About Us
Welcome to the Academy!
Stanly Academy Learning Center provides a unique educational setting where all students have opportunities for personal, social, and academic growth. Our core belief focuses on teaching and learning, instilling life skills, ultimately preparing our students for life in the 21st century. We invite you to take a few moments and browse our website to learn more about our wonderful students and staff.
SALC History
In 2005, Stanly County Schools began a program, STANLY ACADEMY LEARNING CENTER (SALC), to assist students in completing graduation requirements. For the first year, SALC was housed at Stanly Community College under the direction of Curtis Parker. After that first year, the Academy moved to West Main Street with Doug Smith as the administrator. From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Rick Hessman served as SALC’s principal. Dr. Chris Murray became the principal in 2010, and the Academy was subsequently moved to its present facility, the former North Albemarle Elementary School building on Austin Street in Albemarle, North Carolina. Mike Campbell served as principal from 2012 to 2015. Shannon Batchelor took the helm from 2015 until 2018. Tim Woody was welcomed as principal in 2018. Natasha Krueger served as principal from 2019-2022.
Beginning with the 2022-23 school year Stanly County Schools took a new direction and the structure of SALC was redesigned. At each of the traditional high schools, the YES Academics were formed. This current structure continues to serve Stanly County students as an alternative setting.