39 Years of Impact. One Big Year Ahead.

Yesterday, our 39th school day in our 39th year as a school, we began looking ahead to a milestone worth celebrating early and often.

In 1987, founders Rita Rice Ledford and Ginger Parnell expanded Unlimited Learning—a testing and tutoring service established in 1982—by opening its private school division. Starting with just eight students and four full-time teachers, the school was dedicated to helping unique learners build skills, discover strengths, and realize their potential. At the request of its students, the school was later renamed Guilford Day School, and is known today as Noble Academy.

Nearly four decades later, that belief remains at the heart of everything we do. A seed was planted, and it has continued to grow and flourish. 

Over the years, Noble has changed in many ways, including our name, campus and programs. Generations of students have walked through our doors, found their footing, built confidence, and moved on to new opportunities. Teachers, families, alumni, donors, and friends have helped make that possible.

What remains entirely unchanged is the purpose behind it all, and the community effort to support that mission.

Next fall, we’ll celebrate Noble Academy’s 40th anniversary with a variety of celebrations that celebrate the school’s legacy, as well as the next chapter. 

Between now and then, we’ll be sharing stories from Noble’s past and present, reconnecting with the people who have shaped our history, and inviting our community to be part of what comes next.

Whether you graduated or are about to graduate from Noble, once dropped off a child at our front door, currently entrust us with your child’s education, or have supported our mission from afar, you are part of this story.

Help us celebrate by sharing your own Noble story. 

Maybe you remember a teacher who made a difference, a moment when something finally clicked, or the confidence that grew when a student found the right place to learn. Maybe you want the world to know that our faculty is making life better for your family today. 

As we look toward our 40th anniversary, we’d love to hear your story. Share a brief video or a few written words to help us celebrate the people and experiences that have shaped Noble Academy.

Please share your video or written testimonials with Christy Duncan at cduncan@nobleknights.org.