Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Simpson.
Hi Elizabeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Education is my life’s work. I first seriously considered a career in education upon applying for Teach for America (TFA, an Americorps program that placed recent college graduates and career changers in schools across the nation as classroom teachers) my senior year in college. Undecided about my future job path, TFA provided the opportunity for me to dive right in, get real experience, and make a difference. While my kids may have made more of a difference in my life than I did in theirs my first year, I was hooked and knew that my life’s work was focused on creating excellent educational experiences for all kids, particularly in places where not all kids were afforded the same excellent educational opportunities as their peers.
After teaching high school special education in Memphis, TN and middle school math and Algebra in Nashville, TN, I quite literally fell into starting an all-boys middle school. Before opening Grizzlies Prep, I was gifted the opportunity to train with Building Excellent Schools, based in Boston, MA, and travel all over the US studying high performing schools, learning their systems, structures, and hearing from their school leaders and founders. This experience raised my bar for what I knew to be possible and influenced how I lead to this day.
Fast forward to the middle of covid, I got a linked in message from our board chair. After having a child of my own and a long commute, I looked into the potential of starting Compass Collegiate Academy. After interviewing and getting the job offer, I met with our board chair for hours, vetting the chance of CCA coming to fruition on a 5 month runway. After talking with Hunter, I was inspired and confidence boosted that we had the board backing and structure we needed to be successful and thrive, I accepted the role and moved my family from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC.
Three years in, I am proud of the work we’ve done, the school we’ve built, and the culture we’ve created.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a school is never a smooth road! The biggest roadblock was moving into a building that was not granted a TCO until 2 weeks after school started. We literally had families show up to our school to put their kids on a school bus and bus them to a different location for 2 weeks until we could have school in our building.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Compass Collegiate Academy?
Our tagline is “big hearts, sharp minds”
We specialize in creating a fun, safe, rigorous place for children to thrive and excel academically.
Compass Collegiate Academy provides every scholar with the academic foundation and strong habits that inspire and cultivate lifelong learners who lead purposeful, civic, lives.
Our values are: Scholars, Team, Excellent, Effort, Respect, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I love connecting with other school leaders and visiting each others’ schools. This gives time to share best practices and problem solve together.
Pricing:
- Apply for a seat for your scholar at cca-chs.org
- Apply for a position as a teacher or team member at cca-chs.org
Contact Info:
- Website: cca-chs.org
- Instagram: @CCACharleston
- Facebook: @CCACharleston
