This new, virtual private school gives students another option
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Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy provides high-quality academics in a safe, enriching space — plus, eligible families can apply for scholarships that fully cover the cost of tuition in many cases. | Photo provided by CM Prep
Did you know? The number of full-time virtual or blended schools grew in enrollment by nearly half a million students in 2017-18. Enter: Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy (CM Prep), a new private school in NC serving students in grades K-10, that is now accepting students for the 2023-24 school year.
The college and career preparatory academy is dedicated to setting NC students up for success through tailored offerings like small group instruction, personalized support, flexible schedules to meet each family’s needs, and opportunities to socialize with other students.
In addition to core courses, starting in 6th grade, students will also:
Take a career exploration course and identify their strengths and how they apply to a profession.
Discover their future plans and receive help choosing the right major or prepare to dive right into a career.
Take career-focused courses in high-demand fields including Programming and Game Design, Entrepreneurship, General Management, and Network and Cybersecurity.
Gain college credit and prepare for certification exams — all while earning a high school diploma.
“Our goal is to create a community of passionate students and emerging leaders through programs focused on individualized student needs — empowering students and families to have control over their education as they pursue their interests,” says Dr. Daniel Perry, vice president of private school management at Stride K12.
“Thanks to support through programs like the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) and Opportunity Scholarship, we can provide even more students with a world of possibilities through quality education.”
NC’s Opportunity Scholarship program is an income-based initiative that helps families pay tuition and fees, awarding up to nearly $6,500 for the 2023-204 school year.
Education Student Accounts (ESA+) is available for students with disabilities to help pay tuition and fees, and cover expenses including therapy, tutoring services and educational technology.
CM Prep’s enrollment consultants walk eligible families and students through the scholarship application processes.
Pack Square Artisan Market | Friday, June 30-Friday, Oct. 27 | 1-8 p.m. | N. Pack Square, Asheville | Free | This family-friendly, juried market features handmade goods from local + independent artists.
Splash into Summer | Friday, June 30 | 1-3 p.m. | Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Beat the heat by taking a ride down an inflatable water slide at this family-friendly event.
Saturday, July 1
JuneBug Creek Lounge Opening Day | Saturday, July 1 | 12-9 p.m. | JuneBug Asheville, 355 Clarks Chapel Rd., Weaverville | Free | Enjoy food from Claudia Y Los 4 Mariachis while exploring the new outdoor space.
Gingerbread in July Celebration | Saturday, July 1, Wednesday, July 12 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville | Free | Spice up your summer with family fun to celebrate the launch of enrollment of The National Gingerbread House Competition — expect glitter tattoos, face painting, a cookie decorating party + more.
Yoga in the Park Asheville | Saturday, July 1-Sunday, Oct. 29 | 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | $10 | Register in advance to attend this outdoor, all-level friendly yoga class.
Sunday, July 2
Marquee Live! | Sunday, July 2, Sunday, Aug. 6 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St., Asheville | Enjoy live music, art installations, mimosas, food trucks + more at this interactive brunch experience.
Hot Dog Eating Contest | Sunday, July 2 | 1-2 p.m. | Farm Dogs, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, Asheville | See if you can beat Joey Chestnut’s record of 63 dogs in 10 minutes.
The University of North Carolina Asheville is looking for public input on its next chancellor. Members of both the campus + community are encouraged to take the survey to help find the successor of previous UNC Asheville leader, Nancy Cable. Take the survey or attend upcoming on-campus listening sessions in the fall.
Open
If you love food trucks, but hate tracking them down — The Village Food Truck Park is here for you. Bring your appetite to 25 Fletcher Commercial Dr. for delicious delights like Bridge & Tunnel Coffee + Smash NC. Check the schedule.
Real Estate
InvestHER — a group seeking to empower women real estate investors — is launching in Asheville. Get inspired at its upcoming kickoff event on Thursday, July 20 from 5-7 p.m. at HarmonyAVL (936 Tunnel Rd.). Join the group and RSVP for the event online.
Pets
A new dog daycare is coming to town. Central Bark is slated to open at 4 Regent Park Blvd. (formerly YAMA Japanese Steakhouse). Renovations are currently underway, but we don’t have an opening date… yet. (Ashevegas Hot Sheet)
Eat
Can you eat 28 inches of PIE.ZAA in 28 minutes? Watch viral competitive eater Raina Huang zip through that za. Try the challenge for yourself for the chance to be featured in PIE.ZAA’s hall of fame.
Number
$62,750. That’s the amount of Neighborhood Matching Grants awarded across 13 neighborhood organizations like Shiloh and Southside for projects promoting equity and sustainability. See the full list of recipients, plus what the money will fund. (Mountain Xpress)
Award
Are you an aspiring journalist? UNC Asheville’s Mass Communication Department received the 2023 Kay Phillips Distinguished Service Award — a prestigious award that recognizes those who “exemplify unparalleled dedication to scholastic journalism” in North Carolina. See why UNCA stands out.*
Featured Home
This newly built 1,511-sqft townhome sits on the Black Mountain Golf Course within walking distance of Lake Tomahawk + downtown. The 3 BD, 3 BA home boasts an attached garage, a main floor powder room, and a flat side yard to enjoy the outdoors.*
Stat
There are currently 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. The YMCA of WNC celebrates survivors during National Cancer Survivor Month (and year-round) by encouraging individuals touched by cancer to be supported through recovery via the LIVESTRONG program.*
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Sports
⚾ Let’s go Tourists
Summer baseball forecast
Summer is for baseball. We don’t make the rules. | Photo by @ashevilletourists
It’s time for the three Bs: brats, beer, and baseball. This summer’s season is packed full of games and events. From fun initiatives like Copa de la Diversión to hot dog deals and jersey giveaways, the summer is just heating up for the Tourists.
Upcoming games
Celebrate July Fourth a little early. On Monday, July 3 at 6:05 p.m., the Tourists take on the Greenville Drive. (You better have your game face on, GVLtoday.) Stick around after the game for the extended Independence Day fireworks display. Snag your tickets.
Or catch one of these upcoming games:
vs Winston-Salem | Friday, July 14 | 6:35 p.m. | A hot dog will set you back $1 with Dollar Dog Fridays.
vs Winston-Salem | Saturday, July 15 | 6:05 p.m. | Get there early for the giveaway — the first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a Gold Jersey.
vs Rome | Wednesday, July 26 | 6:35 p.m. | Doggies at the Diamond night means that your four-legged friends can come too.
Speaking of real estate… I’ve got two local houses for you to look at today. One real and one imaginary.
The real house: This Black Mountain house was featured in The New York Times, comparing what you’d get for $630,000 between North Carolina, Virginia, and Louisiana.
The imaginary one: Buzzfeed envisioned what Barbie’s dream home would look like if she lived in North Carolina. We love a hot home — especially when that home is hot pink.
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