HARRISBURG, N.C. — Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows enrollment at many charter schools is on the rise. 

One school is crediting its success to a learning approach that includes helping students become entrepreneurs before walking on a high school campus. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Data shows enrollment at public charter schools has been growing 

  •  One school credits its success to a unique learning approach helping students become "kid-prenuers" 

  •  Students say this learning model is strengthening their financial literacy knowledge while teaching them how to make money 

A.C.E. Academy Charter School was launched in 2014 by entrepreneurs Shawn Smalls, Laila Minott and Shannon Martin.

The public, tuition-free K-8 school is currently educating over 450 students across the Charlotte Metropolitan area. 

School leaders recently held a block party commemorating 10 years of academic success at A.C.E. Academy. 

Minott, who serves as the A.C.E. Academy executive director, says the school prides itself on taking a unique approach to learning, built on academics, character and entrepreneurship [A.C.E]. 

"To be able to look at it 10 years later, it is so special because we know we're making a difference in our kids lives," Minott said. 

A.C.E. Academy is also home to the Young Moguls Club. The entrepreneurship program is teaching students how to create small businesses.

The club's "kid-preneurs" have earned more than $30,000 to date. 

"We work with kids outside school hours, we teach them, coach them and invest in their business ideas," Minott said. "Our goal has always been to create a bridge for young people to be able to be entrepreneurs in their future. We've done so in the Young Moguls Program. We're teaching kids how to monetize what it is they like to do, and show them how to make profit. We have kids that have juice businesses, a photographer, we even have an author that's been writing our newsletter."

"A lot of our kids also own stocks," said Smalls, entrepreneurship director at A.C.E. Academy. "Not only are they making money in the classroom with businesses, but they're also making money in the market. Now they can pass those same gifts [over] to their children when they get older." 

Eighth grader Giselle Francis has been attending A.C.E Academy since kindergarten.

"It's been a great adventure," Francis said. "Being a student here allows me to grow exceptionally. I can learn new skills I wouldn't learn in normal schools." 

Francis runs her own small business called My Moods by Giselle. Her products include t-shirts that allow people to express their emotions through the merchandise. 

Francis says this business was possible thanks to the Young Moguls Club. 

"It makes me feel grateful that I can make money in my own way without having to limit myself. It helps me learn financial literacy and manage money, and also how to express myself and not shy from my opinions. I want [other young people] to be themselves and push to whatever it is they think they can achieve," Francis said. 

Justin Feemster, 12, is also part of the Young Moguls Club. He launched a business where he sells cake cone products.

"What motivated me is how I saw children getting money," Feemster said. "The [school leaders] have been a big impact on how my business started and my life. They have been a great influence on me. I would not be in Young Moguls or have my own money if it wasn't for [them]." 

"The most valuable thing you can teach any young person is to not give up on their dreams. If you can't be the person to help facilitate their dreams, put them in the place where somebody else can. That's what we're doing at A.C.E. Academy. You can do that for any child, you just have to take the time to do it," Minott said. 

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