Cherokee Charter Academy Family,
It is truly a privilege to serve the Cherokee Charter Academy community, and I am so grateful for the trust you place in our school each day. I am writing to share an important update with you as we look ahead to the 2026-27 school year.
I am excited to share that I will be taking on a new challenge later this year, as I transition into a new role within the Tutelage Family of Schools beginning in the 2026–27 school year. In this role, I will continue supporting and making a meaningful impact across multiple schools throughout the state. While I will not be on campus daily next year, I won’t be far. You will continue to see me at CCA, and I will remain a strong advocate for our school and community.
This transition comes at a time of historic strength and stability for Cherokee Charter Academy. When I stepped into the role of School Director, I set ambitious academic, enrollment, financial, and organizational goals that I expected would take at least four years to accomplish. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the hard work of our students, those goals were achieved in just two years. That progress reflects the strength of this community and the culture we have built together. I do not doubt that the best is still ahead for CCA, with continued growth and success.
After a thoughtful and intentional process, the Board voted yesterday to approve Jason Cole as the next School Director at CCA. Jason will officially step into the role on July 1.
Jason is an exceptional leader with nearly 30 years of charter school experience in both North and South Carolina. Most recently, he has served as School Director at Cogito Academy in Lancaster County, part of the Tutelage network. He brings deep knowledge of our curriculum and model, uses data thoughtfully to support student growth, and is a steady and positive leader.
Prior to his leadership position at Cogito Academy, Jason served in senior leadership roles at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro, North Carolina, including Executive Director and Principal, where he led a K–12 school serving more than 1,200 students. Under his leadership, the school consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in both North Carolina and nationally. He began his career as a high school science teacher and coach and brings a deep respect for the work happening in classrooms every day.
What makes this transition especially meaningful is that Jason is not new to Cherokee Charter Academy. He served on the school’s founding planning committee and has been connected to CCA since before its doors first opened. He understands our mission, our model, and our community, and he is deeply committed to building on the strong foundation already in place. Jason is excited to lay roots in Gaffney and to serve the Cherokee Charter Academy community for years to come. Throughout the spring semester, you will see him on campus as he builds relationships and prepares for a smooth transition. I am grateful for the opportunity to support this transition over the summer and will continue to support CCA and our other Tutelage schools as my role evolves.
I have full confidence in Jason’s leadership and in the incredible team at CCA. This transition reflects continuity, stability, and continued growth, and Cherokee Charter Academy is well-positioned for what’s ahead. I look forward to partnering with Jason this spring and summer to ensure a seamless transition and to remaining engaged with CCA in meaningful ways moving forward. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support. It has been an honor to serve this community. If you have any questions in the coming days, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Go Patriots!
Brad Teague
School Director
Cherokee Charter Academy