Meet Our Team
Kayla Pelt
Director of Academics
Kayla Pelt has worked in elementary education for almost a decade. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from University of Oklahoma. She was a fourth grade public school teacher for several years and also served in administration for the largest school district in Oklahoma. In 2021, she moved to Spain to teach English abroad and enjoyed working with English Language Learners, while experiencing a new culture and lifestyle. She has loved working with students of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
Kayla knows that school needs to look different for students who are struggling in the traditional classroom and are in need of extra support. She is passionate about teaching in a school that values the small classroom setting and real-life learning experiences. Kayla has developed our school's transformational curriculum and has been instrumental in creating our unique learning environment, ensuring that we meet every student's needs.
Liz Wright
Co-Founder
Liz Wright has over 20 years of experience serving on the boards of directors of several nonprofit organizations, particularly organizations focused on education. She has served as Chairman of the Board of Northern Light School in Oakland, California since November 2016, and as a member of that board since 2010. She has also served on the Board of Directors of ACE Scholarships since 2015 and on the National Advisory Board of ACE Scholarships since 2018. Struck by the inequities of our education system and the further disparities resulting from Covid school closures, Liz felt the urgent need to create an environment where children could make great academic gains in a compressed time frame to ensure they succeed in middle school and beyond. A long-time entrepreneur, Liz knows that great people can do great things, and is excited with the team they have assembled to help children reach new heights.
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Mandy Atkinson
Co-Founder
Mandy Atkinson has over 25 years of corporate and legal experience, working in senior roles in organizations throughout her career. She has broad expertise in corporate, legal and general business matters, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions. During this time, she was also very active in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, California. Mandy left her full–time corporate work in 2021 to allow time to pursue her passion for helping children. She now brings her extensive business experience and her dedication to future generations by ensuring the school runs with the utmost efficiency and integrity. Mandy shares Liz's excitement in creating a small school where children can thrive and their possibilities are limitless.