About

"Formed in the spirit of dynamic growth, social justice and intellectual pursuits."

The LIFT Academy is a small, non-traditional program that was originally designed to support 11th and 12th grade students who struggled to achieve success on the comprehensive campus of West Charlotte High School. With a day and evening program, the LIFT Academy served students who had fallen off their graduation pathway and were considered over-age and under-credited. After working with Juniors and Seniors for the first 6 years, the data revealed that they started to fall off track during their 9th grade year. In order to take a more proactive approach, we decided to flip the model to help target Freshmen in order to help them strengthen their academic skills and learn how to navigate the demands of high school without the distractions of a large campus. The LIFT Academy provides students with a more personalized learning experience with smaller class sizes where they are able to receive yearlong math and reading instruction in preparation for honors and more advanced courses. In addition to the standard curriculum, we have programs in place to address social-emotional needs, along with community partnerships to assist with college and career exploration. Our goal is to provide a firm foundation so that the students who complete our program are equipped not only with the knowledge necessary to be successful in their remaining courses, but will have developed the leadership skills required to stand out and influence their peers to stay on the right path as well.

OUR MISSION

We are Project L.I.F.T. Academy where the potential of every student is realized regardless of their circumstance. Staff, community, and families happily work together to ensure students are prepared for a successful life beyond high school.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

1. VISION

We believe that EVERY student can succeed; therefore we prepare students for academic excellence, personal responsibility, and the self-confidence necessary for success in college and life in the 21st century.

2. BELIEFS

The LIFT ACADEMY is committed to graduating students from high school by creating a nurturing environment that provides:

  • Academic Excellence

  • Personal Responsibility

  • Self-Confidence

3. INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD

  • Innovative teaching method, including but not limited to:

    • a blend of face-to-face and online instruction in a teacher-directed environment

    • mastery-based, technology enhanced, and personalized instruction for every child every day.

  • The curriculum aligns to the Common Core State Standards.

  • Students will meet the NC End of Course assessment requirements and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools graduation requirements.

  • Each student will receive a Personalized Academic Plan (PAP).

    • Developed to ensure each student is provided with course work, interventions, and requirements ensuring graduation and success beyond high school.

OUR POLICIES

1. ATTENDANCE

Attendance to all classes is NECESSARY in order to remain successful. In order to be considered "in attendance", a student must be present at the LIFT Academy for at least 70% of scheduled courses.

Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled classes, academic sessions and other scheduled school activities. Students will not be able to leave the building until officially dismissed at the end of their school day.

Any student leaving campus without permission from authorized personnel is violating the CMS Code of Student Conduct as outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook and is subject to disciplinary action. (Parents who need an additional copy of the book should notify school staff.)

2. TARDY POLICY

For security reasons, the doors to the school will remain locked at all times. Staff will be at the front door to admit students daily from 7:15 AM until 2:00 PM. We are committed to teaching students how to take responsibility for their own education as well as becoming responsible adults. If a student is going to be late or absent from school, parents/guardians must contact the school.

3. DRESS CODE

  • Dresses, shorts and skirts must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Slits in skirts must also be no shorter than three inches above the knee. [3 inches is the size of a credit card horizontally]

  • No t-shirts that have been cut, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder tops, mesh tops, tube tops, or halter tops are allowed.

  • No see-through clothing. No undergarments are to be visible including bra straps.

  • No midriffs should show; shirts must be longer than the waistline of skirts, shorts, or pants.

  • No deep-plunging shirts; all shirts should adequately cover the upper body including the shoulders, back, midriff, and sides.

  • Pants and shorts are to be worn at the waist with no holes above the knee.

  • All clothing brands and designs with any unauthorized group symbols, profanity, gestures or signs are prohibited.

  • All hats, do-rags, bandanas, skull caps or any head-gear may not be worn in the building or trailer.

  • Gloves may not be worn during warm weather. Pajamas and slippers are prohibited.

1400 N. Graham Street, Charlotte, NC 28206 Phone: 980-343-9417