School Profile
About Pine Springs Preparatory Academy
Pine Springs Preparatory Academy is a K–8 charter school that has been granted approval to open by the NC State Board of Education. The school opened as a K–6 school in September of 2017, and then added a grade level per year thereafter through 8th grade. Pine Springs Prep provides families in Holly Springs and surrounding communities a high-quality education option.
Head of School
Bruce Friend
Principal
Stephanie Needham
Our founders came together with the goal of providing a unique opportunity for students interested in an innovative educational program that integrates an experiential-based program with a rigorous and relevant education that will allow students to develop and apply skills needed for success in the 21st century.
This model has four key design elements that will provide students with a foundation for success—authentic learning, collaboration, a nurturing environment, and technology skills.
With more than 25 years of K–12 education experience as a teacher, administrator, and many leadership roles, Bruce Friend is a recognized as one of the pioneers in developing innovative K–12 school models.
In 2014, Bruce started the effort of holding community meetings in Holly Springs to gauge the interest of parents and community leaders on the idea of starting a charter school in our fast-growing town. It was from that initial work that Pine Springs Prep became a reality.
Prior to joining the PSPA staff, Bruce served on the PSPA Board of Directors, and most recently as the Chief Operating Officer at the Aurora Institute.
Stephanie Needham is Pine Springs Preparatory’s Elementary School Principal and Academic Dean. Ms. Needham is a skilled instructional leader and brings a wealth of experience with curriculum design to Pine Springs Prep. She has a proven track record of success. Ms. Needham was identified in the top 25% of NC educators for student performance growth on reading achievement by North Carolina effectiveness standards. She has driven high academic achievement at Pine Springs Prep already in the three years that Pine Springs has been open!
Our Mission Statement
Pine Springs Preparatory Academy is dedicated to improving the lives of its students by providing authentic learning experiences in a collaborative, nurturing environment that will build a foundation for students’ success in school, career, and in life.
