Corolla, NC, September 19, 2025

News Summary

The Water’s Edge Village School in Corolla, NC has opened a new, expansive facility named the Betty and Wayne Evans Building. This state-of-the-art 3,800 square feet building allows the school to accommodate more students, enhances its project-based learning focus, and features advanced technology. Fundraising efforts successfully surpassed goals, raising a total of $2.1 million to support construction, emphasizing the community’s commitment to education in the region.

Corolla, NC: Water’s Edge Village School Celebrates New Facility Opening

The Water’s Edge Village School (WEVS) has expanded significantly with the opening of a new state-of-the-art building in Corolla, NC, this summer. The new facility, named the Betty and Wayne Evans Building, spans 3,800 square feet, a dramatic increase from the school’s former building, which measured under 1,000 square feet.

Accredited by the state of North Carolina, WEVS serves as a free public charter school for families living in the Outer Banks region. The school was established in 2012 with just 15 students and has since grown to serve 50 students across grades K-8.

The founders of WEVS, Meghan Agresto and Sylvia Wolff, advocated for a “geographically-isolated” exemption from North Carolina’s minimum student requirement, allowing for the establishment of a public education system in Corolla. The school meets the same educational standards and testing requirements as traditional public schools while specializing in unique, project-based and outdoor learning experiences.

The new building is equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring Smart Boards in every classroom, along with additional facilities including a teacher workspace, a counselor’s office, and a spacious common area designed to enhance the learning environment.

A notable emphasis on outdoor instruction and project-based learning methods is expected to boost students’ cognitive skills and overall well-being. An increasing number of families have moved to Corolla specifically to enroll their children in WEVS, drawn by the school’s focus on hands-on learning.

This new facility also addresses long-standing waiting lists, opening spots for new students for the first time in several years. The school community rallied together to support the construction of the new building, with local businesses and individuals exceeding fundraising goals by contributing to a total of $2.1 million, surpassing the initial target of $1.4 million.

A notable contribution came from the Evans Family Fund at the Outer Banks Community Foundation, which provided a significant grant of $300,000 to aid in the fundraising efforts for the new structure. The school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio, fostering a more personalized educational experience.

Parents of students at WEVS have expressed strong support for the school’s commitment to outdoor learning and the positive impact it has on their children’s education. The historical context of the nearby schoolhouse, dating back to the late 1800s, enriches the educational heritage of the Corolla community.

With the opening of the new facility, WEVS aims to continue providing exceptional educational opportunities for families in the region, enhancing its capacity to serve the community’s needs.

FAQ

• What is the size of the new building at Water’s Edge Village School?

  The newly constructed building is 3,800 square feet, significantly larger than the previous schoolhouse, which was under 1,000 square feet.

• What is the purpose of the new facility at WEVS?

  The new building aims to provide better educational opportunities and to alleviate previous waiting lists, creating openings for new students for the first time in years.

• When was Water’s Edge Village School established?

  WEVS was originally established in 2012 and started with 15 students.

• What type of learning experiences does Water’s Edge Village School provide?

  The school adheres to the same testing and educational standards as traditional public schools while offering unique project-based and outdoor learning experiences.

• How much funding did the construction project raise?

  Fundraising efforts exceeded initial expectations, reaching a total of $2.1 million to support the new building.

• What notable grant contributed to the new building?

  The Evans Family Fund at the Outer Banks Community Foundation provided a significant grant of $300,000 to aid in the fundraising efforts for the new structure.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Water’s Edge Village School Opens New Facility in Corolla
Meghan Agresto Celebrates 20 Years at Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Tragic Event in Kitty Hawk: Juvenile Humpback Whale Washes Ashore

Additional Resources

• The Coastland Times: Water’s Edge Village School Opens New Facility
• WTKR: Corolla School Kicks Off New Year in Brand New Facility
• WTKR: Historic Grant Helps Boost Education in Corolla
• The Coastland Times: Water’s Edge Village School Receives Grant
• Travel Awaits: Best North Carolina Beaches
• Wikipedia: Water’s Edge Village School
• Google Search: Water’s Edge Village School Corolla
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter Schools
• Google News: Water’s Edge Village School

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.