerous benefits a classical Christian education has to offer, including rigorous academics blended with a biblical worldview, a uniform code, and an emphasis on values, character, and etiquette. In addition to the traditional subjects of phonics, literature, spelling, writing, cursive handwriting, math, English, history/geography, and science, students receive specialized instruction in classical art and music, with Latin beginning in 3rd grade. The Chatham YMCA provides its physical education program on a weekly basis. HRCA also works with downtown restaurants in providing its lunch program.
Beyond academic excellence, the school desires to provide outreach into the local community. Last Fall, students participated in the school’s 3rd annual walk-a-thon routed through Briar Chapel’s neighborhood, raising money for both the school and the Pittsboro Salvation Army. In December, the school provided a choral presentation for families and patients at both the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Family House and Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill. Last month, 5th and 6th grade students raised money through independent work of baking, babysitting, house work, and other projects to provide Christmas gifts and a meal for a local family in need.
School tours can be scheduled by contacting the school office at 533-4139 and additional information is available on the school’s web site, www.hawriverchristian.org.