Aug. 23, 2026
Brevard Academy Communications Department
Pisgah Forest’s Brevard Academy has announced its branding will now only use that simple reference to its local educational offerings separate from area public schools.
The local public charter school had referred to itself as “Brevard Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy” since 2010, but that will no longer be the case as the national Challenge Foundation model has expanded to all students in grades from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Brevard Academy began operations as a public charter school in 1998 offering tuition-free enrollment to students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Local leadership said the name change reflects the conclusion of the partnership between the two institutions, but not the ideals which they shared.
“This is a branding transition, but it is not a change in who we are,” explained Brevard Academy Director Ted Duncan in a news release. “We are proud of our history and grateful for the partnerships that have helped shape our school. At the same time, we are excited to move forward as Brevard Academy and continue investing in the future of our students.”
Duncan added that the shortened name will not impact students in any significant way as he will continue to lead Brevard Academy with the same mission and educational approach he has shared since he joined the school in 2016.
Another new development this school year is the addition of an educational elective class focused on reading blueprints that will allow students to understand the construction processes required to design and build a project such as the new $2.5 million Arts and STEM building being built on-site this school year.
Ryse Construction, the company leading the project, is partnering with Brevard Academy to offer students a greater understanding of the work needed to create a sturdy, safe and innovative structure on an active educational campus.
“This project is about more than adding space,” Duncan said. “It is about giving students meaningful opportunities to see learning in action. Through this partnership, students are able to connect classroom concepts to real-world careers, skills, and problem-solving.”
Brevard Academy is a free, public K-8 charter school serving students in Transylvania County and the surrounding area through strong academics, character development, community connection, and hands-on learning. For more information, visit www.brevardacademy.org.