Administration

Mr. Samuel West, Principal
samuel.west@clayton.k12.ga.us

Samuel Wayne West has over 25 years of experience as an educator working in a variety of public, charter and private school settings. Mr. West has served as a nursery and preschool director, administrator for a Kindergarten – 8th grade Academy, educational consultant, classroom teacher, elementary principal, middle school assistant principal, middle school principal, high school assistant principal,and high school principal. Mr. West was a 2010 – 2011 district finalist for teacher of the year, named Principal of the year for the 2017-2018 school year and was named a district finalist for Principal of the year for the 2018-2019 school year.

After working in the utility industry for seven years, his interests shifted toward full-time ministry where he worked in various capacities for twelve years. Mr. West earned his undergraduate degree from Fort Valley State College, his master’s degree in Educational Management from Strayer University, his Educational Specialist degree from Liberty University and his leadership certification from Georgia State University.

Mr. West views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and students. His daily affirmations over his staff and students undergird his belief that if you model what success looks like to students and get them to change their mindset of what is possible to achieve, they will soon realize “they can win with what they have”. He believes a three-fold cord, is not easily broken, and as home and school partner together for student success, academic achievement is inevitable.

Dr. Phillip Ramsey, Assistant Principal
phillip.ramsey@clayton.k12.ga.us
 

 

Dr. Phillip Ramsey is finishing his 20th year in education. He completed the first leg of his educational journey as a graduate of Douglas County High School in Douglasville, Georgia in 1994. After realizing that he did not want to be a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 2002. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership in 2009 and his Ph.D in Curriculum & Instruction from Mercer University in 2012. Dr. Ramsey taught High School Algebra, 6th -8th grade Mathematics, 6th -8th grade Social Studies, 6th grade Science, and one year of 5th grade gifted (all content areas). Dr. Ramsey transitioned to his current role as Assistant Principal at Elite Scholars Academy in January of 2015. He has overseen a myriad of activities at ESA during his tenure, even serving as Senior Class Sponsor for the Class of 2022.

Dr. Ramsey enjoys spending time with his family and watching UNC Tar Heels athletic events (especially football and basketball). He has been married to his wife April since 1999. She is a senior nurse clinical manager for Emory Healthcare. They have two children. Jacob is a first year Liberty University student on a full scholarship (double major of Electrical Engineering and Pastoral Studies) and Grace is a junior in high school who loves to play the violin. 


Ms. Renette LaFrance , Assistant Principal
renette.lafrance@clayton.k12.ga.us
 

Ms. Renette LaFrance serves as the  Assistant Principal for Middle School at Elite Scholars Academy. 

Ms. LaFrance is a native of Miami, Florida, where she was a student in the Miami Dade County Public School system. Her passion for education stems from  an early age when her family immigrated from the Bahamas on a boat In search of the “American Dream.” 

Ms. LaFrance  received her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades English Education (5-9) with a minor in ESOL and Reading Education from Florida Memorial University. She then obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University and most recently completed a Specialist in Reading Education with a concentration in Adult Literacy from Barry University. 

Ms. LaFrance brings with her a 13-year experience in education to include the role of a classroom teacher, Transformational Literacy Instructional Coach, Novice Teacher and Assistant Principal coach and mentor. Ms. LaFrance is open- minded, passionate, hardworking, and dedicated to creating a positive experience for every child and teacher.  Her mission is to ensure that every student she encounters becomes productive, interdependent citizens of society and preparing for the future today. She is confident that all students have the ability to excel & learn. She firmly believes that it is her job as an educator to pave the right path that will allow students to become their own version of success.  

Ms. LaFrance demonstrates a keen understanding for positively improving school climate and culture, supporting school-wide instructional systems, and improving student achievement, and collaboration. 

Ms. LaFrance is the happy fiancée of Kenneth and the proud mother of two young men; Andre (12) & Malachi (10). She is also a proud fur mom to her Morkie Bleu (6). During her free time she enjoys reading, watching various series on Netflix, talking on the phone, and spending quality time with her family. Her mom Viladia is her best friend. 

Ms. LaFrance  is elated to serve the Elite Scholars Academy community.