Page 42 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2018

KIDS applying new principles FULL OF
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Hope Academy
ven when Florence Gardens was in its early planning stages, founder Martin Goldin knew that building a school within the community would be a top priority. “He has long been passionate about education,” said Director of Administration Rachel
Rath. “His vision was for a dynamic, independent learning environment that would be unique relative to other private schools on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
From that dream, Hope Academy was born. The school opened its doors in 2015 as the only independent school in the area that is not affiliated with any particular church or
faith. “We strive to cultivate a spirit of creativity and independent thinking in our students with an innovative college prep curriculum that embraces the very best principles of teaching and learning,” said Rath.
The school currently offers a preschool program
with Pre-K2, Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 classes as well as kindergarten through sixth grade classes. Hope Academy is accredited through 12th grade and plans to add at least one grade each year until a Pre-K through 12 program is available.
The school’s current principal, Kim Raulston, will be retiring at the end of this school year, but her time at
Hope Academy has changed it for the better. “Mrs. Raulston laid the foundation for Hope Academy’s success and has helped to build our reputation as the premier school on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Rath said. “With her at the helm, Hope Academy has assembled a team of the most esteemed educators in the area and, in just four years, has helped grow enrollment from 40 students to nearly 140 students.”
Hope Academy is honored to welcome Heather Blenden as
its new principal beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. “Mrs. Blenden is a dynamic leader with a long and proven track record in administration,” remarked Rath. “She stood out among a field of highly qualified candidates because of her well-honed plan for promoting college readiness, as well as her vision for leveraging our unique learning environment to ensure the success and growth of each student.”
1234 Alphabet Road, Gulfport 228.539.1234 • www.hopeacademyfg.org Limited openings for new students
Heather Blenden
42 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2018
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