United Community School, a 2-year-old K-4 charter school with a focus on music and the arts, is relocating to new leased space at 1400 Suther Road on the campus of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The school is holding open houses at its new home at 10 am June 3 and 6:30 pm June 9.

“We are thrilled that our new home has a full gymnasium in excellent condition, especially with our emphasis on school community. We plan to have our first UCS sports team in the 2016-17 school year. Go Swarm!” reads a message on the school website.

United Community School opened in fall 2014 in a former day-care center in Mint Hill. The school follows a year-round calendar and currently has 4 grades, with plans to add a grade each year. The school plans to move into its new home in July.

The philosophy

“Our school mission is to fulfill the vision of The Basic School by Dr. Ernest L. Boyer,” reads the website greeting from founder and director Erika Hedgepeth, who lives in University city with her family. Hedgepeth taught for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for several years before leaving to launch the school.

Students attend year-round at United Community School.

“The Basic School approach following a year-round calendar with our emphasis on piano theory will result in high student growth and achievement. At UCS, everyone UNITES to promote learning; teachers are empowered to meet the individual needs of students; and parents are partners,” Hedgepeth writes.

Another Charlotte-area charter School, the Community School of Davidson, also uses The Basic School as the foundation for its educational approach.

Plenty of communication

United Community School’s website says that communication is important. The website and Facebook page reflect that open spirit. Visitors can browse through dozens of parent newsletters and read bios of the two dozen staff and teachers.

The up-to-date photo-video gallery on the website offers a visual tour of many recent activities, such as the “First Grade Fraction Frenzy” that took place two weeks ago.

Want to know more?

• Visit the school website at www.ucsnc.org and its Facebook page, facebook.com/UnitedCommunitySchool.
• Sign up for the June open houses.
• Contact the school at 980-819-0555 or email Erika Hedgepeth at erika@ucsnc.org.