UNCC to open elementary school giving new opportunities in education

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The University of North Carolina-Charlotte will open an elementary school, which will provide new options for families and opportunities for college students. Niner University Elementary will be the first of its kind in our area and it will be in a renovated wing at James Martin Middle School.

Enrollment just opened, and it's first come, first served.

"We’re trying to find a school for my son,” parent Ali Amedei said. “We’re new to Charlotte."

Amedei said she found the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools lottery system difficult and was looking for a bit of a different environment for her 5-year-old son.

"I'm just excited,” Amedie said. “He's really excited."

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Principal Pamela Broome said it will open in August and will be a unique, non-traditional public school.

UNCC will operate the school and give teachers, principal students and others in the education curriculum a chance for real-life experiences.

“I was really drawn to the fact that it's going to be a lab for the students of the college of education,” Amedei said.

The school will also be driven by innovation and research.

"We have some really great ideas about how we want to look at learning, and what we can do to help other schools, school systems," Broome said.

It's open to 150 students in grades K-2 with plans to expand each year.

"When you think about eligibility, we are looking at students,” Broome said. “Those who are assigned to low-performing schools in their LEA, which for us is CMS. In addition to that, students who have experienced some challenges or struggles in schools, beyond that, can also apply."

CMS will support the school by providing transportation and nutrition for the students.

The district said it is proud to partner with UNCC for the transformational initiative.

Cox Media Group