About Us

About STARS Charter School in Sandhills, North Carolina

STARS Charter School Sandhills NC is a public K–8 charter school located in the heart of the Sandhills region. Families come to us because they want a school that feels personal, safe, and focused on real learning. Our students benefit from a strong academic foundation, dedicated teachers, and a warm school culture.

The school blends core academics with the performing arts, giving students more ways to learn, express themselves, and build confidence. This focus helps children grow not only as learners but as individuals who understand how to use their strengths.

Our Mission and Purpose

Our mission is simple. We want every child to feel supported, challenged, and inspired. We want families to feel connected and informed. And we want students to leave our school ready for high school, ready for life, and proud of what they have achieved.

Our mission to expand access to our approach, we created STARS Virtual Academy (SVA). SVA is a statewide, tuition-free online public school for students in grades 4–9. It offers flexible learning pathways for families across North Carolina. Many families choose SVA because they want a different pace, more independence, or a learning environment that fits their schedule.

Others choose it because their child thrives in a quieter or more personalized setting. Whatever the reason, the mission is the same. We offer high-quality online learning with the same values, support, and expectations found on our main campus.

STARS Charter School Tuition free charter school in Sandhills NC

Our Mission

To nurture confident, curious, and capable learners through strong academics, vibrant arts education, and a supportive, student-centered environment.

Our Vision

To be the top-performing K–8 charter school in the Sandhills region, recognized for academic achievement, community engagement, and innovative online learning options.

Core Values

Excellence: High standards in teaching, learning, and leadership

  • Creativity: A commitment to the performing and visual arts
  • Equity: Access and opportunity for every student
  • Community: Strong family partnerships and local connections
  • Integrity: Transparency, accountability, and respect in all we do

Meet Our Administration

At STARS Charter School in Sandhills, NC, leadership is driven by a passion for public education and student success. Our team brings deep experience in curriculum development, charter school governance, and online learning innovation.

This is a photo of DSr. Wes Graner from STARS Charter School. He is the school's executive director.

Dr. Wesley Graner

Executive Director

Jonathan Seawel STARS Charter School NC

Jonathan Seawell

K-8 Associate Principal

SVA Principal

Photo of Benita Taylor-Law at STARS Charter School

Benita Taylor-Law

K-4 Principal

AfterCare Director

Megan Ridgeway

Middle School Principal

Transportation Director

Christina Harrison

K-8 Associate Principal

EC Director

Donna Craven
STARS Charter School NC

Donna Craven

Teacher Mentor

Our administration team works closely with families and staff to ensure that every student receives the academic and emotional support they need to succeed.

STARS Charter School in Sandhills, NC, was founded to offer a tuition-free, high-quality alternative to traditional public schools in Moore County. Our unique approach—combining strong academics with the performing arts—quickly gained attention, leading to consistent enrollment growth and waitlists.

In 2025, we expanded our impact with the launch of STARS Virtual Academy, extending our educational offerings to students across North Carolina. This growth reflects our commitment to accessible, flexible learning opportunities that meet the needs of today’s families.

We proudly partner with Edmentum, a trusted leader in online learning solutions. Through this partnership, STARS Virtual Academy offers a fully accredited, standards-aligned curriculum that supports flexible, personalized learning for students in grades 4–9.

Edmentum’s award-winning platform ensures that students have access to rigorous academics, progress monitoring, and live support—all designed to help them thrive in a virtual environment.

STARS Charter School is an approved public charter school in North Carolina, operating under the guidelines of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Our in-person and virtual programs are aligned with state standards and built on best practices in curriculum, assessment, and accountability.

Our online curriculum, provided by Edmentum, is fully accredited and recognized nationwide, giving families confidence in both the quality and credibility of our education programs.

Why Choose STARS Charter School in Sandhills, NC?

Families choose STARS for our combination of:

Rigorous academics tailored to individual learning styles

Dynamic performing arts opportunities

A safe, nurturing environment with strong community values

Flexible online learning through STARS Virtual Academy

A proven record of growth and success in the Sandhills region

Spots are limited—submit your application today!

Ready to join STARS Charter School or SVA for the 2026–2027 school year?

Tuition-Free Public Charter Education in Sandhills, North Carolina