Elevate Charter Schools Appoints Founding School Principal

**News Release Submitted by Elevate Charter Schools**

May 3, 2024

Elevate Charter Schools, the growing charter management organization, is proud to announce Dr. Tommy Henley as the Founding Principal of the Danbury “International Academy” Charter School. Elevate is approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education to open Danbury Charter School which is still pending approval of funding by the legislature since 2018.

As the Founding Principal, Dr. Henley will coordinate administrative oversight and planning for all instructional leadership phases such as academic planning, educational programming, day-to-day school administration, and student discipline. Once the school is funded, the Founding Principal will be primarily responsible for working with the Elevate Charter Schools’ Chief Schools Officer to lay the groundwork for a successful school.

Elevate Charter Schools, the state-approved operator of Danbury Charter School, recognizes that a crucial factor in establishing a successful school in Danbury is to actively engage with and contribute to the local community. Dr. Henley, a new Danbury resident fluent in Spanish, is dedicated to immersing himself in local events and forging partnerships that align with the school's mission of nurturing responsible and successful citizens who can thrive in the global arena. Dr. Henley's commitment to launching the first charter school in Danbury stems from his unwavering belief that all families should have access to choice and a high-quality education that aligns to their child's interests and aspirations for the future.

Dr. Henley brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned school and district leader to his role. With a background as the former Chief Executive Officer of a charter school in Pennsylvania and Head of Schools for a prominent charter network in North Carolina, Dr. Henley has dedicated his career to enhancing academic outcomes for all students. Over the course of a decade in education, he has successfully implemented the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, elevated achievement levels in middle and high schools, and demonstrated his ability to unite stakeholders in support of all students' aspirations for college and career success. Dr. Henley is eager to collaborate with the diverse community in Danbury to foster success and opportunities for all students.

Dr. Tommy Henley is scheduled to start on May 6, 2024. Elevate Charter Schools is hosting a Meet & Greet on May 16, 2024 at the Jericho Spring Street Neighborhood Center from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event is open to the public, everyone is welcome to attend.