From Opening Doors to Guiding Boards: Christy Spurrier’s NHA Journey

This Employee Spotlight series celebrates NHA’s 30th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year and honors those whose dedication, leadership, and Moral Focus™ values have shaped our schools. 

Christy Spurrier began her journey with National Heritage Academies^® (NHA^®) in the early days of charter schools before most people even knew what they were.

“I saw an ad in the paper in 1996 for a charter school. I didn’t even know what that meant at the time.”

Curious and ready for something new, Christy made the leap from private education into the charter school system. That decision would shape the next two decades of her career and impact countless students, families, and school communities.

A Leader from the Start

In February of 2001, Christy joined NHA as principal at Chandler Woods Charter Academy, stepping into the role midyear and commuting from Lansing with her young daughter. That’s where she was introduced to NHA’s mission and Moral Focus™ virtues, learning how character development shapes school culture and supports student success.

It’s during this time Christy began to understand the difference that charter schools were making for families that couldn’t afford a private education.

“I’ve seen a lot of different education systems. And I truly believe families should have choices not be limited by their zip code.”

In 2002 Christy learned of a school opening in North Carolina. It would bring her closer to her family, so she asked for and was granted the opportunity to help open Queen’s Grant Community School. It’s a moment she still describes as one of the most meaningful of her career.

“There was just so much energy. Families wanted a school in their community. To be part of building that from the ground up, it was just a beautiful experience.”

Christy spent 14 years at Queen’s Grant.

“It wasn’t just a school, it was our community.”

Built on Teamwork and Resilience

Throughout her time as a school leader, Christy experienced firsthand what makes NHA unique, a commitment to partnership, perseverance, and people.

It’s one of the reasons she wanted to take on opening another school, Matthews Charter Academy, which was coincidentally just down the road from Queen’s Grant. One moment from that time in Christy’s career came during the opening, when construction delays forced the school to operate out of two temporary locations across town.

“It was all hands-on deck. Staff, parents, the Service Center, everyone came together. We never missed a day of instruction.”

By winter break, the team successfully transitioned into the new building, powered by collaboration and a shared belief in what they were building.

“That’s when you really see NHA at its best. The teamwork, the support, the willingness to do whatever it takes for kids.”

A New Chapter, Same Mission

After 22 years as a principal, Christy felt ready for a new challenge but not one that would take her outside of NHA.

Today, Christy is a Board Representative. She supports school boards and leaders across North Carolina, bringing her experience full circle.

“I didn’t want to leave NHA I just wanted to grow in a different way. Now I get to support schools from a new perspective, and I love it.”

Her work is centered on building strong partnerships with boards.

“I still get to be in schools, see what teachers are doing, and support principals. It’s just a different way to make an impact.”

Fun Fact

Christy performed at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. with her high school Chamber Choir. But her singing career didn’t stop there. Christy has also sang at one of the legendary NHA Galas.


 

About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 67,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.