Piedmont Classical High School – A Return to Traditional Education

"It is widely known and shared that education is no longer a one size fits all proposition. The prevailing question that everyone is trying to address today is what type of education will best prepare me to be competitive in the increasingly diverse, global world.

Piedmont Classical High School (PCHS) may just be the answer. Guilford County’s first classical charter high school will be opening and available to up to 300 students in the 9^th and 10^th grades this fall. 11^th and 12^th grades will be added in subsequent years, allowing PCHS to grow to 900 students in grades 9-12 within 5 years. 

Classical programs, long prized by private and home schools, have produced young leaders with the ability to learn, think critically and communicate. PCHS will develop leaders by including such program elements as:

• A Traditional Approach – The requirements will expose students to a broad base of knowledge across many disciplines. This will give them a solid foundation, allowing them to be successful in whatever career field they choose.
• Latin, Logic and Rhetoric – These classical requirements help provide students with the critical thinking and communications skills needed to succeed in any post high school endeavor. Engagement and dialogue are developed throughout the courses.
• Study Hall – An optional study hall allows busy or struggling students to be supported in their education. Taken as a class or after school, study hall will allow all students to get help and support with their coursework.
• Character Education – Most schools stress the importance of service learning. However, PCHS practices character education, which takes the commitment to promoting virtuous behavior a step further by incorporating positive values throughout the program.

Mary Catherine Sauer, the interim principal, explains “Students today are so inundated with technology that they are not learning to relate to others without it. While PCHS will utilize technology as a tool, the return to a traditional approach will teach students how to learn, think and communicate without relying on it.”

Because charter schools do not have attendance zones, any student who resides in North Carolina and is eligible to attend public school will be eligible to attend PCHS. As a public charter school, PCHS will not charge tuition nor have any academic achievements required for admission.

PCHS will also have a wide range of athletics including track, soccer, basketball, cross country and baseball.

PCHS is currently accepting applications for students and staff.  Applications for enrollment will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.  After all of the student spots are filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Information sessions will be held on Thursday May 14^th and Thursday May 28^th.  All sessions will be held at 7:00 pm at C3 Church, 300 NC 68. 

More information, including applications for enrollment and employment, may be found on the website, www.piedmontclassical.com. "

- A Press Release