Middle School & High School
Middle & High School | Grades 6-12
Welcome to ALA Johnston
Greater Independence and a Plan for What Comes Next
The Johnston Upper School experience is designed to foster academic confidence, personal responsibility, and future readiness at every stage of a student’s journey. The early Upper School years begin the move toward greater academic independence.
High school builds on that foundation through concrete graduation requirements, advanced coursework, college-credit opportunities, career exploration, and decisions about life after ALA.
Grades 6-8
Middle School at ALA Johnston
Middle school brings more moving parts. The academic work becomes more demanding at the same time students are expected to take greater responsibility for getting it done. Students begin managing several courses, teachers, assignments, activities, and deadlines.
Most importantly, these transitional years give students the opportunity to explore advanced academics giving families time to make informed choices before high school decisions become urgent.
Two Year Plan
All students, in consultation with their families, develop a two-year plan to prepare for the transition into high school. This collaborative planning process helps map out the coursework needed to meet both junior high completion and future high school graduation requirements.
Career Development Plans
Starting in 7th grade, students begin creating their Career Development Plans to meet North Carolina State Board of Education requirements. These plans are updated annually, giving students dedicated time to explore career interests, high school coursework, and long-term goals.
High School Credit
Some junior high coursework may qualify for high school transfer credit, specifically including NC Math 1 and NC Math 2. Additionally, students who take high school-level foreign language courses can qualify for high school credit by completing the course with a passing grade.
Looking Ahead
Connecting Academics to Future Goals
Grades 6–8 serve as a vital bridge, helping students strengthen their core academic knowledge while giving families time to explore what comes next. At ALA Johnston, we focus on two critical areas during these transitional years:
- Developing Core Academics: Students master complex subjects, apply stronger study habits, and develop greater academic independence. Qualifying students can also access continued AIG support in grade 6 and transition into Honors coursework beginning in grade 7.
- Planning Ahead: The choices made in the early Upper School years lay the groundwork for the future. We give families time to explore high school graduation requirements, diploma pathways (including our STEM Diploma), Advanced Placement, Career & College Promise, Dual Enrollment, and CTE.
To help connect today's learning with tomorrow's goals, students begin creating their annual Career Development Plans in 7th grade. They also use MajorClarity, a career exploration tool that helps them align their current interests with their future academic and post-secondary plans.
Grades 9-12
High School at ALA Johnston
High school turns academic planning into action as students choose courses that align with their future goals. To prepare for university, a trade, or the workforce, Johnston connects students with our STEM Diploma track, Dual Enrollment, and Career & College Promise (CCP) opportunities.
Students balance core requirements in English, math, science, history, and physical education with advanced coursework and electives. By adding credits in fine arts or CTE, computer science, leadership, and a world language, every Johnston graduate builds a highly competitive transcript.
Diploma Pathways
American Leadership Academy Johnston offers multiple diploma pathways so students can plan coursework around their goals and interests for advanced academic opportunities. View the official Course Catalog for details about each diploma→
Graduation Diploma
Honors Diploma
STEM Diploma
PREPPED FOR SUCCESS
Student Services and Academic Planning
Greater academic independence shouldn't mean figuring everything out alone. ALA Johnston provides dedicated Student Services Advisors to give every family personalized guidance as they navigate the future. Students can find help with:
- Course selection, Career Development Plans, and graduation progress
- Honors, AP coursework, Dual Enrollment, and Career & College Promise (CCP) opportunities
- College applications, scholarships, and financial aid
- Standardized testing and transcripts
- Career exploration (including MajorClarity) and workforce preparation
- Trade, technical, and military pathways
We do not expect students to have their entire lives mapped out the moment they enter Upper School. Our goal is to give them the support they need to ask better questions, adjust their plans as their interests grow, and confidently prepare for life after graduation.
Measuring Progress
North Carolina Academic Assessments
Grades 6–8: Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 complete North Carolina End of Grade (EOG) assessments at the conclusion of each academic year.
Grades 9–12: High school students take End of Course (EOC) assessments upon completing specific classes. Additionally, students participate in the PreACT in grade 10 and the ACT in grade 11 to support their post-secondary planning and meet state requirements.
Discover your path
Career & Technical Education
Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides students with the advanced skills and training needed to thrive in today's competitive job market. ALA Johnston offers several CTE programs on-site, combining academic instruction with hands-on learning guided by experienced professionals. Students who complete all semesters of a CTE program sequence have the opportunity to take the associated state exam to earn industry certification.
Because course offerings can evolve, students should work closely with a Student Services Advisor to explore current pathways, including hands-on internships, and ensure their chosen CTE coursework aligns with their graduation plan.
Advanced Academic Opportunities
ALA Johnston offers academic opportunities designed to challenge students and help them prepare for college-level expectations. Depending on grade level, campus offerings, and student readiness, Patriots may have access to:
- Honors courses
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- Dual Enrollment and Career & College Promise (CCP) courses
- Advanced math, science, English, and history options
- Pathways to earn college credit while satisfying high school requirements
College and Career Readiness
Students prepare for life after high school through academic planning, assessments, advising, and post-secondary opportunities, including:
- Annual Career Development Plans and career exploration
- State and national assessments, including the PreACT and ACT
- Dual Enrollment and Career & College Promise (CCP) opportunities
- Pathways to earn transferable college credit under the NC Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA)
- Personalized advising through Student Services
Middle & High School Hours & Contact Information
School Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:40 AM - 2:40 PM
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Early Release Hours: Days vary, 7:40 AM - 12:55 PM
Address: 3770 US-70 BUS, Clayton, NC 27520
Phone: (984) 224-8240
Now Enrolling for 2026-2027
Kindergarten through Grade 12 · Public Tuition-Free Charter School