Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy

08/26/2026

Apparently, nobody told the Chargers we had to wait for the first bell to start the school year.

Last week, we welcomed the Class of 2030 to NDA with Charge the Future. Our newest Chargers spent the day learning that being a Nesbitt student is about much more than finding a classroom. It is about jumping in, figuring things out, and becoming part of this school.

That same week, U.S. News & World Report released its 2026–27 rankings, placing Nesbitt #6 among high schools in North Carolina and #232 in the nation. That is a pretty incredible way to begin a new year, and a reflection of the work our students and educators do every day. Read more about the U.S. News ranking

We were also thrilled to see Mr. Greg Tucker featured in Mountain Xpress as part of its “Best Practice Makes Perfect” series. The article focuses on the high expectations and support he brings to his classroom, and it gives readers a glimpse of the kind of teaching that makes NDA such a special place.

All of this before Day One.

We have a lot to live up to this year, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The Chargers are ready. 2026–27, here we come - charging the future and inventing our tomorrow.

08/05/2026

This summer, Angelo Talbot took learning beyond the classroom through an unforgettable experience with the Marine Learning Project, a program that connects high school students with Maine's rich maritime history through hands-on exploration and sailing.

As a student crew member aboard the historic Harvey Gamage, Angelo gained firsthand experience in modern and celestial navigation, sail handling, rigging, steering, and the teamwork required to operate a traditional schooner. Along the way, he explored historic ports, including Mystic Seaport, and had the incredible honor of participating in OpSail 250 in New York Harbor, where tall ships from around the world gathered to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Experiences like these embody what we value at Nesbitt Discovery Academy—curiosity, leadership, perseverance, and learning through authentic, real-world experiences. We are incredibly proud of Angelo for embracing this unique opportunity and representing the Charger spirit so well.

Congratulations, Angelo, on an amazing summer adventure! We can't wait to see where your next discovery takes you.

💜⚡

07/12/2026

Nesbitt Discovery Academy is excited to introduce you to another new Charger! My name is Daniel Macken. I am originally from Atlanta, Ga though I have lived in WNC for the past twenty-four years. I just completed my fourteenth year teaching high school science, nine at Enka High School and the past five at IC Imagine. I have a BS in Environmental Science and a MAT in Biology Education from WCU. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for biology and environmental science with students, especially topics such as molecular biology, genetics, and ecology.
I enjoy traveling with my family, working in my garden, and any outdoor adventures. I am very excited to be joining the team at Nesbitt Discovery Academy this coming year.

07/10/2026

Nesbitt Discovery Academy is excited to introduce you to another one of our new Chargers! Ms. Christi Ponder is from Weaverville and graduated from North Buncombe back in 2005. She attended Appalachian State University for both undergrad studies in Psychology and her master’s program in Professional School Counseling. She has worked as a School Counselor for 15 years in Union County Public Schools, which is right outside of Charlotte. She loves being able to support teenagers as they are figuring out what they want their next steps in life to be. In 2023 she received her National Boards for Teaching in the area of School Counseling. She is excited to finally be coming home to the mountains! She also loves traveling, being outdoors, cooking, and loving on her cats.

07/07/2026

Nesbitt Discovery Academy is excited to introduce you to one of our new Chargers!
Mr. Baggett is originally from New Orleans, LA where he lived for almost 30 years. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of New Orleans in 1995. He earned his Master's Degree in Instructional Technology Education from Appalachian State in 2013.
He has been teaching since 1995 and has taught every grade level from Kindergarten to 9th Grade. After 15 years of teaching Science at Erwin Middle, he is ready for his next great adventure. As the proud father of a 2026 NDA graduate, he is excited to continue to be a Charger by joining NDA as our new PLTW teacher!

07/06/2026

🌟 Chargers Doing Incredible Things This Summer! 🌟

This summer, we're celebrating the amazing experiences our students are pursuing beyond the classroom!

Congratulations to Etta Dezio ('27), who recently served as a Page for the North Carolina House of Representatives, sponsored by Representative Lindsey Prather. During her time at the North Carolina General Assembly, Etta had the opportunity to observe government in action by attending budget, election law, and judicial rules committee meetings while learning firsthand how legislation is developed and debated. The highly competitive House Page Program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process while allowing them to assist legislators and staff during the legislative session.

We're so proud of Etta for representing Nesbitt Discovery Academy with curiosity, professionalism, and a commitment to learning. Experiences like these are exactly what make our students extraordinary!

💜 Congratulations, Etta! We can't wait to see where your passion for civic engagement takes you next.

# 828isgreat

06/29/2026

Summer Reading Reminder, Chargers!

We hope you're enjoying a well-deserved summer break! Don't forget to make time for your required summer reading before we kick off another great year at Nesbitt Discovery Academy.

⚡Rising Sophomores

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

⚡Rising Juniors (English III)

Kindred by Octavia Butler

⚡Rising Juniors (ENG 111)

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

⚡Rising Seniors (English IV)

Choose ONE:
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
OR
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

⚡Rising Seniors (ENG 232)

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster

Need help finding your book? Check your local library or visit the Summer Reading page on the Nesbitt website.

⚡ And one final challenge from your principal... Read something just for fun this summer, too! You might be surprised where a good book can take you.

Happy reading, Chargers! 💜⚡

06/11/2026

Thanks to WLOS ABC 13 for helping share our story and celebrating our students' PLTW accomplishments.

One Buncombe County high school finished the year strong, receiving national recognition from a STEM program.

05/27/2026

Calling All Incoming Freshman Parents!

On Tuesday June 2nd from 5:30-7PM we'll be hosting an Incoming Freshmen Parent Social in the NDA cafeteria! The PTSO will provide snacks and Ms. Lawther will share some useful insights for incoming families. We hope all freshmen parents will be able to join us! We're excited to meet you all and welcome you to the NDA family!

05/21/2026

We are excited to officially welcome Mrs. Tara Lawther as the new principal of Nesbitt Discovery Academy!

Mrs. Lawther brings a passion for student success, strong leadership, and a heart for building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. We are thrilled to begin this new chapter under her leadership and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in our school community.

Please join us in giving Mrs. Lawther a warm welcome as she steps into this important role. We are excited for the future ahead! 🎉

Go Chargers! 💜⚡️