THE MINUTE

September 12, 2025

Like many of you, I tend to be a bit reflective and contemplative during the week of 9/11. I revisit what I was thinking and feeling on that tragic day. I think about the courage and fortitude of our first responders. I think about the bravery of those who endured loss. I think about the character and resolve a people must possess to sustain a flourishing republic. And, as with all my internal musings, I always find my way back to classical education.

I frequently communicate that a classical education in the liberal arts and sciences is an answer to a key question … what educational “system” is able to prepare young people fit to carry the baton of a republic. Realizing that our Founding Fathers definitively state that our republic requires a virtuous citizenry, I would suggest to you that a classical education in the liberal arts and sciences is the only education which fits young men and women to carry on the baton of a republic. Let us be vigilant in this task.

 

Mr. W. Ryan Mullins

Headmaster

Lunch Program

We have partnered with a new vendor, Global Crusine, to provide this year's lunch program. If you would like to sign-up, click here for instructions and to view the September menu.

Volunteers

If you are interested in joining the volunteer list, please make sure to submit your information on the school's website. For the safety of our students, all volunteers who may supervise students independently are required to undergo a background check.

 

Questions may be directed to Mrs. Mognett by emailing fortmill.office@ascentclassical.org. Additional information will be sent to parents who have signed up to volunteer and recently attended the volunteer interest meeting.

Procedure for Addressing Concerns

We encourage families to work closely with our campus team to resolve concerns, as most issues can and should be addressed at the most direct level possible. If you have a concern, please follow the steps below:

1. Teacher – Begin by scheduling a meeting with your child’s teacher through the front office. Teachers are most familiar with your child’s situation and are often able to resolve concerns quickly.
2. Campus Leadership – If the concern is not resolved with the teacher, you may contact Mrs. Christina Holzer (Dean) or Mr. Ryan Mullins (Headmaster) to schedule a meeting.
3. Ascent Classical Academies Leadership – If a satisfactory resolution is not reached at the school level, you may appeal the campus resolution to our management organization using the File a Grievance form linked on our website.
4. Ascent Classical Academies South Carolina Governing Board – If resolution is still not achieved, you may appeal to the governing board through the same File a Grievance form.

Please refer to the Family Handbook, Policy SE-33.0 Grievance Process, for full details.

Picture Day

Individual and class photos will be taken on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Students should wear the formal uniform to ensure a polished and consistent look. Please review our uniform guidelines, if needed. Ordering information and make-up dates will be shared soon.

Social Media

Follow us on social media to keep up with what is happening at our school. This week, we had Coffee with The Headmaster and an Enzyme Lab in Mrs. Holzer's class. 

PowerSchool Parent Portal Update

If you are having trouble verifying your new account or resetting your password, please email fortmill.office@ascentclassical.org so we can manually reset your access to the Parent Portal.