Union Academy (Monroe, North Carolina)
| Union Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
675 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 28110 United States | |
| Coordinates | 34°59′27″N 80°34′46″W / 34.9908°N 80.5794°W |
| Information | |
| Other name | Union Academy Charter School, Union Academy Pre-K and Professional Development Center |
| Type | Public charter |
| Motto | "At Union Academy, we do the right thing, even when no one is looking." |
| Founded | 2000 |
| CEEB code | 342684 |
| Headmaster | Amy Yermack |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Age range | 4 - 18 |
| Schedule | 8:00AM to 3:15 PM [1] |
| Campuses | Upper Campus, Lower Campus |
| Color(s) | Red and blue |
| Athletics | Football, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Wrestling, Tennis, Track & Field, Cross Country, Swimming and Volleyball. |
| Mascot | Cardinal |
| Team name | Cardinals |
| Website | www |
Union Academy is a K-12 public charter school in Monroe, North Carolina, USA.[2] The school operates two facilities -- the main building located at 675 N. M.L.K Blvd, and a Pre-K and Professional Development Center, located at 3282 Old Charlotte Hwy. [3]
The school was founded in 2000, and celebrated its 25th anniversary during the 24-25 school year.
Union Academy won the Gold Collage Preparedness Medal in 2019 and 2020.[4]
Expansion
In 2017, Union Academy invested $4 million into an expansion for the Upper Campus, relocating K-4 from the Lower Campus. The Lower Campus was repurposed as a Pre-K for the school.
Union Academy plans to add the following additions to the Upper Campus (as noted in the masterplan)[5]:
- Canopies for both carpools (South and North)
- Preforming Arts Center
- Agriculture Center
- Additional Classroom Building
- New Highschool Dropoff (+canopies)
- Circulation Road (used for transport across campus)
- Storage Addition (Media Center)
- Renovation of Courtyard
- Alumni Plaza
- Fields Upgraded to Turf
- "Welcome Plaza" & Bike Racks (intended for students who walk/bike)
- Campus-wide hallway & restroom renovations
- HVAC relocation (privacy concerns)
These renovations and more can be found in a slideshow linked to by Union Academy's website.
Criticism
Union Academy has faced criticism numerous times, mostly related to safety concerns.
- A report published on May 30, 2025 found that Monroe Police were able to get into the building undercover for approx. 20 minutes.[6]
- A student snuck a knife into the school and was able to threaten a student with it.[7]
- Basketball coach Barney Harris attempted to rob a stash house related to the Mexican Cartel and was fatally shot.[8]
Notable alumni
References
- ^ "Back to School 2025-26". www.unionacademy.org. Union Academy. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "Union Academy Charter School". www.unionacademy.org. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- ^ Steves, Caroline (24 July 2017). "Union Academy opens $4 million wing: 'Kids are in awe'". Monroe Enquirer Journal. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
- ^ "Explore Union Academy Charter School in Monroe, NC". GreatSchools.org. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "Union Academy Charter School - 2023 Master Plan Update" (PDF). Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ^ Esposito, Gina (30 May 2025). "'They can't get complacent': Monroe police go undercover dressed as high school students". WSOC-TV. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ^ Esposito, Gina (28 May 2025). "'So vague': Parents demand change at Union County school after threatening incidents". WSOC-TV.
- ^ "Popular NC teacher trying to rob Mexican drug cartel in Alamance County killed in shootout, sheriff says". ABC11 WTVD. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
- ^ Harness, Matt. (June 24, 2021). Surratt charges to Western Junior title. thewesternjunior.com. Retrieved April 16, 2025.