The Academy Charter School
Vanessa Evans is an experienced educator and executive with a strong background in special education and the arts. Currently serving as a Special Education Teacher at The Academy Charter School since January 2019, Vanessa integrates special education within a college preparatory environment, teaching a variety of subjects to high school students. As the Executive/Artistic Director of the TALKING DRUM Theatre Arts Program, Vanessa leads initiatives that empower youth through the arts, fostering leadership and conflict resolution skills. Previous roles include Head Drama Teacher at Mary McDowell Friends School, where Vanessa developed inclusive theater curriculum for students with learning disabilities, and Regional Program Director positions for Signature Learning Resources and Interactive Therapy Group, overseeing special education services. Vanessa's foundational education includes an M.A. in Special Education from Lehman College and a B.S. in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana.
The Academy Charter School
The Academy Charter School (“The Academy”) offers an exceptional interdisciplinary curriculum in a technology rich environment that challenges students to explore connections across subjects and use experiential learning to bridge the gaps between theory and practice. In addition to core subjects, students benefit from high expectations in physical education, health, and the arts. The Academy’s focus on character development and community service cultivate a student body poised to be active, engaged and responsible members of the community. The Academy employs a committed staff whose teaching and high academic and behavioral expectations will improve student academic achievement by focusing on three important areas of our children’s growth that will enable them to be empowered adults: mastery of academic subjects, an intensive focus on character development, and fostering a lifelong behavior of giving back to their community. Our Mission: Create world class competitive scholars who will LEARN today, LEAD tomorrow, and SERVE in the future