The Father's Refuge

08/28/2026

Check the middle school planning our raised garden area, and then our elementary kids learning to make cookies 🍪

08/28/2026

Check out our little ones in chapel today.

08/20/2026

First day of school, K-8, in the books! 🎒📚

From chapel time and new friends to playground fun and hands on learning, our students dove in with big smiles and even bigger hearts. Special thanks to our amazing teachers and staff who poured so much love into making this day unforgettable.
By the end of the day, the kids didn't want to leave... and honestly, that says it all.

Here's to a year of discovering, discerning, and being discipled in Christ. 🙌

Ark Discovery Institute: Discover. Discern. Disciple.

08/12/2026

Orientation is tomorrow!

If your family hasn't enrolled yet, come check us out anyway. Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 PM, come meet our teachers, walk through our classrooms, and see what Ark Discovery Institute is all about.

Not sure if you're in yet? No problem. We'll help you enroll right there and walk you through filing for the NC Opportunity Scholarship, step by step.
Discover. Discern. Disciple.
📍 Ark Discovery Institute
🔗 https://arkdiscoveryinstitute.org

08/11/2026

Meet Mrs. Jane McCoy AKA Scott's Mom!
Our Teacher Spotlight series continues, and today we're excited to introduce Mrs. McCoy, who will be teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Math and Science at Ark Discovery Institute, and heading up our Math and Science curriculum for every grade, Kindergarten and up!

Mrs. McCoy hasn't just joined us this year, she has been part of this vision since the very beginning, sitting in on the first meeting nearly a year and a half ago when Ark Discovery Institute was still just an idea. Her touches and investment are all over this school, and to see that vision becoming a reality with her right there in the classroom is something special.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Language Arts, Science, and Mathematics for grades 4-9 from Gardner-Webb University. She taught Math and Science for 15 years at WCMS, then Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Technical Math for 15 years at WCHS, along with a year in a tutorial math program at LCC. That's 30+ years of experience walking into our classrooms this fall!

Outside of school, she and her husband, David, have cared for their grandchildren over the last 10 years, and their family now includes 16 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter who are the joy of her heart.

In her own words: "What I'm most excited about is interweaving God's creation with academics. Guiding students to levels of achievement they didn't think possible is my passion and my expectation!"

We are so grateful for the depth of experience and heart Mrs. McCoy brings to our upper grades, our whole Math and Science curriculum, and to this vision from the very start. Welcome to the ADI family, Mrs. McCoy!

🦁 Discover. Discern. Disciple.
📍 Ark Discovery Institute | Dover, NC

08/10/2026

🚨 Last Call: Opportunity Scholarship Applications Close This Friday! 🚨

If you've been thinking about Ark Discovery Institute for your family, now is the time to act. The 2026-27 Opportunity Scholarship application closes this Friday, August 14 at 5:00 PM. This is your final chance to apply for the fall semester.

✅ Scholarships help make Christ-centered education accessible for your family
✅ Don't wait, once it closes, it's closed

At Ark Discovery Institute, we're preparing to open our doors on August 19 with a mission to Discover, Discern, and Disciple, forming hearts and sharpening minds, anchored in Christ.

If ADI has been on your heart, this is your sign. Apply now before the window closes!

👉 Questions about eligibility? Contact Opportunity Scholarships at [email protected] or call 855-330-3955.
📍 Ark Discovery Institute | 9210 NC-55, Dover, NC
🌐

K-12 Christ-centered private school in Fort Barnwell, NC. Discover. Discern. Disciple. Forming hearts and sharpening minds, anchored in Christ.

08/10/2026

Meet Mrs. Sarah Kirby!
Our Teacher Spotlight series continues, and today we're excited to introduce Mrs. Kirby, who will be teaching Kindergarten at Ark Discovery Institute!

Mrs. Kirby holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and K-8 Math from Eastern Michigan University. She taught 1st grade in Craven County Schools for six years before serving as a substitute teacher and tutor, and now she's bringing all of that experience to our Kindergarten classroom. She and her husband have six kids of their own, so she knows a thing or two about keeping little ones engaged and growing!

Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with her family, baking, and playing sports together.

In her own words: "I am excited to see how every student grows this year academically and in their relationship with God."

We are so grateful for the heart and experience Mrs. Kirby brings to our youngest learners. Welcome to the ADI family, Mrs. Kirby!
🦁 Discover. Discern. Disciple.
📍 Ark Discovery Institute | Dover, NC

08/10/2026

Ark Discovery Institute Family Orientation

Families, we can’t wait to welcome you this Thursday at 6:00 PM for our Parent/Student Orientation! Come meet our teachers, tour the campus, and get ready for an exciting first year together.

📅 Thursday, August 13
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Ark Discovery Institute

Discover. Discern. Disciple.
Forming hearts and sharpening minds, anchored in Christ.

See you there!

08/09/2026

Meet Mr. Paul Pike!
Our Teacher Spotlight series continues, and today we're excited to introduce Mr. Pike, who will be teaching Biblical Studies at Ark Discovery Institute, along with helping lead some of our electives and PE!

Mr. Pike earned his Bachelor's degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University and plans to return this spring to begin his Master's. He brings both academic preparation and a genuine heart for ministry into the classroom, with experience ranging from camp ministry to coaching middle school baseball. He loves encouraging people of all ages to engage thoughtfully with Scripture and grow deeper in their faith.

Outside of the classroom, you'll find him spending time outdoors, writing and playing music, or playing just about any sport you can think of. He's an active member of Grace Fellowship Church, where he serves on the worship team, in youth ministry, on mission teams, and even as a church softball coach.

In his own words: "My prayer is that this school year would be one of immeasurable growth, that students would come to see the beauty of Christ and the abiding relevance of His word."

We are so grateful for the passion and energy Mr. Pike brings to our students. Welcome to the ADI family, Mr. Pike!

🦁 Discover. Discern. Disciple.
📍 Ark Discovery Institute | Dover, NC