Tambra Pendleton has always believed education should do more than prepare students for college — it should teach them how to build a life.
As founding principal of BELIEVE Academy on Garrison Avenue, she leads an innovative new charter high school where financial literacy, self-sufficiency and representation are woven into every lesson.
The school opened this year, and her vision has earned her recognition as one of five Excellence in Education Award recipients to be honored at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on Nov. 1, sponsored by the St. Louis American Foundation..
Unknowingly, the roles of provider, nurturer, educator and motivator were instilled in Pendleton as a child growing up on Chicago’s West Side. Her single mother, Lestene Norris, worked at a hospital, and her father at a steel mill. Both were entrepreneurs and property owners who modeled hard work and generosity.
Pendleton was the oldest of seven children — only two, she said, were “biological,” adding that her mother adopted the others.
“I think I learned a sense of selflessness from my mom, who was always providing for the needs of others,” Pendleton said, adding, “Being the oldest and seeing my mother lean in and give so much where others may not, I probably unconsciously learned that I need to be a giver to others in their journeys and not leave anyone behind.”
That early example of compassion and determination became the foundation for her life’s work.
Tenesia Simmons has known Pendleton for more than 15 years and says those qualities shine through in her leadership.
“One of Tambra’s best qualities is that she identifies with the kids and families,” said Simmons, executive director of Believe Middle College, an innovative St. Louis high school. “Sometimes parents or kids have anxiety and have trouble adjusting, and she’s able to get them to invest in ways that’s harder for others.”
After graduating from high school, Pendleton planned to skip college and follow in her parents’ entrepreneurial footsteps. Her ACT scores weren’t strong, but after retaking courses she improved them enough to be accepted at several universities.
She chose Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, wishing to stay close to home. There she developed a network of friends and Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters who have “lasted a lifetime.”
Pendleton initially majored in business but found herself drawn to education — a shift inspired by her mother’s experiences with adoption and her younger brother’s early schooling.
“I was 16 years older than him, and I thought I would be able to make an impact on his educational experience,” she said. Her mother’s work with the Department of Family Services sparked Pendleton’s interest in understanding “displaced children, how they are affected, what resources were available and the reunification process” for families.
Pendleton went on to earn two degrees from SIU — a bachelor’s in early childhood education and a master’s in education, curriculum and instruction. She began her career as a compliance coordinator and curriculum writer for a childcare center in Chicago but soon realized she wanted to work directly with students.
She accepted a teaching position at an alternative high school, then served in various education and family service roles before joining Noble Schools, a charter network of middle and high schools in Chicago. At Mission College Prep, she was assigned to teach ninth-grade biology and became one of the two top-performing teachers in the network. Even so, Pendleton felt called to leadership.
Her search for new opportunities took her to New York, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and ultimately to St. Louis, where she joined KIPP St. Louis Public Charter Schools as Founding Dean of Culture. She later advanced to Founding Assistant School Leader of Instruction.
Meanwhile, Pendleton was invited by a group of colleagues and sorority sisters to brainstorm a new kind of school — one with an intentional purpose.
“It would be dedicated to building something to support our kids; kids who look like us,” Pendleton recalled. “We wanted to build something aimed at closing the wealth gap, that not only supported kids going to college but those developing careers.”
After five years of collaboration, Believe Circle City opened in Indianapolis in 2020 during the global pandemic. Its mission is “to develop students into leaders through a community that fosters their agency, autonomy, and acceleration — providing a foundation for future independence and success.”
Five years later, BELIEVE Academy STL opened this fall with Pendleton as its founding principal. The school reflects her upbringing, her education, and the values that have guided her life.
“It’s kind of like the law of attraction thing,” Pendleton said. “I think God works things out how they should be because the principles and foundation of BELIEVE is how I was raised, part of the hard work, sacrifice and doing for others that I saw my mother do for many years.”
Pendleton proudly speaks of BELIEVE’s mission to graduate creative, self-sufficient students who take ownership of their futures. The school’s curriculum, which emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and representation, also teaches practical skills, such as entrepreneurism, financial literacy, time management and problem-solving — lessons she believes will prepare students whether they pursue college or careers.
Colby Chapman, an alderwoman in Harvey, Illinois, and Pendleton’s sorority sister, said her friend’s commitment to education goes far beyond the classroom.
“Tambra proactively provokes her passions for young people to build sustainable pathways and ensure that those in our most vulnerable communities have the best resources and support so that they, too, can succeed,” Chapman said.
In many ways, Pendleton has come full circle — living the same selflessness, nurturing and independence she learned from her parents. Together with her staff, she is passing that legacy to the next generation through BELIEVE Academy.
Still, Pendleton isn’t done growing. Her goals stretch beyond her school and even beyond St. Louis.
“Eventually, as I get older,” Pendleton confessed, “I think I’ll always end up in education. No matter if I come into this building personally or not, I will always be a part of the BELIEVE Community.”
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place on Saturday, November 1st at America’s Center in downtown. For tickets or more information, visit www.stlamerican.com.