Lake Lure Classical Academy Home

Our Mission

Lake Lure Classical Academy’s mission is to offer a classical, knowledge-based education that fosters critical thinking, civic responsibilities, and virtue for all. 
Students
Outdoor Exploration 
Classical Education 
Lifelong Learning 

About Us

Celebrating its 14th year, Lake Lure Classical Academy is a kindergarten through 12th-grade tuition-free public charter school that is open to all North Carolina students.  We offer free bus transportation, we have over 450 students attending from across four counties.

Upcoming Events

Latest News

Bright Ideas Grant Award

Baird & Carpenter Awarded Bright Ideas Grant

With the recent adoption of the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) in North Carolina’s new science curriculum, students are now expected to use models to demonstrate their learning in meaningful, creative ways. To meet this expectation, LLCA has embarked on an initiative to increase our students’ access to tools that aid in the modeling process. The Bright Ideas grant will enhance hands-on learning across our K–12 school by providing students with safe, age-appropriate cardboard saws to design and construct physical models that demonstrate their understanding of key concepts. By incorporating these tools into our STEAM classrooms, students will engage more deeply in critical thinking, engineering design, and collaborative problem-solving.
Image of Theater Participants

LLCA Students Win Awards in Statewide Theatre Competition NCTC

Lake Lure, NC - The Theatre Department at Lake Lure Classical Academy is celebrating after being honored at the Watauga High School regional site of the 2025 North Carolina Theatre Conference High School Play Festival (NCTC) on October 31st and November 1st.
Students Singing on Stage at Veteran's Day Program

Students Perform at Annual Veteran's Day Program

A heartfelt thank-you to all our Veterans for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. We were honored to have so many of you join us for our Veterans Day program on Friday. Our youngest Raptors—our kindergarten students—led us proudly in the Pledge of Allegiance, setting the perfect tone for a morning filled with gratitude and respect. Thank you for being part of this special celebration and for inspiring our students with your example of courage and service.
College Board Honorees

LLCA Students Earn National Recognition

Lake Lure Classical Academy is proud to celebrate the achievements of its students who earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program. The program, available on BigFuture®, helps students stand out on college and scholarship applications. Every year, talented students claim an award based on their achievement on College Board assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® Exams.
  • 16 Athletic Teams
  • 34 Extracurriculars offered K-12
  • $700K in Merit Scholarships
  • Award Winning Theatre Arts Program
  • K-12 Outdoor Education Programs
  • Over 40% HS Students in College Courses