Thales Academy to offer "HVAC by captiveaire" HVAC Technician certification elective course for high school seniors. Sep 24, 2026, 12:16 ET RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Thales Academy, the network of K-12 classical schools located in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, is adding a new "HVAC by CaptiveAire" HVAC technician certification course for high school seniors through its Luddy Institute of Technology (LIT) pre-engineering elective program. Designed in partnership with Bill Griffin, PE, President of Engineering and Manufacturing at CaptiveAire(R)(Thales Academy founder, Bob Luddy's commercial ventilation company), this new program aims to offer students an immediate pathway into an in-demand career upon graduation, with all requirements completed during a daily 50-minute twelfth-grade elective class taken both semesters. "I am thrilled to see this valuable vocational certification opportunity available through our Thales Academy high school program," says Bob Luddy, Founder & Chairman, Thales Academy, and Founder & President, CaptiveAire Systems. "Our students are smart, capable, and responsible, and to be able to kick off a lucrative and rewarding career right out of high school is a great gift to many who prefer to avoid the higher education debt trap and start their careers immediately." Students who successfully complete the program will graduate from high school with the following accolades: A factory HVAC tech fundamentals credential, comparable to an associate's degree from a community college; certification as a CaptiveAire Paragon HVAC Factory Certified Technician; EPA 608 Certificates (Core, Type II, and optionally, Universal); OSHA 10 Certification, as well as the opportunity to travel to CaptiveAire's Research & Development Headquarters to interview with the President of Engineering and Manufacturing. Students in the HVAC by CaptiveAire course will learn about and master HVAC design, practice professional skills related to the career, and prepare for and complete necessary certification exams/paperwork. They will also receive exposure to various fields of engineering, including mechanical, manufacturing, chemical, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Topics covered in the course include: psychrometrics; load calculations; duct design and manufacturing; electrical schematics; installation; troubleshooting and repair; brazing with the CaptiveAire Brazing Academy in Youngsville, NC; professional conduct; driver safety (defensive driving course with BRAKES); and more. Students in the course also will receive mentorship from and immediate access to CaptiveAire's nationwide network of engineers and technicians as well as a guaranteed interview with CaptiveAire for a technician apprenticeship. "The Luddy Institute of Technology at Thales Academy is a strong high school pre-engineering program, and I was honored to help design this course to equip future engineers with advanced knowledge and skills, facilitate immediate job options, and provide a rich, apprenticeship-level outcome for these students," explains Bill Griffin, PE, President of Engineering and Manufacturing at CaptiveAire, and lead curriculum consultant on the HVAC at CaptiveAire course at Thales Academy. "We are excited about offering students a career option directly out of high school (and a potential source of income to fund higher education or other goals as desired) as well as a strong foundation of knowledge, hands-on experience, and certifications for future engineers," states Kim Tully, Luddy Institute of Technology and Industrial Arts Lead at Thales Academy. Tully continues, "HVAC & Refrigeration Technician was recently listed #6 on Indeed's Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs (June 2026), citing a $77,728 median salary, and news of a nationwide HVAC Technician shortage this year adds job security to those in or entering the field, so this is a fantastic opportunity for our students." Interested families can learn more about Thales Academy, schedule a visit, and apply online at: www.ThalesAcademy.org. About Thales Academy Thales Academy is a K-12 network of classical schools that assists parents in cultivating virtuous, critical thinking, compassionate individuals and seeks to deliver the highest quality education at the lowest cost to parents and the community. Thales Academy fosters high standards of accountability, academic achievement, life skills, and civic responsibility through the use of an educational program rooted in Direct Instruction (K-5) and classical curriculum (6-12), with an emphasis on character development and practical skills development across all grades. This comprehensive curriculum creates a firm foundation for Thales Academy graduates to embody our Top 15 Outcomes and achieve success in various professions, continued studies at top colleges and universities, and other future endeavors. www.ThalesAcademy.org About CaptiveAire(R) CaptiveAire is on a mission - Fresh air everywhere. CaptiveAire's Paragon HVAC delivers the best of the great outdoors indoors - up to 100% outdoor air - fresh, filtered, and dehumidified. Built on decades of learning as the nation's leader in kitchen ventilation systems, CaptiveAire is transforming HVAC. CaptiveAire's one system, one source solution to HVAC maximizes comfort, health, safety, efficiency, and price. With 2,100+ employees, 125+ North American sales and engineering offices, 6 U.S. manufacturing plants, and nationwide service team, CaptiveAire remains committed to continuous innovation and superior service. www.CaptiveAire.com SOURCE Thales Academy

Schools and education in Chatham Park. Choosing where to live often means considering more than the home itself. For families, access to education, childcare, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for lifelong learning can play an important role in finding the right community. At Chatham Park, education is part of the larger vision for a connected community where residents can live, work, play, and learn. From early childhood education and an onsite private school to top-ranked public schools, YMCA school programs, and respected colleges and universities throughout the Triangle, families have access to learning opportunities for every stage of life. Education at a Glance Families living in Chatham Park have access to: * Onsite early childhood education and day care * An onsite private school serving Pre-K through eighth grade * Top-ranked Chatham County public schools * YMCA school care, camps, and enrichment programs * Parks, trails, recreation, and community experiences that encourage learning beyond the classroom * Nearby colleges, universities, and career-training opportunities Learning Close to Home Having education options close to home can help simplify busy mornings and keep families connected to their community. Chatham Park currently has two private education providers located onsite in the Vineyards at Chatham Park. Thales Academy Pittsboro For families seeking a private-school option close to home, Thales Academy Pittsboro offers a convenient campus within the Vineyards neighborhood. The school currently serves students in Pre-K through eighth grade, combining Direct Instruction during the elementary years with a classical curriculum that emphasizes strong academic foundations, critical thinking, character, and leadership. Its location allows many Chatham Park families to live within a convenient walk, bike ride, or short drive of campus. Thales Academy has also announced plans to expand its Pittsboro campus, beginning with the addition of ninth grade for the 2027-2028 school year and eventually serving students through high school. Amazing Explorers Academy Families with younger children can also find early education and childcare within Vineyards at Chatham Park at Amazing Explorers Academy. Amazing Explorers Academy provides care and educational programming for children from six weeks through age 5. Its curriculum incorporates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), encouraging children to explore, investigate, collaborate, and develop an early enthusiasm for learning. Explore Chatham County's Top-Ranked Public Schools Chatham Park is served by Chatham County Schools, one of North Carolina's top-ranked public school districts. Along with strong academics, the district offers athletics, arts, extracurricular activities, and career-focused programs that help students grow inside and outside the classroom. In 2025, Chatham County Schools earned Cognia's System of Distinction recognition for demonstrating high-quality educational practices and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The district was one of only seven public school systems in the United States to receive the recognition following evaluations conducted during the 2024-2025 school year. Chatham Park's current public-school assignments are: * Perry W. Harrison Elementary School * George Moses Horton Middle School * Northwood High School Because attendance boundaries may change as the area grows, families should confirm current school assignments directly with Chatham County Schools. More Ways to Learn, Play, and Grow at the YMCA Located in the NoVi neighborhood, the Chatham Park YMCA gives families convenient access to school programs, recreation, enrichment, and opportunities to connect close to home. Through YMCA of the Triangle, families can explore before- and after-school care, holiday care, track-out camps, homeschool enrichment, and summer day camps. These programs help children stay active, make friends, complete homework, and continue learning beyond the classroom while giving families flexible care options throughout the year. Learning Beyond the Classroom Some of the most memorable learning experiences happen beyond the classroom. Throughout Chatham Park and the surrounding Pittsboro area, families can explore nature, recreation, arts, and community programming together. Neighborhood parks and trails, Knight Farm Community Park, the Chatham Park YMCA, the Haw River, and Jordan Lake offer opportunities to stay active, discover the outdoors, and try something new. Events at MOSAIC, the NoVi Green, and other gathering spaces also bring residents together through music, arts, and shared experiences. In Chatham Park, the community itself can become an extension of the classroom. Higher Education Within Reach Chatham Park's location near the Triangle places residents within reach of a wide range of higher education and continuing education opportunities. Nearby institutions include: * Central Carolina Community College * The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill * North Carolina State University * Duke University * Wake Technical Community College Whether pursuing a degree, professional certification, career training, or continuing education, residents can access programs across Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and the surrounding region. A Community Growing With Its Families As Chatham Park continues to grow, education will remain an important part of the community's long-term planning. Chatham Park plans to provide sites for public and private schools based on future enrollment needs and student projections, helping educational opportunities grow alongside new neighborhoods. By bringing homes, schools, parks, trails, businesses, and community spaces closer together, Chatham Park is creating an environment where learning can be part of everyday life. Find Your Home in Chatham Park From growing families to first-time buyers, and active adults, Chatham Park offers a variety of new homes and townhomes in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Explore Chatham Park's neighborhoods, available homes, onsite amenities, and educational opportunities to discover a community built for every chapter of life.