Academy at Middle Fork

The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork is a UNC System lab school.  It is operated by Appalachian State University in partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS).

The Academy at Middle Fork is committed to creating an innovative learning space for students and staff.  We are challenging the status quo and rethinking what school should look like for students and teachers.  Our innovative model allows us to better meet the needs of all students while also considering the workload of teachers.

Here’s how “school” at the Academy at Middle Fork might look a little different from other, more traditional schools:

• Students are assigned to a grade level span where teachers work on a team using co-teaching practices to meet the needs of all learners.  Students don’t have just one teacher but a team of teachers.

• Every grade level span has a Curriculum Coach and an Interventionist who provide extra academic support to students.  This means that students receive more individualized attention to help them meet their academic goals. 

• A learning lab block is built into the daily schedule where specialists (art, music, STEM, media, and PE teachers) push into classrooms to integrate arts, literacy, and movement into science and social studies classes.  This learning lab is in addition to a daily special/exploratory class that students attend.

• A daily school-wide recess time encourages students to play outside, use their imagination, and develop interpersonal and social skills. The entire school has recess at the same time allowing cross-grade level interactions while fostering creative play.

• Every Friday is Enrichment Day. Students are engaged in tutoring, interventions, and personalized and exploration-based learning to support their academic learning.  They also attend clubs and choice activities allowing them to explore their curiosities and interests.  App State and local community members partner with the school to facilitate the Enrichment Day.

• App State supports students by providing special programming, field trips, and resources to enhance the learning program.  They also provide professional development for teachers and staff members.

• Many of the teachers and staff members at the Academy at Middle Fork have advanced degrees.  They all use evidence-based strategieswhen making instructional decisions.