Kid Stars Rising Christian
Learning Academy
2122 Hope Mills Road (Grades PK-5)
Fayetteville, NC 28304
6248 Cliffdale Road (Grades 6-12)
Fayetteville, NC 28314
c/0 Mount Gilead Baptist Church

Where Christian character is made and lifelong learning is inspired!

Contact Dr. Simmons for enrollment questions at:
Phone: 910-779-8085
Fax: 910-779-3290
Email: ssimmons@kidstarsrisingacademy.com

In covenant with Restoration Christian Center, Int’l (Church)
1994 Ray Road
Spring Lake, NC 28390

About US image
Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy is committed to providing its students with academic resources that cater to the whole child: academically, socially, physically, and spiritually.  Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Center is a private school for students in prekindergarten (4-years old) up to twelfth grade (2023-2024).

Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy is open between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Before school care operates from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The regular academic school day operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. After school care is available from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the middle and high school location, the school day will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After school care is available from 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at 2122 Hope Mills Road. Parents can elect any or all of these services depending on their child(ren)'s needs.

Parents will need to transport their children to Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Center for the before school care service.  

The academic school year 2023-2024 will begin on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 with open enrollment throughout the year as space permits!  Our small class sizes provide the opportunity for students to receive the differentiated/small group instruction on the academic level that suits their individual needs.  We also have the capacity to offer virtual/online instruction to those families who feel safer at home.  We love children and will be thrilled to have your child(ren) become a part of the Kid Stars Rising Family!

Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy aims to provide its students with a rigorous and holistic academic education, which includes instilling morals and character development by teaching them what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Using the ABEKA curriculum and other traditional and digital resources, highly qualified staff will ensure daily that students engage in hands-on activities, and a well-rounded curriculum that entails reading, math, science, social studies, technology, art, music, physical education, Bible Study, Spanish, and relevant field trips.

Early enrollment is available and will be open throughout the year as spaces permit. Please contact one of our friendly staff members who will assist you with any questions or concerns at his or her respective email address:
Dr. Sharonne Simmons- Principal/Director - ssimmons@kidstarsrisingacademy.com
David Simmons - Associate Principal/Co-Director -dsimmons@kidstarsrisingacademy.com

Open House for our students in prekindergarten - 12th grade will take place on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the child's respective school.  More information will be provided for each location's actual time. This will afford parents the opportunity to take a tour of our facilities and meet your child's teacher before the official start of school. We look forward to our parents partnering with us and having an active voice in the school's future moving forward.

Why choose Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy?

  • Very affordable and competitive tuition rates (prorated for partial enrollment).
  • Low registration fee (discounted for multiple enrollments).
  • North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ (Disability Grants and Education Savings Account) programs participant.
  • See https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity/
  • Pending administration approval, a virtual/asynchronous learning option is available if the need arises.
  • BSAC (Basic School-Age Care) certified staff members.
  • CPR/First Aid certified staff members.
  • A personal and nurturing Christian educational environment.
  • Experienced/state-certified owner along with certified & highly qualified teachers who provide differentiated instruction for students who need extra assistance.
  • Research-based and highly effective ABEKA curriculum and other curricular resources.
  • Class Dojo Communication Platform.
  • One-to-one technology device for students in grades 1-12.
  • Nutritious snacks offered daily.
  • Before and after school care available for the students of Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy.
  • STARS Mentorship Program.  Students in grades 2-12 discuss Biblical principles and scenarios that can prepare them for life's challenges.
  • Summer tutoring program available from June until August for students in kindergarten up to eighth grade.
  • Bible Summer Camp available for students in prekindergarten-twelfth grade.  Bible Camp will be available each year from June to August each year. During this time, students will participate in Bible-themed arts and crafts, learn memory verses, and attend several field trips. 

                                                                                                                       STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe in GOD the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) according to Matthew 28:19, and its importance in the training of true discipleship for all mankind. We believe the Bible to be the true and unwavering Word of God according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. We believe in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our LORD. We believe that the Holy Spirit is alive and is the guiding force of all today's believers.


                                                                                                                    OUR VISION
Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy is dedicated to providing learners with a holistic education that values academics, diversity and moral character and prepares them to successfully compete in a global world.


                                                                                                                                 OUR MISSION
Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy commissions its students to grow academically, socially, physically, and spiritually in order to become lifelong learners in an environment where high academic achievement and Christian character are the top priorities in their lives inside and outside of the classroom.

OPEN REGISTRATION 2023-2024 School Year Grades PK-12 (4-year olds) Please contact us for monthly tuition rates. Items needed for student registration: Child's birth certificate Immunization Record Latest report card (if applicable)

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR 2023-2024                                       imageTEACHERS OF THE YEAR 2023-2024                                       image
Ms. Monica Bonnell-Lene' continues to shine at Kid Stars Rising!  She goes above and beyond to carry out the vision and mission at our school.  Ms. Bonnell-Lene works extremely hard daily to ensure her students' academic, social, and emotional success.  She is supportive, helpful and a team player to all who she works with daily. We are blessed to have her on our team and name her the Elementary School Teacher of the Year 2023-2024! She has earned the TOY award for the second year in a row, which speaks volumes of the respect that she has earned from the administration and staff.  

Mrs. Caitlin Hunt is an indelible staple at Kid Stars Rising!  She sacrifices her time and resources to ensure that our students receive the best education possible.  Without Mrs. Hunt, many of those "extra" tasks would go unattended.  She is a team player and always willing to help others in need. She freely goes above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, even opening up her home on certain occasions. We are honored for her to serve as the Middle/High School Teacher of the Year 2023-2024!
Kids Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy is excited to announce that our school will participate in the Opportunity Scholarship and the Education Savings Account program for the 2023-2024 school year.  These programs are tremendous resources for the families of children in grades K-12 who need financial assistance to send their child(ren) to a private school of choice.                                              
Please see the list here: https://myportal.ncseaa.edu/NC/NonpublicSchools.aspx

Need More Information?
Visit https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity/
Who We Serve

Who We Serve

The target market of Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy are children in pre-kindergarten up to those in twelfth grade (ages 4-19) who are comfortable in a least restrictive educational environment and/or may have mild mental inhibitors such as Attention Hyperactive Deficit Disorder and Specific Learning Disabilities. The principal and staff will work diligently to ensure that each child has differentiated instruction that will meet his or her individual needs.

Abeka Curriculum

Abeka Curriculum

Students will be educated using the Abeka curriculum. Millions of Christian school students have used Abeka since it started in 1972. Students taught with Abeka have been accepted into prestigious colleges and gone on to serve the LORD in demanding careers. For over forty years, schools and homeschooling families have trusted Abeka to provide materials using the traditional approach proven successful throughout education’s history (https://www.abeka.com, 2019). The Abeka curriculum is very affordable and versatile for all age groups. Professionally illustrated textbooks and teaching aids, hands-on activities, challenging exercises, purposeful repetition, and the reinforcement of concepts from subject to subject give teachers the proper tools to make learning interesting and memorable. Each subject’s content comes from the work of skilled, dedicated scholars who have conducted primary research. Students have the opportunity to experience academic excellence and build moral character that leave them equipped for life (https://www.abeka.com, 2019).

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Regular Academic School Day

Regular Academic School Day

The duration of the academic school day at Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy is 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for the elementary school, and 8:00 am - 3:30 p.m. for the middle/high school. Before settling into the school program, children will participate in Pledges of Allegiance to the Bible, the Christian Flag, and the American Flag. Children will engage in daily learning experiences that encompass the core subjects of English Language Arts, Spelling, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Resource classes such as Physical Education, Music, Art, Computers, Media, Guidance/Bible Study, and Middle/High School Spanish will be available each week for the children. Lunch and recess are also included in the daily schedule.

Before and After School Care Programs

Before and After School Care Programs

Our before and after school care programs will cater to students who attend Kid Stars Rising Academy and other surrounding private and public schools. Students will be allotted time to complete their homework, have a morning or afternoon snack, and participate in fun-filled activities such as outdoor recess, indoor dramatic play, technology, and arts and crafts.

Class Dojo

Class Dojo

Class Dojo will be used this year as one of our primary forms of communication for our Academy. The Principal is a certified Class Dojo Mentor and will guide the information shared in your child's classroom and on our Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy's School Story. Once your child(ren) enroll(s), please use the following link to request to join our school. ​https://www.classdojo.com/invite/?s=5f947e832b6f1f7caf0b030d Your child's teacher will approve all requests. Class Dojo is the fun-named digital platform that works to connect teachers, students, and families in and out of the physical classroom by using a feed of photos and videos as well as messaging. While a photo and video feed from the classroom to parents and guardians is popular these days, and certainly not a unique service, the messaging part is a little more rare. Class Dojo specializes by offering a decent messaging service with built-in translation for up to 35 languages and a rating system for monitoring student progress.

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STARS Mentorship

STARS Mentorship

The STARS Mentoring Program will be available by October each year. Students Taking A Radical Stand will be available for students in grades 2-8 every other Tuesday afternoon from 3:30-4:30 depending on enrollment. This time is when students will discuss Biblical principles and scenarios that will prepare them for life's challenges. The Principal will provide opportunities for students to engage in activities that support character development, study skills, respecting parents and other authority figures, and standing up to bullies. Christian-based music, art, dance, and virtual activities are included. As safety permits, we will take two off-campus field trips each school year. This program is free for students.

Summer Bible Camp/Tutoring Program

Summer Bible Camp/Tutoring Program

Summer school tutoring is offered from June until August. This year, we will accept students in kindergarten - 12th grade who need specialized help in the areas of reading math, science, and social studies. The North Carolina Essential Standards will be reinforced during these sessions. From June 19 through August 11, 2023, we will provide a traditional or online format based on your students' needs. We also provide a flexible schedule that caters to your busy lives. Please contact Dr. Sharonne Simmons for details at ssimmons@kidstarsrisingacademy.com. Very affordable and flexible rates. Please see the application in the READ MORE tab.

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Jacobi Simmons

Board Chair

Jacobi Simmons graduated with honors from Seventy-First High School. He is entering his sophomore year at Winston Salem State University while majoring in Music Business. Jacobi is well rounded in his academics and musical endeavors. He is full of wisdom and a great sounding board for the vision and efforts moving forward at Kid Stars Rising Christian Learning Academy.

Geraldine Meadows

Board Co-Chair

Amanda Strickland

Board Member

Marlene Diaz

Board Member

Dr. Sharonne Simmons

Principal/Director

Dr. Simmons has twenty years of experience working in the field of education. She is a licensed classroom teacher and former school administrator in North Carolina Public Schools. She has earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6), and a Master of School Administration, both from Fayetteville State University. Her Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership) was conferred upon her in August 2018 from Gardner-Webb University. Dr. Simmons has a heart for children and their success is her passion. She has worked as a lead teacher in the children's church ministry at various churches for over thirty years . Dr. Simmons has also served as a Christian Education Director.

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Mr. David Simmons

Associate Principal

Mr. Simmons is a veteran of the United States Air Force. Educated at Fayetteville Technical Community College, his specialties are visual arts and computer/tech repair. Mr. Simmons has a pure heart for GOD and loves children. He is an invaluable asset to Kid Stars Rising, and assists in all areas of the schools.

Shenita Lise

Pre-Kindergarten/Lead Teacher

Shenita Lise is a former instructional assistant and webmaster at Cumberland County Schools. She recently finished coursework at Ashford University to earn a Bachelor's degree in Applied Behavior Science. We are excited to have her knowledge and expertise at Kid Stars Rising!

Colleen Herring

Preschool Teacher

Colleen Herring is a certified ABA therapist. She truly loves children and is gifted in working with younger children, especially those with special needs such as autism and ADHD. Ms. Herring is a great asset to Kid Stars Rising.

Ashley Zurcher

Preschool Teacher

Shannon Ray-Covington

Kindergarten Teacher

Shannon Ray-Covington is a resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina, originally born and raised in Laurinburg, North Carolina. She is a college graduate with a degree in Arts with the focus of Business Fundamentals. Mrs. Covington is also a Licensed Minister, A Licensed Hair stylist, a new Author and much more. Mrs. Covington has worked with after school child care in Scotland County Schools and she has also operated as a Youth Leader in multiple churches.

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Monica Bonnell-Lene’

First Grade Teacher/Lead Teacher

I am blessed to be joining the Kid Stars Rising Academy. I am so excited to join such an amazing team and to work with each of you and your children. It is my goal to educate, encourage, and love every child on an individual basis according to their academic needs in a way that will help them reach their goals and their full potential in all areas of the curriculum. I was lucky to attend Galveston University during my senior year of high school then transferred to graduate Lamar University in 2005 with a Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Having graduated top 1% of my class I was invited to pledge Kappa Delta Pi. I have been an educator for 15 years collectively across the states of Texas, Louisiana, California, and North Carolina. The past seven years I have worked at Morganton Road Elementary gaining experience in Kindergarten-3rd grades and was named Teacher of the Year in 2018. God has blessed me with my fiancee Jamie Scott, my son Lane, my adopted daughter Donna, three step-sons, Dolen, David and Adam, and a beautiful grandbaby named Landen. Thank you for welcoming me into the Academy. I am very grateful and super happy to begin this journey with you and your family.

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Terrie Jordan

Second Grade Teacher

Terrie Jordan has over 30 years teaching experience in Cumberland County Public Schools. She is a licensed, certified, retired elementary teacher. She has a Master’s degree in Reading Education, is a National Board Certified Teacher and certified in Montessori Education. She also worked as an adjunct teacher at UNC-Pembroke in the Birth thru Kindergarten Program. She has a heart for teaching the whole child in a Developmentally Appropriate manner.

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Tulisha Doctor

Upper Elementary Teacher

See attached.

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Michelle Hulon

English/LA Teacher MS/HS/Lead Teacher

Michelle Hulon has held various positions in public education for 23 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Methodist University in 2010 and taught full-time in Cumberland County Schools from 2011-2022. With teaching experience in all grades (K-12), Mrs. Hulon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the KSR family.

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Caitlin Hunt

Math/Science Teacher MS/HS

Caitlin Hunt has been in education since 2015. Prior to finishing her education degree, she worked as an assistant teacher and long term substitute at Fayetteville Christian School. She graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Mrs. Hunt continued her education career as a sixth grade ELA teacher for Cumberland County Schools for 4 years.

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Susan Bailey

Social Studies/History Teacher - MS/HS

I am originally from southern Louisiana. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. I moved to North Carolina in 1984. I have a daughter and step son, daughter-in-law and three beautiful grandchildren. I received my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Pembroke University. I received my National Board Certification in 2006. I love teaching children and am excited to be part of KSR Learning Academy.

Tanya Fortune

K-12 Resource/Electives Teacher

Tanya Fortune comes to Kid Stars Rising with a variety of skill sets and strengths. She has been with the Academy since the inception and has served wherever needed as an administrative assistant, classroom teacher, and teacher assistant.

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Dr. Sharonne Simmons

Bible Study/Guidance Resource

Dr. Simmons has twenty years of experience working in the field of education. She is a licensed classroom teacher and former school administrator in North Carolina Public Schools. She has earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6), and a Master of School Administration, both from Fayetteville State University.

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Nancia Carreras

Spanish I & II Teacher - MS/HS

Hi my name is Nancia Marie Carreras. I am a native New Yorker. I have been an ordained minister since October 1994 and moved to Florida in 1988. I have dedicated and devoted my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. My walk with him has been a great adventure and life style. I am Hispanic and speak several languages.

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Mary Willoughby

Business & Technology/Media - MS/HS

Ms. Willoughby brings a thirty-year career of working in Cumberland County Schools to Kid Stars Rising. She holds an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Her knowledge of technology and data is outstanding, which provides a great benefit to our students and staff.

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Hannah Davenport

Support Staff

  • 2122 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville, NC, USA
  • 1305 Hope Mills Road Middle/High School