Our school

Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Pre-K through 6th grade in Kearneysville, West Virginia. The school serves families across Jefferson and Berkeley County.

EPPA has been recognized as a high-performing public charter school in the Accel network. The school has earned Gold Tier School and Emerald School recognition, along with a Best Overall Rural School distinction. Students are showing strong growth in both math and reading, proof that EPPA's relationship-first approach and strong academic outcomes go hand in hand.

The school is built around leadership. That means character development, confidence, and who a student becomes are given the same weight as reading scores and math benchmarks. The school day includes enrichment in Creative Media (coding, keyboarding, and digital media), Physical Education, Art, and Performing Arts, and character education alongside core academics aligned to state standards. Chromebooks and Smart Boards are in every classroom. Students who need extra support in reading or math get it. Students who are ready for more get pushed.

Every student here is known by name. The staff operates on a simple belief: when a child feels like he or she belongs, academic growth follows. The school's philosophy is built on respect, positivity, and perseverance. "We believe in our students, and that belief helps them believe in themselves."

The school runs a full enrichment program. Students can join cross country, softball, or baseball. Clubs include Tutoring, Outdoorsy, Performing Arts, Art Club, Pep Team, Kindness Club, Student Council, and Young Men's Mentorship. The outdoor campus includes a community garden, outdoor classroom, basketball court, and playfield. Inside, students have access to an art room, science lab, music room, and multipurpose space.

EPPA has a dress code. Tops are blue, white, or yellow. Bottoms are khaki or navy. Shoes must be black or white, closed toe and heel. The school offers uniform assistance for families who need it.

The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. for Kindergarten through 6th grade, and 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for Pre-K. Before care begins at 7:00 AM and after care runs until 5:30 PM. Both are fee-based, with financial assistance available. Free breakfast and lunch are available for qualifying families. A full-time nurse is on staff. The school also provides Weekend Power Packs for qualifying families who could use food support over the weekend. No transportation is provided.

Age cutoffs for enrollment: a child must be 4 by July 1 to enter preschool and 5 by July 1 to enter kindergarten.

Parents are part of the school. The PTO hosts events and fundraisers. Families volunteer in classrooms, help decorate the school, and show up for community events. Once a month, the principal hosts Knights of the Breakfast Table, a morning where parents sit down with Principal Demetrius Blue over breakfast and talk about what's happening at the school.

Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy is located at 449 Rose Hill Dr, Kearneysville, WV 25430. To reach the school, call (304) 850-6038. The school's website is eppacademy.org.

We strive to ensure that every student is empowered with the skills, direction, and character to pursue excellence in their lives and careers and play effective roles in their families and communities.