New Principal Chosen to Lead New FLEX Academy
Dr. Tara Campbell to Lead New, 100% Digital Learning Academy
Superintendent Trent North has chosen a longtime Douglas County educator to launch the school system’s newest learning option. This new flexible, standalone digital learning opportunity allows students to learn from the comfort of their home.
Veteran educator Dr. Tara Campbell will serve as principal of the Flexible Learning for Educational Excellence (FLEX Academy). The digital program kicks off the first day of the 2020-2021 school year with a team of teachers dedicated to online and at home learning.
Dr. Campbell says the FLEX Academy offers families an unprecedented level of flexibility in learning. “I am excited students now have an in-home option to continue learning this school year,” she says. “Whether they choose 100% digital learning or elect to embrace optional, in person small group tutoring, every student can succeed.” She adds that FLEX Academy students will have opportunities to interact with other students. Beginning their second semester, FLEX academy students may take part in extracurricular and athletic activities at their zoned schools.
Dr. Campbell brings nearly three decades of classroom and administrative experience to the role. She taught middle school for 21 years at Fairplay Middle School, the same school she attended as a student. She later served students as an English Language Arts specialist and Assistant Principal. Dr. Campbell holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education, a specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from Georgia State University.
Superintendent North is excited about the experience Dr. Campbell brings to the FLEX Academy. “For over three decades, Dr. Campbell has committed herself to serving the students of Douglas County,” he says. “She is an energetic, highly qualified and compassionate leader. With her leadership, we look forward to seeing FLEX Academy students flourish and build on their educational foundation.”
FLEX Academy educators will deliver lessons from an online platform. For K-5 students, success in the FLEX Academy will require hands-on parent involvement. Parents will monitor progress of children in grades 6-12.
The FLEX Academy will expand and continue beyond the COVID-19 crisis. The permanent program will have limited enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year.