Calvary Christian Academy Announces Permanent Closure

Charlotte, NC, January 7, 2026

Calvary Christian Academy in Charlotte, NC, has announced it will close permanently after the 2025-26 school year due to difficulties finding a new campus. This decision affects over 200 students and comes after plans to rebrand as The Oaks Christian School. The school’s board expressed gratitude toward families and staff amidst this significant change. Concurrently, Avery County schools have closed due to a water main break affecting many students in the area.

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Charlotte, NC – A significant announcement has impacted the local education landscape as Calvary Christian Academy is set to close its doors permanently following the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. This decision, conveyed by the school’s board, comes after an extensive and ultimately unsuccessful search for a long-term, permanent campus in south Charlotte. The private Christian academy, which had plans for expansion and a rebranding as The Oaks Christian School, aimed to serve students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The board communicated that the decision was carefully considered and reflected an honest evaluation of their circumstances, emphasizing transparency and care for their staff, students, and families. They expressed profound gratitude to the families for entrusting their children to the academy’s care, and to the faculty and staff for their steadfast service. Appreciation was also extended to Calvary Church for its ongoing support.

Impact on Students and Community

The impending closure will affect over 200 students who are currently enrolled at the academy, which is located at 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road in Charlotte. Parents are now actively seeking alternative educational placements for their children for the upcoming academic year. The school’s administration has affirmed its commitment to operating normally through the end of the 2025-26 academic year and will endeavor to support families and staff through this transitional period.

Calvary Christian Academy began as an independent institution named The Oaks Christian School in 2018. It was later re-established as Calvary Christian Academy in 2022, initially serving 77 students and growing to its current enrollment of more than 200. The failure to secure a suitable permanent location for its planned expansion was cited as the primary reason for the difficult decision to cease operations.

State-Level School Disruption in Avery County

In a separate and immediate development impacting schools across the state, Avery County schools were forced to close on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, due to a significant water main break. This closure affected students and employees designated for a 10-month work schedule. However, employees on 11-month and 12-month contracts were instructed to report to work and await further direction from their respective school principals.

The unexpected closure coincided with the scheduled return of students from their Christmas and New Year’s break, leading to an abrupt disruption for many families. Alongside the school closure, a boil water advisory has been put into effect for residents in specific areas of the town of Newland, specifically between the State Employee’s Credit Union and Mountain Electric, until further notice.

Mecklenburg County DSS Worker Pleads Guilty to Fraud

A past but significant local legal development involved a Mecklenburg County DSS social worker who pleaded guilty to charges of Medicaid fraud conspiracy and receiving illegal kickbacks. This individual, identified as Ieshia Hicks Watkins, faced potential imprisonment for up to 15 years and agreed to forfeit nearly $20,000 in gains acquired unlawfully through the scheme.

The fraudulent activities involved Ms. Watkins selling the names and identification details of 25 children who were part of the Mecklenburg County DSS system. This sensitive information, gathered during her casework, was then used to file approximately $30,000 in false Medicaid claims for services that were never actually provided to the children.

This case was linked to a larger Medicaid fraud operation totaling $3.4 million, in which Ronnie Lorenzo Robinson, Jr. was also involved and had previously pleaded guilty. At the time of her plea, Ms. Watkins’ sentencing had not yet been scheduled but was anticipated to occur within a few months. This event highlighted critical issues concerning public trust and the misuse of sensitive information within public service roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main reason for Calvary Christian Academy’s closure?

The primary reason for Calvary Christian Academy’s closure is the inability to find a permanent, long-term campus in south Charlotte for its planned expansion and rebranding as The Oaks Christian School.

When will Calvary Christian Academy officially close?

Calvary Christian Academy is set to close its doors permanently following the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.

How many students are affected by Calvary Christian Academy’s closure?

Over 200 students are affected by Calvary Christian Academy’s impending closure.

Why were Avery County schools closed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026?

Avery County schools were forced to close on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, due to a significant water main break.

Is there a boil water advisory in Avery County?

Yes, a boil water advisory has been put into effect for residents in specific areas of the town of Newland in Avery County.

What was the Mecklenburg County DSS worker accused of?

A Mecklenburg County DSS social worker, Ieshia Hicks Watkins, pleaded guilty to charges of Medicaid fraud conspiracy and receiving illegal kickbacks.

How many children’s identities were misused in the DSS fraud case?

The fraudulent activities involved selling the names and identification details of 25 children who were part of the Mecklenburg County DSS system.

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Calvary Christian Academy Announces Permanent Closure

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