Arendell Parrott Academy

08/21/2026

This week in Mrs. Whitfield’s Character Education class, students discussed what character is, why it matters, and how we can learn from the examples of others. They studied President Abraham Lincoln and the character he demonstrated throughout his life.

Inspired by the lesson, 5th grader Jesse Smith created a 3D model of Abraham Lincoln for Mrs. Whitfield to keep!

We love seeing the impact these character lessons are having on our students—and watching them put those lessons into action. What a wonderful example of character in action!

08/21/2026

Patriots in France!

Our French students spent 10 days in France this summer, exploring Paris, Nice, and Monaco while immersing themselves in the language, culture, and history of each destination!

Mornings were spent taking classes at an international school, where students learned about the day’s cultural or historical theme. In the afternoons, they put their learning into action through hands-on challenges, activities, and adventures—with plenty of time for shopping, sightseeing, and, of course, lots and lots of ice cream!

Students had the opportunity to:
🇫🇷 Make pasta and enjoy dinner with local families
🎾 Play pétanque with Nice’s Pétanque Club
🗺️ Participate in a city-wide scavenger hunt
🥐 Explore open-air markets
🎨 Decorate pottery with a local artist
🏛️ Explore the sights and history of France

We’re so proud of our students for embracing every opportunity to learn, explore, and experience French culture firsthand! Thank you to APA French Teacher Mrs. Armenta for leading our students abroad.

The next trip to France is coming in 2028! 🇫🇷✈️

08/20/2026

Stay connected with the Patriots this year by following our various social media pages for everything related to athletics, fine arts, SERV, the student store, and the mothers’ committee! Each page will keep you updated with important details and exciting news throughout the year.

08/19/2026

Kickstarting the school year with an ‘All About Me’ project in 5th grade! They measured each other in centimeters, learning about their classmates and science at the same time! It’s amazing to see how we all measure up in our unique ways!

08/18/2026

APA Yearbook Wins State Award!
 
The 2026 Patriot received the prestigious Tar Heel Award from the NC Scholastic Media Association in June. The Tar Heel Award, the association’s highest honor, was awarded to only seven yearbooks in the state this year.
 
In category competition, the Patriot  was recognized for excellence in both copy and theme and was designated as an All-North Carolina book. All-North Carolina books demonstrate exceptional standards in journalism, combining effective writing and design with broad and diverse coverage. The Tar Heel Award, representing the highest honor, is given to select student media from the All-North Carolina class.
 
The Patriot yearbook is advised by Melissa Lambert and Staci Basden. Yearbook staff members include Reagan Rouse, Eliza Rouse, Amelia Brougher, Sydney McInerney, Justin Solomon, Maddie Norris, Callie Sanderson, Emma Fader, Millie Kate Wilson, and Katharine Eason.
 
This recognition marks the school’s seventh Tar Heel award since 2016. 

Way to go Patriots!!!

08/18/2026

As we welcome back our students to APA, we invite all alumni to participate! Share your first day of school photos in the comments below and let us know where you are for this school year. We can’t wait to see where life has taken you! Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

08/17/2026

Welcome back, Patriots!

Today, we kick off the 2026-2027 school year! It’s a joy to see our campus buzzing with eager, smiling faces, all set for an amazing year ahead!

08/14/2026

We kicked off the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday by officially welcoming back our faculty and staff. A big thank you to Eastern GroundWorks for a delicious breakfast and to Chef D and his team for an amazing lunch! Our staff engaged in various professional development sessions throughout the day.

On Thursday, we welcomed our transition and kindergarten students for an open house and hosted an open house for parents of our 1st-12th graders. We’re excited and ready for the first day on Monday! It’s already shaping up to be a fantastic year at Parrott Academy!

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

Monday was a special day for our Peer Leaders! Our nine seniors officially began their journey as Peer Leaders with a day filled with reflection, collaboration, laughter, and excitement for the year ahead.

Together, they explored their True Colors leadership styles, reflected on the kind of leaders they want to be, and set intentions and expectations for the year. They spent time thinking not only about what it means to lead, but about what it means to be there for someone who is just beginning their high school journey.

Each year, after a rigorous interview process, nine rising seniors are selected to serve as Peer Leaders for our incoming freshman class. These seniors have the incredible opportunity to welcome their freshmen into our school community, build genuine relationships, encourage them to discover their own leadership potential, and create meaningful experiences throughout the year.

There is something so special about watching seniors step into this role. They aren't simply mentors. They become familiar faces, trusted friends, encouragers, role models, and people their freshmen can count on as they navigate those first months of high school.