About Focus Academy
A community rooted in Raleigh, NC, driven by the belief that every scholar — regardless of circumstance — deserves equal opportunity, quality instruction, and a learning environment where the arts fuel academic excellence.
Built on Belief.
Driven by Purpose.
Focus Academy Charter School Inc. was founded to meet a clear need in the Garner and greater Raleigh community: a tuition-free K–8 school that places the arts at the center of academic life. Our founder, Dr. Sherria Grubbs, envisioned a school where structured learning and creative expression reinforce each other — producing scholars who are academically sharp, emotionally grounded, and ready to lead.
Dr. Grubbs brings over 33 years of experience as an educator — spanning kindergarten classrooms, Head Start, and years as an assistant principal for North Carolina public schools. Her doctorate in Educational Leadership, combined with two master's degrees and decades of hands-on practice, shapes every aspect of how Focus Academy is built and run.
Today, Focus Academy Charter School Inc. serves families in the Garner and surrounding Raleigh communities with a model designed around the whole child — where academic achievement and character development grow together, and where the arts are never an afterthought.
Our Core Values
Every decision and classroom interaction is guided by these principles — the foundation of who we are as a school and a community.
Focus
We cultivate intentional, purposeful learning — helping every scholar develop the concentration and drive needed to reach their fullest potential.
Creativity
The arts are not supplemental — they are core. Creative expression deepens understanding and builds confidence that carries into every subject.
Character
Academic excellence without integrity is incomplete. We develop scholars who are thoughtful, ethical, and ready to contribute positively to society.
Growth
Every student is on their own journey. We provide the challenge, support, and encouragement needed for continuous growth — academically and personally.
A Curriculum Built for
Every Learner
Our inclusive curriculum fosters curiosity, encourages intellectual exploration, and promotes a global perspective — preparing every scholar to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and adaptability.
Creativity Embedded in Every Subject
Visual arts, music, and creative expression are woven into literacy, math, science, and social studies — not offered as extras, but as essential tools for deeper learning and retention.
Scholars Who Ask "Why" and "How"
Students are encouraged to think critically, solve complex problems, and embrace intellectual challenge — developing skills that carry well beyond the classroom and into life.
Building Ethical, Empowered Leaders
We believe character impacts performance. Our culture reflects the conviction that who a student becomes is just as important as what they achieve academically.
Families as True Partners
We build collaborative relationships with families, staff, and the broader community — creating a shared network where every scholar is supported by many hands.
The Team Behind Every Scholar's Success
Our educators are passionate, experienced, and deeply committed to the students and families they serve every day.
Instructional Team
Teachers & Classroom EducatorsOur certified educators are trained in arts-integrated pedagogy, bringing creativity, rigor, and deep content knowledge to every lesson across all grade levels.
Arts Specialists
Visual Arts, Music & Creative InstructionDedicated arts specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to weave visual arts, music, and performance meaningfully into every academic content area.
Student Support
Counseling & Family EngagementOur support team ensures every scholar feels seen, safe, and connected — bridging the relationship between school and home for lasting, meaningful impact.
Ready to Start Your Scholar's Journey?
Connect with our enrollment team today. No commitment required — just a conversation about your child's future.