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Ignite Online Academy 25-26

Ignite Online Academy has the following school designations as of 25-26:

  • Targeted Support & Improvement Additional Targeted Support (TSI-AT)

  • Low-Perfoming School

Ignite Online Academy has been designated as an Additional Targeted Support & Improvement (AT-TSI) school. This means that, based on state data, at least one student subgroup did not meet expected performance levels last year. Subgroups include Students with Disabilities, Economically Disadvantaged students, and racial/ethnic student groups.

Let’s be clear—this designation does not define us, but it does call us to laser-focus on closing achievement gaps and ensuring success for all students. And we are up for the challenge. Ignite students are bright, capable, and resilient—and so is this community.

The official AT-TSI notification letter is attached and also available on our school website. Here’s the key information in plain language:

✅ Why the designation?
State and federal law (ESSA) requires identifying schools where one or more student groups need additional support to meet academic expectations.

✅ What does it mean for Ignite?
We will follow a comprehensive improvement plan focused on:

  • Strong classroom instruction

  • PLC collaboration & data-driven teaching

  • Tiered supports & intervention systems

  • Family and community partnership

  • Student support services and transitions

  • Recruiting, growing, and retaining excellent educators

✅ What happens next?
We will implement targeted strategies and monitor progress closely in partnership with DPS. Our School Improvement Team and district leaders will support this work throughout the year.

✅ How can families help?
Your support is a game-changer. Please:

  • Ensure students attend and are prepared daily

  • Monitor progress and reach out when you have questions

  • Stay connected through our website & parent communications

  • Encourage participation, effort, and engagement

  • Join our PTSA and volunteer when possible

✅ Resources to support you:

  • Graduation Requirements

  • NC State Standards

  • NC School Report Cards

We are already hard at work! So far in 25-26 we have:

  • Strengthened live instruction and increased student engagement time

  • Implemented weekly and bi-weekly data cycles to track progress

  • Added student support structures, intervention blocks, and SEL programming

  • Launched more student activities and clubs to build belonging

  • Expanded teacher coaching, PLCs, and explicit teaching PD

And we’re just getting started. 🚀

This work takes a village—and lucky for us, we have a powerful one. Yes, improvement requires effort, but it’s effort that pays off in student growth, confidence, and opportunity. Together, we will continue to spark learning, excel through challenges, and elevate every student.

If you have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for walking this road with us—and for believing in our students and our school.

With partnership and purpose,
Principal Crystal Medlin
Ignite Online Academy
Durham Public Schools


Please find the Parent Notification Letters send to families by Oct. 30, 2025 linked below: