Charlotte nonprofit expands after-school program to private school aimed at closing achievement gap

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) — A Charlotte nonprofit organization passionate about education is expanding its services.

Innovative Learning Incorporated began as an afterschool and preschool program for children in kindergarten through 8th grade in 1998.

Since then, Executive Director Belinda Colter has added tutoring services and took a leap of faith on January 4 by starting a preschool and private school for children in kindergarten and first grade.

Even as she grows, she wants families to know that they are always there for them for tutoring and other services for all students in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

A Charlotte nonprofit organization passionate about education is expanding its services.

“We are ready for K-8 so I can always take school aged children from CMS and the children who are at the academy will also be able to attend of course because they are already there so we are always extending it to any kids who would like to attend our after school,” Colter said.

Currently, a total of six children are enrolled in the two programs and Colter’s goal is to have at least 40 students.

If you want to enroll your child in the preschool academy or private school, click on here.

COVID forced schools to turn to virtual learning last year, which put many students behind.

“There were definitely things that the kids were missing that they weren’t able to grasp, but the teachers had to move on,” Colter said.

She acknowledges the challenges and learning losses that some students have faced due to virtual learning and pandemic stress. This is one of the main reasons she opts for smaller class sizes so that students get more personalized support.

“We do an assessment to see where they’re at, and then we start to fill in those gaps and address any issues they’ve had or things they’ve missed,” she said.

In-person learning means close contact, but Colter says they are maintaining strict COVID-19 protocols, including temperature checks and mandatory masks.

“Each week the parents must complete a symptom screening questionnaire, each day the rooms are disinfected,” she said.

Scholarships are available and the kindergarten accepts vouchers.

“We’re trying to make sure those parents are able to bring them in so they have a consistent place to bring their kids every day where they can get a great education,” she said.

Once Innovative Learning reaches full capacity, classes will have a maximum of 10-12 students.