[Charlotte, NC] – Phoenix Montessori Academy (PMA) is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of its Firebirds Sports Academy through a dynamic new partnership with C.P.I. Charlotte Performance Institute. This merger marks a significant milestone in both organizations’ commitment to holistic youth development, as C.P.I. becomes the official varsity basketball program of Phoenix Montessori Academy.
The new elite basketball track will serve as a central component of the Firebirds Sports Academy, offering high-performance basketball training within a hybrid academic-athletic model. Students enrolled in the program will benefit from a balanced schedule, spending half of their day in rigorous Montessori-based academic learning and the other half in focused, elite-level basketball and business development.
“This partnership strengthens our mission to develop the whole child — mind, body, and character,” said school leaders at Phoenix Montessori Academy. “Through this collaboration, we’re able to offer student-athletes a competitive, collegiate-prep basketball experience without compromising academic excellence or personal growth.”
While C.P.I. remains a distinct entity, it will now operate as an integral part of PMA’s educational ecosystem. Students will be enrolled at Phoenix Montessori Academy, graduating with a North Carolina High School Diploma and full support in navigating the NCAA Eligibility Center process. PMA’s Cognia accreditation ensures that all college pathways remain open to graduates.
About the Basketball Program
This elite track is designed for student-athletes who demonstrate both academic dedication and athletic potential. The curriculum integrates Phoenix Montessori Academy’s core Montessori principles—agency, collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience—with intensive, high-level basketball training. This program complements the school’s existing athletic offerings, which include youth development leagues in basketball, flag football, and volleyball, with plans to expand into additional sports in the future.
This new initiative will provide a structured pathway for those aspiring to play collegiate or professional basketball, while continuing to uphold the PMA values of academic integrity, personal agency, and character education.
About C.P.I. Basketball – Carry the Flame, Lead with Fire
C.P.I. brings to PMA a proven track record of leadership development through sports. Guided by five key pillars — Family, Leadership, Accountability, Mentality, and Excellence — C.P.I. trains athletes to be leaders on and off the court.
“At CPI Phoenix Academy Basketball, we are more than a team — we are a family,” said program leadership. “We rise together through adversity, lead with fire, and play for each other.”
This culture of excellence is now embedded within the Phoenix community. Together, PMA and C.P.I. are igniting a new era of education and athleticism — one that prepares students to succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life.
Taglines
- Carry the Flame, Lead with Fire.
- Lead with Purpose, Play for Each Other.
- Education and Imagination…. Rising