Rise with Us: Stories & Features

A collection of featured articles, interviews, and podcasts that share our story, vision, and the heart behind Hilton Horizons Academy.

A blonde woman with wavy hair wearing a black top, standing in front of a green hedge wall with a neon sign that says 'Kingsta' and a brick wall.

WJHL News

Local micro-school is a new holistic homeschool option

Two women smiling, one with a name tag labeled Kerry Mcdonald, posing together at an indoor event.

Instagram

Grateful to be part of Tennessee’s growing microschool movement!

A woman stands at the front of a classroom, holding a marker, with children seated on the floor listening. There is a whiteboard with a house drawing, a colorful poster on a brick wall, and a bookshelf with books and a globe.

Yahoo News

When Hilton Horizons Academy in Kingsport, Tennessee opened its doors on August 5th, it became one of the first…

Group of people, including children and adults, participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kingsport Chamber event indoors.

Times News

The first of its kind in the area, a hybrid microschool…

A man and woman standing side by side, smiling, in an indoor setting with an exposed brick wall and a sign that reads ' City, Tennessee.' The man is wearing a navy blue quarter-zip pullover, light gray pants, and white sneakers. The woman is dressed in a dark leopard print dress with a black long cardigan and black heels. Behind them is a black bookshelf with books and a plant, and there is a microphone on a stand to the right.

JCL Podcast Clip

Come hang out with us and Candice on the podcast talking about this awesome hybrid micro school for the tri cities!

A woman with brown hair wearing a blue floral top, smiling at a virtual event. There's a background with framed pictures on the wall. The caption shows her name as Taylor Dawson Justice, and the event is titled "Expanding Opportunity: The Future of Education in Tennessee."

Expanding Opportunity: The Future of Education in TN

That should be the model because that is increasingly what parents want.…

VELA Grant Recipient

Receiving this grant is an honor and will make a meaningful impact on our ability to inspire curiosity and foster hands-on learning.

Promotional graphic for an event called liberatedED featuring Kerry McDonald, with a yellow and white background and a photo of Kerry McDonald.

LiberatED Podcast

From Public School to Microschool: A Tennessee Teacher's Bold New Venture

Mobile phone screen displaying a podcast episode about K-8 hybrid microschooling for homeschoolers, featuring Hilton Horizons Academy with a man and woman standing together in an indoor space.

Johnson City Living Podcast

With her profound commitment to educational innovation and personalized instruction, she has developed a thriving environment where children can excel and explore their passions.

Two women in a classroom or activity room with a Connect Four game, colorful stools, and a ladder, engaged in conversation. The caption reads 'Micro School in Kingsport and Johnson City caters to student needs.'

Micro school in Kingsport and Johnson City caters to student needs.

School leaders say they have big plans for the future. They plan to open a private school to go along with the hybrid program that they have now.

Empty classroom with round tables, chairs, a fan, and educational posters on the wall.

Hilton Horizons Academy aims to further enrich homeschooled students

It’s a very supportive network,” Hilton said. “I think that is something you would not find in public school, as well as the fact that, not only are we connected in a social aspect, but we’re connected to their academics. We set goals together.

Announcement of official accreditation for Middle States Association awarded to Hilton Horizons Academy in 2025.

Middle States Association- Next Generation Accreditation

Accreditation is an ongoing journey that asks schools to examine not only their outcomes, but also their systems, culture, and values,” Talbot said. “Every school recognized this fall has shown a deep dedication to learning, leadership, and growth at a moment when the landscape of education continues to evolve.