About Us

Every Student Matters. Every Moment Counts.

Welcome to McAlpine Elementary School, where every child is known, valued, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Since opening our doors in 1986, McAlpine has proudly served the South Charlotte community by providing a rigorous, engaging, and student-centered educational experience rooted in excellence, innovation, and belonging.

At McAlpine, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our dedicated educators create meaningful opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering a culture where every student feels connected and empowered to succeed.

A Day in the Life of a McAlpine Eagle

Students at McAlpine engage in dynamic learning experiences tailored to their developmental needs. In grades K–2, students learn in self-contained classrooms that provide consistency and strong foundational support. In grades 3–5, students experience a departmentalized model that promotes collaboration and prepares them for a successful transition to middle school.

Every student participates in a weekly rotation of special area classes, including Art, Music, Media, and Physical Education. Our students also enjoy enriching opportunities that spark creativity, curiosity, and confidence, including:

• A thriving, year-round Drama Club for students in grades 3–5
• Student performances and music programs throughout the year
• Our annual Pizza and Picasso celebration, showcasing student artwork
• Fall and spring Book Fairs that nurture a lifelong love of reading
• Daily physical activity and recess opportunities that support student wellness
• McAlpine embraces innovative learning through 1:1 access to technology, including Chromebooks, iPads, and interactive classroom tools that enhance engagement and expand learning opportunities.

Supporting Every Learner

At McAlpine, we believe every child deserves the support and opportunities they need to thrive. We offer comprehensive services for Exceptional Children (EC), Multilingual Learners (ML), and Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students. Our inclusive approach ensures that all learners receive instruction tailored to their strengths, needs, and goals.

Our school also includes NC Bright Beginnings and Exceptional Children preschool programs that support early learning and provide specialized services for qualifying students, helping build strong foundations before kindergarten.

What Makes McAlpine Special

The heart of McAlpine is our strong sense of community. Through our unique House System, every student and staff member belongs to one of four houses: Fadhila (Virtue), Hashiki (Passion), Heshima (Honor), and Ruya (Dream). These houses create meaningful connections across grade levels while promoting leadership, teamwork, and school pride.

Students participate in quarterly house celebrations, cross-age buddy activities, interest-based clubs, and schoolwide recognition through “SOAR-TA a Big Deal” awards that celebrate positive choices and academic effort. Students can also earn SOAR tickets from any staff member at any time to be entered into a drawing for a grand prize. Our SOAR expectations encourage students to be safe, responsible, respectful, and ready to learn, while reinforcing the values that help our school community thrive.

Our Vision

At McAlpine Elementary, students are motivated, empowered, and prepared to positively impact their future and the world.  

Our Mission

McAlpine Elementary is a student-centered school community that believes our students can achieve and grow to be lifelong learners. We partner with families and the community to enhance academic excellence through a culture where decisions are rooted in data and every student demonstrates continuous growth through individualized, rigorous, and engaging learning experiences.

Our Core Values

McAlpine Elementary values community, inclusivity, relationships, and collaboration through a differentiated and student-centered approach.

School Colors

      Green and Yellow     

Mascot

Eagles