About

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).

Innovative School Model

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.

Vision

The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork creates pathways and opportunities for lifelong learning and positive community impact through innovative learning experiences for all students.  

Mission

The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork is an interdependent school community emphasizing collaboration through innovative, literacy-focused teaching and learning practices. The Academy at Middle Fork promotes shared values of honesty, integrity, kindness, and excellence in an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environment where all children flourish.

Core Values

The Academy at Middle Fork's core values of Honesty, Integrity, Kindness, and Excellence (HIKE) guide our efforts towards sustaining a positive school culture and behavior support system.

Our mini-Mountaineers work individually and collaboratively to demonstrate these values.  Restorative meetings centered on community development and building relationships help us to resolve conflicts and continue to learn together. 

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

  • Located in Walkertown, NC
  • Serving Grades K-5
  • All Academy at Middle Fork teachers are licensed educators and many hold advanced degrees in education
  • The integrated curriculum and positive behavior support system fosters student success