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History, Philosophy and Mission
History
In 2000, we (Michael and Carol Parker) decided to homeschool our children. Following the name of our longstanding family farm, we designated our Christian-based homeschool - 'Terrace Ridge Academy.' Michael and Carol both hold BS Biology degrees (NCSU and UNC respectively) and have years of experience teaching a variety of topics. Michael holds a law degree from UNC and is a former District Attorney, a retired homicide prosecutor, and a nationally recognized legal and auction trainer. Carol was on the NCSU Biological Sciences faculty while she completed a Masters Degree in Public Affairs and completed doctoral work in education. Matthew, our oldest son, became a NC Envirothon champion, a Sandhills Community College (SCC) Valedictorian, and the prestigious SCC Faculty Award recipient by age 18. At NC State, Matthew graduated first in his Senior Class with a BS degree in Bio-Ag Engineering and a minor in Soil Science. Matt is currently first in his third year Campbell Law School Class as well. Garin, age 17, is dual-enrolled at Terrace Ridge Academy and SCC in Digital Media Technology. Homeschooling works, and our Academy is now ready to share our extensive expertise with you and your family!
Philosophy
Whether homeschooled, privately educated, or attending public school, a child's academic success and interest must be nurtured by parents and family. Students thrive best when parents and family can participate together in the process. We at Terrace Ridge Academy believe in interactive hands-on learning - sharing our extensive science and agriculture-based knowledge with families, not just children.
In Person or Virtual Learning
Due to Covid-19, we are proud to offer you the choice of in person classes in our outdoor classrooms or virtual learning through Zoom or Go to Meeting.
Outdoor Classrooms
Due to Covid-19, Terrace Ridge Farm has modified our feed barn and our "Cow Palace" to create two outdoor classrooms that can accommodate 40 students each!
Certificates
Upon completion of the classes, students will receive their own Terrace Ridge Academy Certificate to honor their commitment to learning and to education.
Pricing
Terrace Ridge Farm offers custom pricing for classes. We offer pricing per student, per class, or a flat fee depending on your needs and your budget. Contact us today to discuss how Terrace Ridge Farm can help you meet your educational goals!
Available Courses
Agriculture Classes
Agriculture Classes
Agriculture Classes
Agricultural subjects include:
- Soil Science
- Pasture Management
- Beef Management
- Fence Building
- Tractor and Machinery Maintenance
- Custom Topics
Animal Management
Agriculture Classes
Agriculture Classes
Providing the finest finished beef in North Carolina requires that Terrace Ridge Farm move a lot of stock - keeping them healthy and safe while treating them humanely. Learn the Terrace Ridge Secrets to animal management.
Farm Tours
Agriculture Classes
Legal Topics
Don't need a formal class, but still want the farm experience? Great! Let us arrange a Farm Tour for you. We can talk tractors and equipment, soils and pasture management, beef production, hay rides, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and more!
Legal Topics
Learning on Demand!
Legal Topics
Michael is a retired homicide prosecutor and former District Attorney who has worked over 800 homicides and tried more than 150 jury trials. Matthew Parker is a 3rd year law student who is first in his class. Matthew excels at Constitutional Law and Contracts.
Interested in understanding the criminal trial process, jury trials, or the history of the Constitution, then look no further than Michael and Matthew. Topics and classes can be customized to your needs. Contact us for more information.
Custom Classes
Learning on Demand!
Learning on Demand!
Michael and Carol Parker have been creating unique classes for 35 years, and Matthew for 6 years. Need something you don't see mentioned here? That's OK - tell us what you're looking for, and we can probably put it together for you!
Examples of our other Specialties Include:
- Entrepreneurial Visioning
- Pine Straw Harvesting
- Fundraising for Nonprofits
- Fundraising both Virtually and by Auctions
Learning on Demand!
Learning on Demand!
Learning on Demand!
Check out our current offerings below - then email us with your suggestions! If there is enough interest, we might pick your topic for a Saturday Class at the Farm!
Terrace Ridge Instructors
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker
Matthew is a fourth generation farmer, a third generation auctioneer, a second generation lawyer, and a first generation engineer. Matthew is a graduate of Terrace Ridge Academy, has an associate degree from Sandhills Community College (Valedictorian), a BS degree in Bio-Ag engineering from NC State (first in his class), and his JD is expected from Campbell University in 2021 (currently 1st in his class). Matthew is one of the inventors of the award-winning pine straw cleaner and harvester, the 'Pine Bine,' and has run his own agricultural businesses since he was 14 years old. Let Matthew illustrate what a passion for learning and teaching is truly about.
Carol Parker
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker
Carol, a Greensboro native, is a graduate of Ragsdale High School, has her BS in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill, has her Masters in Public Affairs from NC State University, and has done doctorial work at NC State in Adult & Community College Education. Carol taught at NC State's Biological Sciences department for eight years, educated both her sons at home, and has helped coach several award winning State Envirothon homeschool teams. Carol, respected in the community as a strong female agricultural leader, maintains a NC Private Pesticide Applicator's license and has years of experience in farm management. Carol has a passion for teaching and is ready to help your children achieve their dreams!
Michael Parker
Nicholas "Nick" LaSala, Jr.
Nicholas "Nick" LaSala, Jr.
Michael is a graduate of Union Pines High School, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of NC State University with a BS degree in Biological Sciences, and a Juris Doctor from UNC-Chapel Hill. Michael is a retired homicide prosecutor, having worked an estimated 800 homicide cases, and a former District Attorney having tried approximately 150 jury cases, some of which have been featured on both the Oxygen channel and Discovery ID. Known for his story-telling abilities and down-home humor, Michael can keep his audience enthralled and hold a jury's attention. Growing up on Terrace Ridge Farm, Michael helped in the family's meat business, in the fields, and in his dad's auction business. As an auctioneer throughout his life, Michael has raised millions of dollars for NC nonprofits such as schools, churches, cancer centers, food banks, etc. Let Michael teach and entertain you as well!
Nicholas "Nick" LaSala, Jr.
Nicholas "Nick" LaSala, Jr.
Nicholas "Nick" LaSala, Jr.
Nick served the Nation for over 30 years as a Soldier. He led organizations at every level of the Army up to brigade; and managed budgets for some of the most sensitive organizations and operations in the Department of Defense.
Nick’s military career brought him extensive experience in training. He trained the National Guard and Reserves for deployment to Afghanistan and for the initial invasion of Iraq. As a Comptroller, Nick lectured at the Army’s War and Command and General Staff Colleges and presented at national level professional development conferences. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and master’s degrees in Business and Public Administration. He is a life-long learner and has set a completely new course stretching his skills, abilities, and knowledge. Nick is now the Vice President of Victory Vineyard, LLC, a farming and Agritourism venture in North Carolina dedicated to helping people gain victory over their lives.
Contact Nick at Victorygroup17@outlook.com or learn more at https://www.facebook.com/VictoryVineyardLLC/