Union Academy (Monroe, North Carolina)

Union Academy is a K-12 public charter school in Monroe, North Carolina, USA.^[2] The school operates two facilities -- the main building located at 675 N. M.L.K Blvd, and a Pre-K and Professional Development Center, located at 3282 Old Charlotte Hwy. ^[3]

Union Academy
Location
675 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Monroe, North Carolina 28110 United States
Coordinates	34°59′27″N 80°34′46″W
Information
Other name	Union Academy Charter School, Union Academy Pre-K and Professional Development Center
Type	Public charter
Motto	"At Union Academy, we do the right thing, even when no one is looking."
Founded	2000 (25 years ago) (2000)
CEEB code	342684
Headmaster	Amy Yermack
Grades	K–12
Age range	4 - 18
Schedule	8:00AM to 3:15 PM [1]
Campuses	Upper Campus, Lower Campus
Color(s)	Red and blue
Athletics	Football, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Wrestling, Tennis, Track & Field, Cross Country, Swimming and Volleyball.
Mascot	Cardinal
Team name	Cardinals
Website	www.unionacademy.org

The school was founded in 2000, and celebrated its 25th anniversary during the 24-25 school year.

Union Academy won the Gold Collage Preparedness Medal in 2019 and 2020.^[4]

Expansion

In 2017, Union Academy invested $4 million into an expansion for the Upper Campus, relocating K-4 from the Lower Campus. The Lower Campus was repurposed as a Pre-K for the school.

Masterplan proposed for Union Academy.

Union Academy plans to add the following additions to the Upper Campus (as noted in the masterplan)^[5]:

• Canopies for both carpools (South and North)
• Preforming Arts Center
• Agriculture Center
• Additional Classroom Building
• New Highschool Dropoff (+canopies)
• Circulation Road (used for transport across campus)
• Storage Addition (Media Center)
• Renovation of Courtyard
• Alumni Plaza
• Fields Upgraded to Turf
• "Welcome Plaza" & Bike Racks (intended for students who walk/bike)
• Campus-wide hallway & restroom renovations
• HVAC relocation (privacy concerns)

These renovations and more can be found in a slideshow linked to by Union Academy's website.

Criticism

Union Academy has faced criticism numerous times, mostly related to safety concerns.

• A report published on May 30, 2025 found that Monroe Police were able to get into the building undercover for approx. 20 minutes.^[6]
• A student snuck a knife into the school and was able to threaten a student with it.^[7]
• Basketball coach Barney Harris attempted to rob a stash house related to the Mexican Cartel and was fatally shot.^[8]

Notable alumni

• Caleb Surratt, professional golfer on the PGA Tour^[9]