American Quality Schools has named Gloria Shelton regional manager for the greater St. Louis area.
A regional non-profit educational management firm, AQS will open its first charter schools in St. Louis, the Carondelet Leadership Academy and the Grand Center Arts Academy, this fall. Shelton was selected following a multi-state search.
In her new role, Shelton will oversee operations, assist with hiring faculty and staff, and ensure compliance with all state and federal Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations for both schools. She will also assist faculty and staff in developing and deploying curricula and evaluate student performance data to assess growth.
Shelton was previously employed by St. Louis Public Schools, filling various educational and administrative positions over a 35-year career.
Most notably, she served as principal of Kennard Classical Junior Academy where she established exceptional rapport with students, parents, colleagues and community. Under her leadership, Kennard earned a Gold Star School rating.
Shelton also served as assistant superintendent of magnet schools, deputy chief academic officer and as a mentor to several SLPS principals.
“As a veteran public school educator, it would be fair to say that I was somewhat skeptical of the charter school model,” said Shelton.
“But AQS’ strong track record of rising test scores, high achieving students and satisfied parents convinced me of the importance of offering robust charter school options for St. Louis students. I’m excited to be on board as we begin a new chapter in St. Louis education.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Harris-Stowe Teachers’ College and a master’s degree in educational administration from University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also earned various educational certifications from UMSL including the Elementary Principal’s Advance Certificate and the Gifted Course Work Certificate.
Harris-Stowe has recognized Shelton’s achievements with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Founded in Chicago in 1999, AQS is a non-profit, regional education management organization that operates more than a dozen charter elementary and high schools in the greater Chicago area and northern Indiana.
The Carondelet Leadership Academy will be the group’s first charter elementary school in St. Louis, serving up to 300 kindergarten through fifth grade students living in South St. Louis during the 2010/2011 school year.
Its administrative office is located at 6721 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111. The school’s future school location will be 7604 Michigan Ave. in St. Louis. Visit www.stlclacademy.org
The Grand Center Arts Academy, located at 711 North Grand Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108, is a charter middle and high school. Visit www.grandcenterartsacademy.org.
