The state’s Charter Schools Review Board (CSRB) met on Monday and Tuesday, approving three new public charter schools. These schools, all of which are slated to open in 2026, will now move forward into Ready to Open status. They include Warren County’s first charter school, a Wake County charter school, and North Carolina’s third virtual charter school.
View the applicant presentation to CSRB by Melanie Rackley of the Office of Charter Schools.
Warren Young Explorers School
Leaders from Warren Young Explorers School (Warren YES) in Warren County addressed CSRB on Monday. The school plans to open to 204 K-6 students in Norlina in its first year, eventually growing to become a K-12 school at capacity. CSRB members voted unanimously to approve Warren YES.
Here’s how the new charter school characterizes its mission:
Warren YES creates a child-focused, place-based learning environment that motivates students to be purposeful, creative, ethical, and compassionate leaders, while building a healthy future for themselves, their community, and the planet.
Source (above and below): Melanie Rackley, “2024 Charter School Applications,” Presentation to the NC Charter Schools Review Board, December 9-10, 2024.
Bettis Academy
CSRB also voted unanimously to approve Bettis Academy, opening in Zebulon. The school, which seeks to educate underserved students, plans to launch in its first year as a K-6 school with 420 students. Growth plans include becoming a K-12 school.
The school frames its mission this way:
The mission of Bettis Academy is to educate underserved students in east Wake County by providing a small learning community, an innovative and academically rigorous curriculum, and hands-on, real-life experiences throughout their academic careers.
NC Connections Academy
Finally, CSRB voted 5-2 to approve NC Connections Academy, which plans to serve 750 K-12 students in its first year. The virtual charter school will be managed by Pearson Virtual Schools. Read more coverage from the News & Observer.
The school sets forth its mission as follows:
NC Connections’ mission is to help students meet performance standards and maximize their potential through an individualized learning program. The school’s tailored approach prepares students of all abilities to succeed in school and life.
CSRB voted not to approve the application for Virtual Horizons Charter School of North Carolina.
At its December meeting, CSRB also heard presentations from renewal charter schools and conducted interviews. CSRB will vote on final charter renewal terms at its January meeting.
Read more from NC Newsline about the December meeting.
Top left: Shutterstock photo.
We’re so pleased Warren YES has joined the Coalition and look forward to partnering together! Please join us in welcoming this member school.
Five new charter schools are on their way to open doors for the first time in August! Members of the 2026 Ready to Open (RTO) cohort, the schools all received final approval on Monday from the 
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