ATLANTA, GEORGIA (June 24, 2009)

Sophia Academy has experienced an exciting time of growth this year as the independent school celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2009 as well as the opening of their new 21,000 gymnasium and performing arts theatre. Recently, the Dekalb independent school announced the appointment of Dr. Sean Preston as the new Principal to help lead the school through its next phase of growth. The Board of Trustees and search committee that included Education professionals as well as leaders in the Atlanta business community confirmed that Dr. Preston was a great fit for academic head of the K-8 school.

The Brookhaven area school was founded by Marie Corrigan, Founding Director, as the first and only Christian school in Georgia for children with learning differences. Over the past decade, Sophia Academy has positively impacted thousands of families with children who are bright but who are not currently thriving in a typical classroom setting. The school uses a multi-sensory approach of teaching including the nationally recognized standard of Orton-Gillingham to reach children who learn differently and provides each child with a thorough assessment and goals so that each one can achieve his or her maximum potential.

The school now turns to Dr. Preston to help chart the course for continued excellence in academics. He is passionate about the value of education and comes to the school with a very impressive resume of learning himself. Preston holds a Bachelors degree in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, an Educational Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D in Educational Leadership.

While Dr. Preston knew he was called to be in Educational leadership, he knew he could only be a good leader after he spent several years as a classroom teacher. His experience in the classroom spans over 11 years both in public schools in Henry county and Cobb county as well as, most recently, Fellowship Christian School in Roswell. At FCS, he was History Department chair and taught several AP History classes as well as served as head of the school’s professional development program and Varsity Girls Soccer Coach. Dr. Preston has also taught several college courses at Kennesaw State University.

Being the instructional leader of Sophia is where Dr. Preston is excited to focus his time with this growing group of teachers and students. He is a life long learner and realizes the importance of learning all there is to learn about students with learning differences and innovative multi-sensory methods. He cites a real affinity for unlocking the potential in children with learning differences and the importance of every child receiving a great education. He truly believes the sky is the limit for these very capable students.

“Sophia Academy, with the commitment of a dedicated board of Trustees and staff, is poised to continue it’s tradition of steady growth and excellence in the areas of a rigorous academic program coupled with a strong Judeo-Christian foundation. The successes this school sees every day in the area of learning differences are so exciting. I am thrilled to be a part of this for many years to come!”

Dr. Preston is married to his wife Jillian and they reside in Roswell, Ga. They attend St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church and are active volunteers with the Cobb County Animal Shelter and St. Jude’s Children Hospital foundation. Sean loves anything and everything to do with water! And to keep up with the energetic bunch of K-8th grade students, he keeps in shape by playing racquetball.

As Sophia Academy looks to the continued strong leadership of Marie Corrigan as founding director, now partnered with Dr. Preston as Principal, the school plans to continue to build on the area of academic growth with leadership in the areas of assistive technology as well as excellence in Fine Arts and Athletics and most importantly, Christian education and service.

Contact:

Judy Ellis, Marketing and Communications Director

jellis@sophiaacademy.org

Sophia Academy

404-303-8722, ext. 104