About KIPP GCP Primary School
Founded in 2012, KIPP Gaston Primary School is a free, non-profit, high-performing, college-preparatory public charter school providing an academically rigorous and joyous school experience to K-4 Grade students in Gaston.
KIPP GCP Primary School is a family that nurtures and supports children as they grow through guided investigations of our world to begin their journeys to colleges, careers, and lives of joy and purpose.
Two statements encapsulate our values and vision into primary student-friendly mottos: Cubs can. Cubs care. These statements represent the values we prioritize in our development of moral character based on life experience and the work of Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson.
“Cubs can” encompasses the character traits of optimism, persistence, integrity, and self-control. A cub can when they attend to their needs independently and with self-control. They can tie their own shoes to keep themselves safe; they can clean up a mess when they spill something; they can talk out a problem with a classmate; they can sit in the peace chair to calm down if they get upset. “Cubs care” actualizes love, zest, gratitude, and respect.
Our guiding motto encourages our students to care about school and the people there, which they display by approaching tasks with interest and curiosity. A cub cares when they speak kindly to others, asks probing questions in class, shares their materials, and helps others.
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Heather Acree
Heather Acree was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, NC. She earned a BA in Psychology and K-6 Teaching License from Meredith College. She began her teaching career teaching first grade at Aurelian Springs Elementary School, and in 2008 she also earned National Board Certification. In 2012 she joined KIPP GCP as the Founding Kindergarten Teacher followed by two years serving as Assistant Principal. She became School Leader of GCP Primary in 2016 as well as earned an MEd in Administration and Supervision. She has been leading the Primary School for the past 6 years.
She is dedicated to collaborating with families, coaching our teachers, and creating an environment where our young children are able to be enthusiastic, joyful learners who are growing the skills they will need to be successful in achieving their lifelong goals.
Additional Information
Transportation
Visit or call the school to inquire about busing.
Uniforms
Visit or call the school to order uniforms.
School Menus
See what’s cooking in our kitchen each month here!
Nurse’s Station
Families frequently use these two forms in conversations with our school nurse:
Health History in English and Spanish
Medication Authorization in English and Spanish
School Calendar
Our 2024-25 school calendar for families is available in English and Spanish.
Handbook
Our 2024-25 Student & Family Handbook (which includes our Family Engagement Policy) is available in English and Spanish.