Philips Academy

Philips Academy Philips Academy is all about "Real Learning For Real Life". The curriculum is focused on academics, job training, and social/ life skills.

Our program is designed for middle and high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This purposeful education prepares our students for all of the benefits and responsibilities of adulthood. Bridges, our post-secondary program, supports young adults to achieve independence, like finding a job, riding the bus, and cooking a meal. Students explore volunteering, paid employm

ent, independent living and more to find their path to success. Philips Academy is a nonprofit independent school.

After finishing a chapter book on the Titanic, students had the opportunity to experience the story firsthand with a vis...
06/16/2026

After finishing a chapter book on the Titanic, students had the opportunity to experience the story firsthand with a visit to Titanic: The Exhibition.

The immersive experience allowed students to step back in time and see what it was like to be passengers aboard the ship. Upon arrival, each student received a boarding pass with the name of a passenger or crew member. As they journeyed through the exhibit, they followed that individual’s story and, at the end, discovered whether the passenger survived the tragedy.

Throughout the exhibit were many artifacts from the time, as well as detailed recreations of rooms and areas of the ship. A highlight of the exhibit was standing on the ship’s balcony beneath a starry night sky.

It was such a great experience for our students, truly bringing history to life!

In May, we celebrated six Bridges participants who completed the program and will embark on their next chapter at the Br...
06/10/2026

In May, we celebrated six Bridges participants who completed the program and will embark on their next chapter at the Bridges End-of-Year Ceremony. Congratulations to: Ethan, Ben, Lyric, Weslyn, Will, and Brendan!

The event was a joyful celebration of their accomplishments, growth, and the exciting opportunities that await them. During the ceremony, Ms. Turner and Ms. Brooker reflected on the remarkable progress each young adult has made during their time in the program. Peers and staff also shared heartfelt video messages filled with memories, words of encouragement, and well-wishes for the future.

We are so excited to see what’s next for these young adults:
- Ethan will attend Rainbow Express, continue working at the Board of Elections, and remain active as a volunteer in his community.
- Ben will continue working at Helen Adams Realty, traveling with his family, and volunteering in the community.
- Lyric will continue working on her digital art business while attending the I-LEAD at CPCC.
- Weslyn will continue working at Marti and Liz Boutique, continue to participate in dance activities, and remain active in her church community.
- Will will continue working at both Modern Salon and Bank of America Stadium while volunteering throughout the community.
- Brendan is exploring opportunities with Charlotte Arts Center and will continue volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Restore and the Board of Elections. He also looks forward to traveling with his family.

There are still a few spots available at the Davidson satellite campus! If you know any families who may be interested, ...
06/03/2026

There are still a few spots available at the Davidson satellite campus! If you know any families who may be interested, please encourage them to come learn more about our Real Learning For Real Life education. The Davidson campus will serve students ages 13-16, and classes begin in Fall 2026. Click here for more information about enrollment: https://philipsacademync.org/admissions/.

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Katie W!Katie will continue learning and developing at Ne...
06/02/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Katie W!

Katie will continue learning and developing at Next Step Clubhouse. Her family shares how excited they are for her to reach this milestone and all the opportunities that lie ahead.

Katie shares that what she loved most about her time at Philips was the time spent with her classmates and teachers. Her favorite experiences were the off-campus workdays, during which her class volunteered with local organizations such as Samaritan’s Feet.

Her homeroom teacher, Ms. Monzo, shares, “Katie is a confident and decisive young adult. We love her sense of humor, her ability to make students and teachers laugh, and her infectious smile. Wherever life takes Katie next, she will do great things by continuing to build relationships while spreading happiness, laughter, and love.”

We are so proud of how much Katie has grown and can’t wait to see her next chapter unfold!

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Ian!Ian recently completed an internship in the kitchen a...
06/02/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Ian!

Ian recently completed an internship in the kitchen at Myers Park Presbyterian Church and plans to pursue a career in the culinary field. This fall, he will continue to learn and grow at Bridges.

His family shares, “We’re so proud of how hard you've worked to reach this milestone. From watching trains and cooking to participating in fitness classes, you find joy in life in such a special way.”

His homeroom teacher, Ms. Foster, adds, “Having Ian in my class for the past two years has been a delight. He has an amazing memory and is a wealth of information, helping both teachers and students stay on track. He has grown into such a wonderful young adult who can be both a great helper and a tremendous leader. I know I will see him achieve great things beyond Philips Academy.”

We are so proud of all that Ian has accomplished and can't wait to see where his talents and leadership take him next.

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Reygan!Reygan is already working at TJ Maxx and will atte...
06/01/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Reygan!

Reygan is already working at TJ Maxx and will attend Bridges in the fall. Her family shares, “We’re so proud of the amazing person you've become! Watching you grow, face challenges, and do things your own way has been inspiring.”

“Watching Reyagn grow these last two years has been a special honor,” adds her homeroom teacher, Ms. Foster. “She loves to laugh and makes others laugh each day. She is a fast learner and someone you can always rely on. I hope the world is ready for such a wonderful and capable young lady!”

We know Reygan’s hard work and determination will help her achieve her goals, and we can’t wait to see her excel in Bridges and beyond!

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Jonathan!“It has been a joy to watch Jonathan truly find ...
05/29/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Jonathan!

“It has been a joy to watch Jonathan truly find his voice over the past three years,” shares his homeroom teacher, Ms. Poludniak. “Whether he is learning a new job skill or focusing on academic goals, he approaches every challenge with determination and a sense of ownership.” His family agrees, noting that during his time at Philips Academy, Jonathan has learned to advocate for himself and ask for help when needed.

Jonathan appreciates the skills he has gained at PA, which have helped him grow in confidence and independence. He is actively involved in the Student-Based Enterprise program, where he has developed skills that he applies to his own woodworking and engraving business, JP's Creative Impressions.

Jonathan plans to continue his educational journey at Western Carolina University in the UP program. We’re so excited for him and can’t wait to see how he will continue to grow and thrive!

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Katie J!After graduation, Katie will continue learning an...
05/28/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Katie J!

After graduation, Katie will continue learning and building valuable skills in the Bridges program with plans to attend ClemsonLIFE in the future.

What Katie has loved most about her time at Philips Academy is making memories with her friends and teachers. Her family is especially proud of the independence and life skills she has developed, including asking for help when needed, learning new vocational skills, and completing chores such as doing her laundry.

Her homeroom teacher, Ms. Mason, shares, “Katie is confident in herself and knows what she wants out of life. She lights up a room and is truly a friend to all!” It has been a joy watching Katie grow during her time at PA, and we are excited to remain a part of her journey!

We look forward to seeing all she will accomplish!

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Caitlyn! After graduation, Caitlyn will continue her jour...
05/27/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Caitlyn!

After graduation, Caitlyn will continue her journey with us in Bridges next fall. She has already landed her dream job at Mood House and hopes to continue building her professional and social connections.

Her family shares that during her time at Philips Academy, she has gained many essential skills, including confidence, professionalism, time management, and a sense of responsibility and purpose. Caitlyn shares that what she loved most about her time at PA was the friendships she made. She is also particularly proud of her involvement in the student-led Homecoming fundraiser.

As her homeroom teacher, Ms. Mason, shared, "Caitlyn is the sunshine on a cloudy day! She is very in tune with her own emotions as well as the atmosphere around her."

We are so proud of Caitlyn and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Phillip!Phillip is truly a bright light in our community,...
05/26/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉 Congratulations, Phillip!

Phillip is truly a bright light in our community, bringing joy to everyone around him. His homeroom teacher, Ms. Mason, shares, “Phillip knows how to make everyone feel included and seen. That’s why we call him Mayor Phil!”

His family has loved watching him learn and thrive during his time at Philips Academy, sharing, “One of the most beneficial independent skills Phillip has gained has been adapting to a structured environment. He’s also had a major breakthrough with his reading skills, which is so important for daily life.”

After graduation, Phillip plans to continue his academic journey at a community college program. We are so proud of all Phillip has accomplished and can’t wait to see what he achieves in this next chapter!

Address

3115 Providence Road
Charlotte, NC
28211

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17043654533

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