James B. Dudley Academy in need of funding to continue instruction

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — James B. Dudley academy in Wilmington opened its doors four years ago.  

The school now has around 30 full-time students in grades K-8. Most attend with the help of North Carolina Opportunity Scholarships, which pays the entirety of the tuition. But founder and director Kwabene Williams fears funding may soon run out.  

“So, right now with everything being on us these last four years, it’s just not a realistic journey without finding real partners,” he said. 

The school’s curriculum is focused on teaching each child individually with around 10 kids per class. 

“That helps a lot of students that aren’t able to focus or learn in a class that is 25 to even 30 students,” second and third grade teacher Cristal Figueroa said. 

“So, you’re awesome with color, and abstract, so we’re going to do it this way. So, I get to know the students more. It’s more one on one, and so at the end of the year, I know what they like, I know what colors they like,” art teacher Pirin Morelli said. 

As a blue belt, Morelli doubles as the school’s jujitsu instructor.  

“For me, here, having gym as jujitsu or martial arts, it’s really teaching that discipline and organization,” she said. 

Teacher Cristal Figueroa said additional funding for the school would also help relieve some pressure from educators.  

“It’ll help the educators here not have to reach into our pockets so much. Which sometimes you just have to, and that’s okay, you know, that comes with the love of teaching, but sometimes you just can’t afford to do so,” she said. 

But despite hosting several fundraisers, Williams worries the lack of more secure funding may soon prove to be too much.  

“Over the last few years, I’ve dedicated all of my time, energy, and funding to the school, so realistically, it’s not something that we can keep up forever,” he said. 

Williams noted the school applied for funding from the New Hanover County Community Endowment and was in talks to receive the funding, but he said after a change of leadership, those talks have since dried up.