Saved Schools

Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies

Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, nominated by Open Way Learning and two anonymous organizations, is an elementary/middle/high school in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, that describes itself as a public charter school serving learners from a primarily rural area.

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Location Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Governance Public Charter School

Grades Elementary, Middle, High

Students 760

Locale Rural

Director of Culture and Communications Karrie Chappell

Demographics

Percentage of students*

1%

English Learners

46%

Free/Reduced Lunch

14%

Students with Disabilities

African American or Black 23%

American Indian/Alaska Native —

Asian 1%

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander —

Hispanic or Latino 6%

White 62%

2+ Races —

Why Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies was nominated

NEAAAT (http://www.northeastacademy.org/) thrives on innovation. The school sits on the campus of Elizabeth City State University and has much more of a "college feel" than what one typically sees at a traditional high school. It uses an approach that fuses STEM, Design Thinking, and PBL to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that are directly linked to what the workforce of today needs - locally and globally (as validated by their commitment to a Business Alliance of over a dozen local industry partners). As their name implies, the school makes an explicit commitment to technology and aerospace, taking advantage of a region where the aerospace industry is a major employer. Their commitment to having students work with experts in the field is an exemplar for schools around the country!, NEAAAT is an innovative regional public school that equips students with STEM-focused skills through authentic, project-based learning and pathway options in aviation science, computer science, and health science, with opportunities to earn certifications and take honors-level courses. As students progress, they may enroll in college courses through Elizabeth City State University or the College of the Albemarle, and they further develop career readiness through internships and community service., Numerous college, university, and business partners to offer learning opportunities and connections for students. Pathways to both college and high paying, high demand careers close to home in the fields of Aviation, Comp Science, Health Sciences, and Advanced manufacturing.

Student experience design

Every student at NEAAAT feels valued, included, and supported to perform at his/her absolute best, each and every day. Students routinely build skills in the areas of ownership, agency, and self-advocacy, and they gain increasing self-confidence in their STEM-related skills throughout the learning journey. Students feel accepted by the broader community and capable of making a positive and lasting difference in their communities and the global workforce.

Core Practices

Core Practices Length of Use

Career Exploration
5+ years

Co-leadership
5+ years

Community And Workforce Partnerships
5+ years

Competency/mastery-based Education
1-2 years

All Courses Designed For Inclusion
5+ years

All Practices

Student Advisories

AI For Learning Materials

Assessments For Career Readiness

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Blended Learning

College Advising & Support

Disaggregated Data On Student Participation

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Internships

Interoperable Data From Multiple Technologies

Individual Learner Profiles

Individual Learning Paths

1:1 Mentoring

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

Project-based Learning

Peer To Peer Support

Performance Based Assessment

Reallocation Of Resources For Students Most In Need

SEL Integration School-wide

Student-led Conferences

Students Access Their Own Data

Student-led Goal Setting

Tutoring

key reasons for innovating

Increase student agency

Respond to stakeholder demand or advocacy

Date Updated: 4/1/2026

*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.